Limjoco's Message to the Public in Lian to Help the Guerrillas, August 1943
[TRANSCRIPTION]
The Joe Perez’s Forces of the Batangas Military Army, which claimed to have been affiliated with the guerrilla organization of Bernard Anderson, was formed by one Conrado T. Limjoco, who was also the supposed commander of the half of this guerrilla organization that operated in Batangas from Calaca to Nasugbu. The organization, which operated out of the town of Lian, would collectively fail to gain official recognition by the United States Army, but as was the case in many other guerrilla outfits, some of its individual members did obtain recognition. In this page is a transcription1 of memo by Limjoco addressed to the public in the municipality of Lian with an appeal for help for the guerrilla movement in the town.
THE ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
USAFFE – LUZON GUERRILLA ARMY FORCE
BATANGAS DIVISION
|
TO SUBJECT |
: The Public of Lian : Voluntary Help |
The attention of the public is called to the meaning and significance of GUERRILLA. There are many self-styled GUERRILLAS. They often do more harm than good to our people and the Cause. The defect lies in faulty leadership.
A legitimate GUERRLLA has connection with the High Command in Australia thru the High Command here in the Philippines. They are composed of soldiers and picked men who act according to instructions from the High Command. They are supposed (1) to prepare for the coming of the Americans, (2) to help maintain peace and order, (3) to eliminate enemy spies and other dangerous pro-Japanese, (4) to gather all military secrets of the enemy, and (5) to fight when the time comes.
The work entails expense. The Public is requested to help. It is easy to understand why they should do their utmost to cooperate with us. Our men will protect the people from lawless elements and will help them in many other matters affecting their welfare and happiness. If proper help is not given our men, they may degenerate into banditry without the knowledge of officers. They are willing to give their lives, if necessary, for the Cause and to help you, citizens and countrymen. We must not forget that they, too, have their families and lives to consider but they dare go forward, unafraid, that you can live in a reasonable measure of peace and safety.
DO YOUR PART AND WE SHALL DO OURS. LET US BET THE ENEMY.
August 17, 1943
C E R T I F I C A T I O N
COMMONWEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES
CITY OF MANILA
I hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing instrument with the signed carbon copy in the possession of Mr. Conrado T. Limjoco and that the same is a true and correct copy thereof. In witness hereof, I signed these presents and affixed my official seal hereunto in Manila, Philippines, this 2nd day of Sept. 1945.
Not. Reg. No. 15
Page No. 5 Book No. III S. 1945