Memo: Request from Hunters-ROTC Commander for Military Supplies, December 1944
The Hunters/ROTC was a guerrilla group formed in 1942. Initially operating in Rizal Province, the group would also have a sizable presence in Batangas and would be instrumental in providing intelligence to the United States forces leading to the assault landing at Nasugbu on 31 January 1945.
More information about the group is available in this article → “Operations of the Hunters/ROTC Guerillas in Batangas Prior to the 1945 Nasugbu Landing in WWII.”
In this December 1944 document1, Hunters-ROTC Guerrillas Commander Eleuterio Adevoso submitted for the third time a request for much needed military materials, particularly so since the invasion of Luzon by forces of the United States and its allies was impending. The document is edited her and there for grammar and spelling.
[p. 1]
UNITED STATES PHILIPPINE ISLANDS FORCES
THE HUNTERS or ROTC GUERRILLAS
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS
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Subject To |
: Requisition for Military Supplies : The Commander-in-Chief USA-SWPA2
(Through Channels)
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1. This is the 3rd time that this Headquarters had submitted [a] requisition for strictly needed supplies to GHQ SWPA. The 1st request had been made through the Headquarters Kalayaan Command Package 14 on 24 August 1944. The 2nd request had been sent through the same Headquarters on 8 September 1944.
2. From a close study of the locations of the main organizations of this command, it could be seen that it occupies an advantageous position in Southern Luzon (and also in Western Luzon). Hunters Regular and Reserve Units (Home Guards) are spread over the most important places of the five Southern Luzon provinces, namely RIZAL, TAYABAS, LAGUNA, and MANILA, CAVITE, BATANGAS. In Western Luzon, Hunters units are present in BATAAN, ZAMBALES and PANGASINAN. It is with due appreciation for the advantageous position of this organization in Southern Luzon, and the potential amount of damage that it can inflict upon the enemy when given the facilities, that the request is being reiterated. This organization, with its three years of fighting tradition behind it, is anxious to render maximum contribution for the final breakdown of the Japanese forces whether it be in the field of Intelligence, Sabotage, or Combat.
3. Attached herewith is the latest Strength Report of this organization, approximately accurate to date.
4. The following are the military equipment needed, arranged according to priorities. It is for the use of this command and also for distribution to other patriotic and legitimate organizations should authority to do so be given:
(2) Photographic equipment, binoculars, etc.
(3) Maps and aerial photographs of SOUTHERN LUZON and WESTERN LUZON sections.
d - Medical and Quartermaster Supplies
| A TRUE COPY: VLS/yr |
t/ Terry Magtangol3 s/ TERRY MAGTANGOL PMA '44
Commanding
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