Cornejo's Appeal for Reconsideration of Non-Recognition of Malvar Guerrillas, March 1947

March 31, 1947

I have the honor to appeal from the decision rendered by your office dated February 8, 1947, addressed to the undersigned, regarding the non-recognition of the “Malvar Guerrilla Forces, PQOG,” of which he is the overall commander, reference to be made with your records marked GSCPU 091 P I / 197.

Attached herewith is the original affidavit executed by 122 residents of the Municipality of Malvar, Province of Batangas, which is self-explanator.

I beg to point out that this appeal is being made not for my own personal interest because I do not need to [be] paid for the services which I rendered for a gallant, democratic, and noble cause, but for those of my men who were left impoverished by the ravages of the last war and for the families of those who fought and died in anticipation that somehow, they would be protected and taken care of.

Information as to the activities and existence of the aforementioned Guerrilla Forces may also be had from Joe F. Smith, Auburn, Illinois, Edmund E. Jennings, 2020 Welch Boulevard, Flint, Michigan, Lt. Robert P. Pierpont, c/o Adjutant General, Washington D. C., and

James J. Kraus 615 South 13^th Street, Escanaba, Michigan, the four American fliers mentioned in the affidavit, who were found by some of my men on the outskirts of the town, almost dying from hunger and sickness, and who were taken care of by us at the risk of our own lives. They will remember, if they are still alive, the personal services of my Major, Victor Malabanan, as well as those whose names they may not remember anymore, but whose memory shall remain with them. I do not want to indulge, Sir, in idealisms and sentimentalisms, but if your decision may be reconsidered, thousands of people, many of whom are either famished or impoverished today, will be deeply grateful to you.

[Sgd.] WENCESLAO L. CORNEJO

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