Memorandum of Understanding between Gagalac and Hunters-ROTC Guerrillas
The Gagalac Guerrilla Group was one of the groups operating in Batangas that was given official recognition by the United States Army after World War II. In this December 1944 document, an understanding was forged between the Gagalac Guerrilla Unit and the 49th Regiment of the Hunters-ROTC Guerrillas, which was also operating in Batangas, regarding cooperation and collaboration. The document was used as an enclosure/attachment to the Gagalac Guerrilla Unit’s request/appeal for official recognition by the United States Army. Corrections were made here and there in terms of spelling, grammar and punctuation.
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EXHIBIT “N-1”
UNITED STATES PHILIPPINE ISLANDS FORCES
THE HUNTERS OR ROTC GUERRILLAS
CP. 3rd Bn., 49th Regt.
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SUBJECT TO |
: UNDERSTANDING : ALL CONCERNED |
Be it known to all Hunters of the 49th Regt. headed by Major Jacinto del Pilar, and to all PAOG’s of the 38th Regt. under Col. Filomeno Gagalac, that an understanding has been reached between the said Colonel’s representative, Major de Leon and the representative of the Hunters, Lt. Paterno, on the 14th day of December 1944 in the barrio of Golod, Talisay, Batangas.
1. It was understood that the said groups are supposed to be allied to each other in the sense that they are working towards a common cause. Any maltreatment of one to the other will be regarded as a hostile act against the ALLIED FORCES.
2. Herewith is the understanding that both groups must collaborate with each other in anything worthwhile achieving, especially in the maintenance of peace and order of the country, definitely in places where both parties are present.
3. Furthermore, it was understood that both groups must take interest in working for the welfare of our Filipino compatriots as a duty of real Guerrillas. There goes the obligation of both groups. One must notify the other in case the enemy or enemies attempt to raid their base, and vice-versa. It’s a pity for the civilians in case a guerrilla encampment be caught in their midst.
4. Since the HUNTERS are concentrating on intelligence work, it was also understood that that PQOG’s under Colonel Gagalac will by some way give aid to the former in the work they are concentrating in.
5. It was furthermore understood that because the Hunters in this region possess no firearms whatsoever, the other party will thereby protect them in case the former needs protection.
6. Henceforth, the two groups will go along smoothly in complete cooperation, and as a request from the Hunters, Col Gagalac will help and initiate the same terms of understanding between the hunters and his co-PQOG’s.
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(Sgd) Maj VICENTE DE LEON
2d Battalion C.O.
38th Regt. |
(Sgd) 1st Lt. JESSIE PATERNOA
Ex. Officer
3d Bn., 49th Regt. |
Distribution:
38th Regt. (Pqog) – 1
File – 1
CERTIFIED TRUE COPY: