Nieves Fernandez

Captain Nieves Fernandez was a Filipino schoolteacher who became the only known female leader of the guerrilla resistance during World War II. She lived in Tacloban and also owned a small shop in the area. When Japanese forces moved into the area, she took command of 110 guerillas who managed to kill 200 Japanese soldiers with homemade shotguns.

Little is known about Fernandez’s life other than her skill in combat, with the bolo weapon in particular. At one point in time the Japanese government offered 10,000 pesos for her head, which was never collected. She trained her men extensively both in combat and weapon building. A famous image of her also shows her training an American soldier. Her dangerous efforts as a guerilla leader likely saved the lives of many local people.

Model: Rosana Pena Photographer: Monika Davis 17