Memo to Secretary of National Defense on Problems of Nasugbu-FAIT, August 1945
The Fil-American Irregular Troops or FAIT was a guerrilla organization founded in 1942 by the retired American Colonel Hugh Straughn, who would unfortunately be captured and executed by the Japanese. The FAIT had many units operating in Batangas, including Nasugbu, where its 1st Regiment would be attached to the 11th Airborne Division of the United States Army after the Nasugbu Landing of 31 January 1945. In this August 1945 document1, Lt. Col. Juan M. Villegas, Commander of the Nasugbu FAIT, wrote to the Secretary of National Defense explaining the present problems of his organization.
[p. 1]
HEADQUARTERS
NASUGBU FIL-AMERICAN IRREGULAR
TROOPS UNDER COLONEL HUGH STRAUGHN
USA, 0-2515, - -
Guerrilla Infantry
- - - - - - - - -
First Regiment
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SUBJECT TO |
: Present problems confronting the organization. : The Secretary of the National Defense. |
1. That the above-named guerrilla organization has not up to the present been duly recognized by the authorities concerned. It is to be considered, however, that a battalion of the said irregular force has been already processed and inducted into the Philippine Army, since July of this year. And the remaining forces have already been contacted by the USAFFE training group in the middle part of July of this year, but up to the present our recognition has been pending and held in abeyance.
2. Those of us who have actually rendered services by reason of our being affiliated to the said organization are now faced with the problem as to our status, whether we shall be treated as mere “guerrillas,” without any remuneration, or as regular members of the Philippine Army, with compensation, and other privileges, and emoluments appurtenant to our position.
3. That for those of us who have really sacrificed and for those who have died for our cause, the problem confronting us is the immediate relief in order to alleviate the sufferings of those who are dependent on us for their support and maintenance.
Respectfully submitted:
[Sgd.] Lt. Col. JUAN M. VILLEGAS