Letter Informing Luis Licopa of Non-Recognition of his Guerrilla Unit
The Licopa Guerrilla Unit was a guerrilla outfit under the command of one Luis Licopa and operated out of Lemery, Batangas. In this document1dated July 1946, one Lt. Col. W. P. Moore informed Luis Licopa that his guerrilla outfit was unfavorably considered for recognition by the United States Army.
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HEADQUARTERS
UNITED STATES ARMY FORCES WESTERN PACIFIC
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL
20 JULY 1946
Mr. Luis H. Licopa
Panghulan, Lemery
Batangas
Dear Mr. Licopa:
The “Licopa Unit,” purporting to be a guerrilla organization under your nominal control, with the exception of those members previously recognized, is not favorably considered for recognition as an element of the Philippine Army.
A set of general requirements for guerrilla recognition, established by General MacArthur during the liberation of the Philippines, has been used as a guide in considering the record of this unit. After careful investigation and full consideration of all substantiating records and testimony of witnesses having pertinent knowledge, recognition of this guerrilla unit, with the exception of that portion of the unit previously recognized, is not deemed to be warranted because of the reasons stated below:
a. The unit was not maintained satisfactorily in the field in opposition to the enemy.
b. Members of this unit did not devote their entire effort to military activities in the field to the exclusion of normal civilian occupation and family obligations.
c. Some personnel listed as members of the unit assisted it by contributing money and supplies but did not serve in a capacity considered to justify such membership.
d. Record of service was not substantiated by sufficient acceptable evidence.
It is requested that you comply with the provisions of Executive Order No. 68, by the President of the Philippines, dated 26 September 1945, copy attached.
Sincerely yours,
W. P. MOORE
Lt. Col., AGD
Ass’t Adj Gen
1 Incl:
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M/R
Lt. Col. Hugh L. Carnahan:
1. The “Licopa Unit (Glint),” consisting of 610 members under the command of Luis H. Licopa, has not been favorably considered for recognition. Sixty one members of the “Licopa Unit” were previously recognized by Headquarters Sixth Army as of 9 February 1945, in letter dated 23 April 1945.
2. Vicente Umali, overall commander of the PQOG, states that the “Licopa Unit (Glint)” was an active organization.
3. Basis for non-recognition:
2nd LT. LEONARD J. AUBUCHON, FA, 0-1185963