Letter Informing Medrano of Non-Recognition, March 1947
The Fil-American Irregular Troops (FAIT) was a large guerrilla organization that operated in Luzon during the Japanese occupation during World War II up to the liberation of the Philippines. The organization was founded by the retired American Army officer Hugh Straughn and had units in many localities in Luzon, including Batangas. The GHQ Batangas Force, purportedly founded by one Jorge Espina, who was subsequently killed by the Japanese, was one of the units who sought recognition as an element of the Philippine Army in the service of the United States Armed Forces. In this document1, Capt. R. E. Cantrell of the Adjutant Office of the Philippines-Ryukyus Command wrote to I. R. Medrano of Ibaan to inform the latter officially that the GHQ Batangas Force FAIT was not favorably considered for recognition as an element of the Philippine Army in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States.
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HEADQUARTERS
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL
| GSCPU 091 PI/337 |
APO 707 3 MAR 1947 |
Lt I. R. Medrano
Ibaan, Batangas
Philippines
Dear Sir:
The Commanding General has directed that you be informed that the General Headquarters, Batangas Force, FAIT, 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 considering the record of this unit. After careful investigation and full consideration of all 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. Record of service was not substantiated by sufficient acceptable evidence.
b. Activities of the unit did not contribute materially to the eventual defeat of the enemy.
c. A definite organization was not established.
d. Adequate records were not maintained (names, ranks, dates of enlisting or joining, dates of promotions, and necessary related information).
e. Performance of this unit did not indicate adequate control by its leaders.
f. Unit did not show satisfactory continuity of activity and organization.
g. 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.
h. 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.
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It is considered that the previous recognition of approximately 101 officers and men from the Guerra Company, Ibaan Regiment Unit, who were recognized by the Commanding General Sixth Army for their aid during the liberation of the Philippines, constitutes adequate and just acknowledgement of military service.
This decision on the proposed unit roster does not preclude submission for individual and casualty recognition by those individuals who are qualified and feel justified in entering such claims. Upon request by interested individuals, appropriate forms will be forwarded.
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.
R. E. CANTRELL
CAPTAIN, AGD
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL
Col. Gerald F. Lillard:
1. The General Headquarters, Batangas Force, FAIT, consisting of 109 members, have not been favorably considered. No members have previously been recognized.
2. This unit does not fulfill the requirements of the five basic points of 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 no casualty roster has been submitted.
| [Sgd.] George E. Kemper | [Sgd.] Richard R. Roth |
2. Concur: Lt Col S. J. Palos, Chief, Unit Branch