Report Filed by Capt. Jose Mendoza on Encounter with the Japanese, June 1945
The Fil-American Irregular Troops (FAIT) was a large guerrilla organization formed by the retired American officer Hugh Straughn. It had many units operating around Luzon, including Batangas. Among this was the Maculot Battalion which operated in the town of Cuenca, Batangas. The unit was among those that were officially recognized as elements of the Philippine Army in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States in the Western Pacific during World War II. In this document1, one Captain Jose Mendoza filed a report addressed to the 188th Infantry of the 11th Airborne Division about an encounter with Japanese stragglers in June 1945.
[p. 1]
CUENCA-FIL-AMERICAN GUERRILLAS
1st to 3rd REGIMENTS
ATTACHED TO THE 11th AIRBORNE DIVISION 188th INFANTRY
BATANGAS DISTRICT
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER
IN THE FIELD
|
SUBJECT TO |
: ENCOUNTERED WITH THE JAPS : THE COMMANDING OFFICER
188th. 11th. Airborne Division
Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas |
At about 10:00 P.M., an estimate of 30 Japs appeared 100 yrds. East of the Headquarters and opened fire on us, the enemy using machine rifles, 30 and 25 caliber rifles. Capt. J. B. Mendoza & 2nd Lt. Umali with 14 men on guard deployed and fired at the possible enemy positions. Our night patrols came and did the same. The encounter last for two hrs. The Japs were driven back to the mountains.
At 6:00 A.M., a reconnaisance patrol of six (6) men were sent to the Japs’ position of last night. Upon inspection, blood stains were found, making us believe that possibly, some Japs have been wounded.
No casualties on our side.
NOTED:
(Sgd) PEDRO L. PASIA, COL.A TRUE COPY:
PEDRO PASIA
Lt. Colonel
ASN-0-48337