Letter from the US Army Informing the Malvar Guerrillas of Non-Recognition, February 1947
The President Quezon’s Own Guerrillas (PQOG) was a guerrilla organization that operated in Luzon, including Batangas, during the Japanese occupation. The organization had many units in Batangas Province, including the Municipality of Malvar. In this municipality, the unit was formed and commanded by one Wenceslao Cornejo. In this document1, the United States Army wrote to Cornejo to inform him officially of the non-favorable decision on the Malvar Guerrilla Forces’ application for recognition. The signatory is not included and there appears to be a missing page from this communication.
[p. 1]
HEADQUARTERS
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL
APO 707
| GSCPU 091 PI / 197 | 8 FEB 1947 |
Mr. Wenceslao L. Cornejo
533 P. Paterno
Quiapo, Manila
Dear Mr. Cornejo:
The Commanding General has directed that you be informed that the “Malvar Guerrilla Forces, P.Q.O.G., purporting to be a guerrilla organization under your nominal control, is not favorably considered for recognition as an element of the Philippine Army.
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. Adequate records were not maintained (names, ranks, dates of enlistment or joining, dates of promotions, and necessary related information).
d. Unit did not show satisfactory continuity of activity and organization;
e. Members of the unit did not devote their entire effort to military activities in the field to the exclusion of normal civilian occupation and family obligations.
f. 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.
g. Record of service was not substantiated by sufficient acceptable evidence.
[A page appears to be missing.]
[p. 2]
Col Gerald F. Lillard:
1. The Malvar Guerrilla Forces, PQOG, consisting of 600 members, has not been favorably considered. No members have previously been recognized.
2. This unit does not fulfill the requirements of the five basic points for recognition. See attached Team Leader’s Report.
3. No useful purpose will be accomplished by further investigation of this unit.
4. There are no members worthy of recognition and a casualty roster has been submitted.
Lt Grant S. Wilcox
M/Sgt S. G. Songsong
2. Concur: Lt Col. S. J. Palos, Chief Unit Branch