US Army Letter Informing Salvador Rillo of Non-Recognition, August 1946

The Commanding General has directed that you be informed that the “Rillo-Neri Unit,” 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 available 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. The unit did not contribute materially to the eventual defeat of the enemy.

c. Sphere of operations and unit strength claimed by the unit were not commensurate with the nature of the terrain, limitation of communication facilities, and the degree of anti-resistance activities of the Japanese in the area during the period concerned.

d. Unit did not show satisfactory continuity of activities and organization.

e. Members of the unit did not devote their 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.

It is considered that the previous recognition of approximately 530 officers and men of active combat units from the Combat Company, Rillo-Neri Unit which were recognized for their aid during the liberation of the Philippines constitutes adequate and just acknowledgement of military service.

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.

1. The “Rillo-Neri Unit,” consisting of 3,090 members under the command of Col. Salvador B. Rillo, has not been favorably considered for recognition. Approximately 130 members of the Rillo-Neri Unit have been previously recognized as a combat company. Also, approximately 400 were recognized with the Blue Eagle Brigade.

2. Commander Rowe states that the “Rillo Neri Unit” was very small and that the liberation caused a big influx in the guerrilla rosters.

3. Col. Quintin Gellidon, who was the guerrilla coordinator with the 11^th AB Div, states that the Rillo Neri had just about three companies and that one of the companies, which is the combat company, was picked up and was recognized.

4. Basis for non-recognition:

a. The unit was not maintained satisfactorily in the field in opposition to the enemy. (members lived at home)

b. Activities of the unit did not contribute materially to the eventual defeat of the enemy. (Resistance was slight)

c. Sphere of operations and unit strength claimed by the unit were not commensurate with the nature of the terrain, limitation of communication facilities, and the degree of anti-resistance activities of the Japanese in the area during the period concerned. (very little activity in this area)

d. Many 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.

e. 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. (Statement by members)

f. Unit did not show satisfactory continuity of activity and organization. (Approximately 400 to another unit; activities were sporadic)