Lt. Bruce Bromley's Investigative Report on the Luansing Unit, June 1947

1. 2^nd Lt Bruce Bromley Jr investigated the unit files, reports of investigation, and statements made by interested and disinterested individuals to determine whether or not Luansing’s Company, Fil-American Batangas Guerrillas is worthy of revision of present recognition dates. Luansing’s Company was recognized by letter, Headquarters USAFFE, dated 1 April 1945, FEPA 370.64. Effective date of recognition was 11 February 1945 with a strength of 96 members.

2. HISTORY: (See attached unit file)

3. FINDINGS:

a. The following persons were interviewed and their statements are reflected in the findings:

Col E Adevoso ... CO, Hunters ROTC
Col Q Gellidon ... CO, Grlas attchd to 11^th AB
Col V Umali ... CO, PQOG
Maj G Luansing ... CO, Subject Unit
J Recto ... Mayor, Rosario, Batangas
E Mayo ... Mayor, Lipa, Batangas
Maj V Coates ... this headquarters
Lt L Sonders ... this headquarters

b. In reference to the disapproved report of investigation of Capt C. Fernando, formerly of this headquarters, the following recommendation is quoted: “...It is further recommended that the unit’s date of recognition be revised to 8 Jan 1944, on which date this unit was found to be effective and started their hit and run engagement against the Japanese and the Philippine Constabulary.” There is no record of such engagement and there is no allegation to that effect. No affidavits mention the engagement, and further if the engagement in question was substantiated by sufficient acceptable evidence, it, in itself, would not constitute sufficient activity to revise the dates of an entire unit for thirteen months. Capt Fernando’s report was disapproved as being too generous, and it is believed that the recommendation hereabove quoted is also too generous. There is nothing in addition to this single recommendation that is questionable in relation to what action should be recommendation in paragraph (5) of this report.

Evidence submitted to this division as supporting establishes the existence of this unit, but neither proves nor alleges activity of recognizable content. Jorge Espina organized the unit as he organized most Fil-American independent units

d. In summary, it has been determined by the undersigned that all independent Fil-American units in Batangas are somewhat similar. They no doubt existed as organized groups to such effect that they were prepared for successful attachment when the liberating forces arrived in Nasugbu. Such is the case with the subject. There is no allegation or evidence to dispute the results of these findings. It is, indeed, unfortunate that these units, with an otherwise fine reputation, should so debase themselves by the submission of claims so obviously false.

4. POLITICAL ASPECTS:

This unit has no apparent political aspirations nor affiliations.

5. RECOMMENDATIONS:

It is recommended that the Luansing Company, Fil-American Batangas Guerrillas be not favorably considered for revision of present recognition dates.

[Sgd.] BRUCE BROMLEY JR.

Notes and references: