Letter Informing Rafael Loria of Non-Recognition of Cuenca-FAIT, June 1946
The Fil-American Irregular Troops (FAIT) was a large guerrilla organization that operated in the island of Luzon, including several towns in Batangas, during the Japanese occupation of the Philippine Islands up to the country’s revolution. It had a unit in the town of Cuenca which would, however, not gain official recognition as an element of the Philippine Army in the service of the Army of the United States of America. In this document1, one Lt. Col. W. P. Moore of the Adjutant’s Office of the Philippines-Ryukyus Command of the United States Army wrote to one Rafael Loria, commanding officer of the Cuenca unit of the FAIT, to inform the latter of his unit’s non-recognition.
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HEADQUARTERS
UNITED STATES ARMY FORCES WESTERN PACIFIC
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL
28 JUNE 1946
Mr. Rafael C. Loria
c/o Agustin Hoseña
Cuenca, Batangas
Dear Mr. Loria,
The “Cuenca Volunteers,” purporting to be a guerrilla organization under your nominal control, 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 conidering the record of this unit. After careful investigation and full consideration of all available substantiating records and testimony of witnesses having pertinent knowledge, recognition of this guerrilla unit is not deemed to be warranted because of reasons mentioned below:
a. The unit was not maintained satisfactorily in the field in opposition to the enemy.
b. Activities of this unit did not contribute materially to the eventual defeat of the enemy.
c. Many members apparently lived at home, supporting their families by means of farming or other civilian pursuits, and assisted the guerrilla unit on a part time basis only.
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.
Lt. Col., AGD
Ass’t Adj Gen
1. Incl:
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Lt. Col. Hugh L. Carnahan:
1. The “Cuenca Volunteers,” under the command of Rafael C. Loria, consisting of 267 officers and men, has not been favorably considered for recognition. Sixty members of this unit have been previously recognized in the Esguerra Regiment, Manulik Div., Manila.
2. BASIS FOR NON-RECOGNITION:
a. The unit was not maintained satisfactorily in the field in opposition to the enemy.
b. Activities of the unit did not contribute materially to the eventual defeat of the enemy.
c. Record of service was not substantiated by sufficient acceptable evidence.
d. Many members lived at home, supporting their families by means of farming or other civilian pursuits, and assisted the guerrilla unit on a part time basis only.
2nd LT. GEORGE R. BOND, INF., 0-1339838