Documents Related to the Lipa Guerrilla Regiment's Request for Reconsideration
[TRANSCRIPTIONS]
The Lipa Guerrilla Regiment used to be known as the “Second Batangas Regiment” when it was affiliated with the Marking’s Guerrillas of Marcos Agustin. It was formed by a former USAFFE officer named Felino Paran. Upon Paran’s capture by the Japanese, command was assumed by Miguel Lina and became known as the “Lipa Guerrilla Unit.” The organization ultimately failed to collectively gain official recognition by the United States Army, but some of its members did get this coveted accolade. In this page1 are some documents related to the unit’s request for reconsideration after its initial application was turned down by the United States Army.
[p. 1]
H E A D Q U A R T E R S
LIPA GUERRILLA REGIMENT, PARAN’S UNIT
In the Field
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SUBJECT
TO
THRU
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: PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION AND
RECOGNITION OF THE REGIMENTAL STAFF
: THE COMMANDING GENERAL
"A" Co. "B" Co. 2nd Bn, & "A" Co. 3rd Bn., LIPA GUERRILLA REGIMENT PARAN'S UNIT
PHILRYCOM
: G.A.B. APO 707
|
1. It is respectfully requested that the petition for recognition already submitted to the AFWESPAC be reconsidered in view of the additional evidences attached hereto which prove overwhelmingly the patriotic and meritorious services rendered by this particular unit to the cause of democracy during the trying days of the Japanese occupation and shortly after the fight for liberation.
2. In an effort to screen the entire unit, we are submitting herein a revised roster of the company taking into consideration most deserving officers and enlisted men who have rendered maximum efficiency and patriotism as circumstances permitted.
3. This unit as presented by its revised roster is duly approved by the Overall Commander, Lt. Col. Felino Paran.
4. The petition for recognition of the entire regiment Paran’s Unit was turned down by the AFWESPAC on the ground that it lacked supporting evidence. This is strange since the said petition has had enough attached to it. Firm in our belief that an injustice has been committed thereby to deserving officers and enlisted men of this unit, this petition for reconsideration is respectfully submitted.
5. In view of the documentary evidence in support of this petition and considering the fact that the Municipality of Lipa, Batangas, has more than 17,000 of its loyal citizens massacred by the Japanese because of our guerrilla activities, it is most respectfully prayed that this petition be favorably and expeditiously considered.
6. Revised roster of this regiment is hereto attached.
Capt. Inf.
CERTIFIED CORRECT:
Overall Commander
[p. 2]
THE COMMANDING GENERAL
P H I L R Y C O M
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SUBJECT
ATT
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: GUERRILLA AFFAIRS BRANCH
APO 707
: G.A.B. APO 707
P. U. SITE, QUEZON CITY |
DEAR SIRS:
I have the honor to request your kind attention for reconsideration and recognition of the “LIPA GUERRILLA REGIMENT – PARAN’S UNIT” which had been filed in your office for a long, long time. It is regrettable to state that our C.O. Lt. Felino Z. Paran, a USAFFE veteran, is presently confined in the Philippine Army Hospital at Mandaluyong, Rizal.
Your help is being sought for the recognition of the Unit and to prove such [a] stand, I am to mention some of its activities and accomplishments.
1. That said Unit was the first Guerrilla Organization in the Province of Batangas.
2. That said Unit had inflicted heavy damages on account of our sabotage and espionage activities.
3. That said Unit was the one responsible for the evacuation of thousands of civilians to places of safety during the famous “Lipa Mass Massacre.” Some of the members of our Unit died in the hands of the enemy just to save women and children from the hands of the Japs. As a consequence thereof, Lipa was burned from barrio to barrio and lastly, the poblacion.
4. That said Unit had several encounters with the enemy as stated in the history of the Regiment.
5. That said Unit had helped American Forces of Liberation especially in the assault of Mt. Maculod and Mt. Malarayat.
RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS:
Mr. Vivencio Z. Paran
202 Int. 6 Paraiso
Sta. Mesa, Manila
[p. 3]
H E A D Q U A R T E R S
LIPA GUERRILLA REGIMENT – PARAN’S UNIT
In the Field
|
SUBJECT
TO
THRU
|
: PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATIONND
RECOGNITION OF THE "LIPA GUERRILLA
: THE COMMANDING GENERAL
REGIMENT - PARAN'S UNIT."
P H I L R Y C O M
: GUERRILLA AFFAIRS DIVISION
G-3, APO 707
P.U. SITE, QUEZON CITY |
1. It is respectfully requested that due attention be given the roster of the “Lipa Guerrilla Regiment – Paran’s Unit.”
2. The said roster had been filed in your office for a long time and might have been lost.
3. That said Unit has had enough claims for recognition as supported by papers attached hereto; if not enough, personal contact be made in Lipa and in the surrounding municipalities among the inhabitants, they being the living witnesses to testify as to whether we are fake or genuine guerrillas.
4. That its non-recognition is a shock on us, a denial of social justice.
5. That in support of our material help as men of the hour during the trying days of the war, we kindly refer you to the following:
LT. JOHN BOYLE, USNR – 7th Fleet
LT. JOHN HURSTER – 186th Paraglider Inf.
LT. DAVE FINN – CIC Detachment 11th Airborne Div.
LT. GEORGE MYHAN – CIC Detachment 11th Airborne Div.
CAPT. VICENTE NAZARENO – 188th Paraglider Inf.
ADDRESS:
Sta. Mesa, Manila
[p. 4]
HEADQUARTERS
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL
| GSCPU 091 PI | APO 707 |
Mr. Vivencio Z. Paran
202 Int 6, Paraiso Street
Santa Mesa, Manila
Philippines
Dear Mr. Paran:
This will acknowledge receipt of your two letters, dated 8 and 22 September 1947, requesting reconsideration of the initial unfavorable decision rendered by this headquarters upon the request for recognition of the Lipa Guerrilla Regiment.
It is the desire of this headquarters to avoid all appearances of arbitrary decisions regarding claimant guerrilla unit. Your request is, therefore, accepted. It must be emphasized, however, that it would be extremely helpful if you would forward as quickly as possible all available documentary evidence as has not been previously submitted to this headquarters which, you feel, reflects favorably upon your claim. Such additional data should be original documents, photo-static copies of original documents, or true copies of original documents certified by United States Army officers of field grade on duty with the Guerrilla Affairs Division, G-3 Section, this headquarters.
In view of the numerous requests of this type currently pending in this headquarters, some delay is to be expected before a final decision can be rendered on your request. You may be assured that your application will receive attention at the earliest practicable time and you will be notified promptly when a decision is reached.
[No signatory given.]
Lt Col Wallace M Hanes:
2nd Lt William D MacMillan