About 50 Filipino-American veterans of World War II and their supporters gathered at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu today to rally behind efforts to give them the same benefits as other U.S. war veterans.

"We will never surrender, never surrender!" shouted Art Caleda, president of the World War II Filipino-American Veterans organization.

That prompted others in the audience to shout back "No surrender!"

The veterans said they fought side-by-side with U.S. soldiers against the Axis Japanese, and saw some of their comrades die as well.

Caleda said the $15,000 lump sum payment being proposed is not good enough and that Filipino-American veterans want the same monthly benefits as others who fought in World War II.