Report of Reconsideration of the Triumvirate Guerrillas
[TRANSCRIPTION]
The Triumvirate Guerrillas was a purported guerrilla outfit that operated in Lemery, Taal and San Luis with its headquarters in the last town. The organization failed to gain official recognition from the United States Army and was even accused of being a fake organization. In this page1 is a transcription of a reconsideration report filed by one 1st Lt. Marion Allbright on the Triumvirate Guerrillas.
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REPORT OF RECONSIDERATION OF THE TRIUMVIRATE GUERRILLAS
1. RECAPITULATION:
On 9 Sept 47, 1st Lt Marion C. Allbright made a study of the unit file of the Triumvirate Guerrillas, under the command of Pedro B. Diokno, consisting of approximately 870 members, in order to render a reconsideration report on the subject unit. A field investigation was not deemed necessary.
Subject unit was initially investigated by Capt. R. L. Morton on or about 2 Jan 46. His report of investigation is in attached unit file. The unit was not favorably considered for recognition and a letter to that effect was sent to Mr. Diokno from Headquarters, AFWESPAC, dated 5 April 46.
On 22 Aug 46, a letter to Mr. Diokno from Headquarters, AFWESPAC, informed him that his request for reconsideration of his unit, by letter dated 30 July 46, had been accepted.
Additional evidence was requested from Mr. Diokno, in the letter granting reconsideration (See attached unit file).
2. HISTORY:
The “TRIUMVIRATE Guerrillas” was formed during the latter part of June 1942 in the barrio of San Luis, Batangas, by Pedro B. Diokno, who was then the Mayor of San Luis. The organization was originally named the “Diokno Guerrillas,” because most of its members were of the Diokno family, but later as the size of the unit increased, it was changed to “Triumvirate Guerrillas.” Narciso Diokno was chosen as commanding officer because he was more experienced in military matters. Narciso Diokno was a captain in the Philippine National Guard before the war and at the present time, he is the Sergeant of Arms of the Philippine Congress.
During the period of the Japanese occupation, the unit exhibited the usual passive resistance and engaged in minor activities. They instructed the inhabitants of San Luis, Batangas to raise crops; disseminated Allied short wave news to the populace, and to maintain [the] morale of the people. This news was obtained in Manila and relayed to San Luis to boost the morale of the people. Other activities this unit participated in were intelligence, housing of refugee army men, and minor engagements with the enemy.
Intelligence was gathered by their operations, or as a result of contact with other units, and this intelligence was
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forwarded to the Advance Headquarters, Special Unit, SWPA in Mindoro.
3. FINDINGS:
The commanding officer was requested in the reconsideration letter, dated 22 Aug 46, to submit to this office any additional evidence not previously submitted, which he felt would support his claim, at his earliest convenience. One year has elapsed since then, certainly adequate time to accomplish this request and since some additional evidence has been submitted, it is concluded there is nothing further to substantiate the case.
None of the documents submitted as additional evidence corroborates the claims made by the subject unit nor do they meet the requirements of the five (5) basic points for recognition.
The additional evidence submitted consists of affidavits only and none of them specify the strength of the unit, number of arms possessed, combat or intelligence activities. (See Tab A). The statements made in the affidavits are impossible to refute as they are of a general nature such as “These officers are making serious attempts to have their Unit recognized and believe their cause just and worthy of your attention.” This statement is contained in a letter by G. F. Rowe, Lt. Comdr., USNR (See Tab A).
A check sheet by Capt R. L. Morton contains very pertinent remarks concerning the additional evidence submitted and recommends that the unit not be granted reconsideration (See Tab B).
It is not possible to refute the claims made in the letter requesting reconsideration as the letter cannot be found.
4. POLITICAL ASPECTS:
5. RECOMMENDATIONS:
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b. No casualty roster has been submitted and it is recommended that those individuals claiming casualty recognition be not favorably considered.
c. That this report constitute the final action by this Heaquarters on the Triumvirate Guerrilla Unit.