US Army Letter on Non-Recognition of the Batangas Town Battalion, June 1946
[TRANSCRIPTION]
The Batangas Town Battalion, Army of the United States of America (AUSA), claimed to have received its authority to organize from one Major Ramon Ruffy, one of the prominent guerrilla leaders based in Mindoro during the Japanese occupation. This supposed unit was at one time affiliated with the Batangas Town Guerrillas of the Fil-American Irregular Troops (FAIT). It broke away from the FAIT when it was not attached to the 11th Airborne during the liberation period, since the United States Army only needed one company of the Batangas Town Guerrillas. It ultimately failed to obtain official recognition by the US Army. In this page is a transcription1 of a letter sent by Lt. Col. W. P. Moore of the United States Army informing Pablo Aguila, supposed commander of the Batangas Town Battalion, of non-recognition.
[p. 1]
HEADQUARTERS
UNITED STATES ARMY FORCES WESTERN PACIFIC
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL
28 JUNE 1946
Mr. Pablo Aguila
28 M. Salvador Street
San Juan, Rizal
Dear Mr. Aguila:
That Batangas Town Bn AUSA, 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 reasons mentioned below:
a. The unit was not maintained satisfactorily in the field in opposition to the enemy.
b. Activities of the unit did not contribute materially to the eventual defeat of the enemy.
c. A definite organization was not established.
d. Adequate records were not maintained (names, ranks, date of enlistment or joining, dates of promotions and necessary related information).
e. Unit did not show satisfactory continuity of activity and organization.
f. Record of service was not substantiated by sufficient acceptable evidence.
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.
Lt. Col., AGD
Ass’t Adj Gen
1 Incl:
[p. 2]
Lt. Col. H. L. Carnahan:
1. The “Batangas Town Bn AUSA,” consisting of 542 members under the command of Pablo Aguila, has not been favorably considered for recognition. No members of this unit have previously been recognized.
2. Major Ramon Ruffy, overall commander of AUSA, states that he did not authorize the unit nor was he aware of its existence.
3. Basis for non-recognition:
a. The unit was not maintained satisfactorily in the field in opposition to the enemy.
b. Activities of the unit did not contribute materially to the eventual defeat of the enemy.
c. A definite organization was not established.
d. Adequate records were not maintained (names, ranks, dates of enlistment or joining, dates of promotions and necessary information).
e. Unit did not show satisfactory continuity of activity and organization.
f. Record of service was not substantiated by sufficient acceptable evidence.