Guerrilla Communications about the Capture of a Japanese Spy
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 are two handwritten documents about the capture of a Japanese spy.
[Transcribed from handwritten notes.]
[p. 1]
Hq. FAITCOL
THE HIGH COMMAND
Lt. Col. J. Espina
Batangas Forces
Batangas Phil
Sir:
Kindly please send me a full example of the “oath of allegiance” together with the other necessary things to be done in the induction into service by the enlisted men. In short, please give me a complete copy of the form which will be signed by each person who will be sworn into service. And besides, do I need to make certificates of appointment for the non-commissioned officers of my co., similar to that of the commissioned officers? Please let me know.
By the way, did you receive my letter of Sept. 12 with the information of a newly-arrested
[p. 2]
[p. 3]
THE HIGH COMMAND
COL. J. Espina
Batangas Division
Batangas, Phil.
Sir:
This is to inform you that I have in base Justo Marasigan, 35, just arrested last night. At the time of writing, he has just been given third degree punishment because he has been suspected of being a Japanese spy. After thorough investigation and severe punishment, he squilled [squealed] that he is really a Japanese spy. In fact, he was the one who directed the Japs to our house.
Please accept the goat no matter how little it is and besides, I have learned that goats of this size are considered the
[p. 4]
Hopefully, sometime this first half of the month, I’ll be leaving for Taal to visit my family who recently moved to that place.
Through stress and strain, I’ll be with you all the time. In truth, everything in my power is yours to command. Best regards and good luck.