Letter Informing Pablo de Joya of Non-Recognition, January 1947
The Pioneer Calaca Town Unit was one of many units of the large Fil-American Irregular Troops (FAIT) organized by the retired American Colonel Hugh Straughn at the onset of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. This guerrilla organization had many such units operating in other towns of Batangas, including the one in Calaca commanded by one Pablo de Joya. In this document1, which was curiously unsigned, the Adjutant General’s Office of the Philippines Ryukyus Command wrote to de Joya to inform him of the Calaca Town Unit’s non recognition.
[p. 1]
HEADQUARTERS
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL
APO 707
GSCPU 091 PI
Mr. Pablo S. de Joya
Calaca, Batangas
Philippines
Dear Mr. de Joya:
The Commanding General has directed that you be informed that the “Pioneer Calaca Town Guerrillas, 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 the reasons mentioned below:
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. A definite organization was not established.
d. Adequate records were not maintained (names, ranks, dates of enlistment or joining, dates of promotions, and necessary related information).
e. Unit did not show satisfactory continuity of activity and organization.
f. 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.
g, 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.
h. Record of service was not established by sufficient acceptable evidence.
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1 Incl
Col Gerald F Lillard:
1. The Pioneer Calaca Town Guerrillas, FAIT, consisting of 117 men, 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 the unit suffered no casualties.
1. Concur: Lt H. H. Burnett, Actg. Chief, Unit Inves Sec
2. Concur: Lt Col S. J. Palos, Chief, Unit Branch