Oraña Guerrilla Unit's Request for Reconsideration and the US Army Response

APRIL 19, 1947

The undersigned, Overall Commander of the ORAÑA GUERRILLA UNIT of San Luis, Batangas, Philippines, has the honor to request for reconsideration to the order dated 28 June 1946, treating our unit unfavorably for recognition as an element of the Philippine Army, respectfully alleging the following reasons thereof, to wit:

1. That when the Contact Team came to the place unexpectedly sometime after the presentation of our request for recognition, the undersigned was in Palawan for a forced general business trip, and by reason thereof, he was unable to present satisfactorily any and all proofs in support of the said request for recognition;

2. That said Contact Team was made to believe that our unit was not worth recognition by other biased sources made by people who do not like our unit to be recognized because they want to prosecute us out of political reason as a retaliation and revenge;

3. That it will create injustice to our unit which had contributed a great deal during the resistance movement and during the liberation, evidenced by the great number of casualties and human lives that we sacrificed for the sake of democracy.

In order to give us justice, we earnestly request that another Contact Team be sent to the place for clarification and further proof and evidence, for which I am, the undersigned, more than ready and willing to cooperate.

Thanking your Excellency for such favorable action as you may give over this matter, he begs to remain

[Sgd.] JEREMIAS M. ORAÑA

GSCPU 091 PI / 1032

APO 707 12 MAY 1947

This will acknowledge receipt of your letter, dated 19 April 1947, requesting reconsideration of the unfavorable decision rendered by this headquarters on 28 June 1946 with regard to the request for recognition of the Oraña Guerrilla Unit.

It is the desire of this headquarters to avoid all appearance of arbitrary decisions in the case of claimant guerrilla units. Your request for reconsideration is, therefore, accepted. It must be emphasized, however, that it would be extremely helpful if you were to forward as quickly as possible such additional pertinent documentary evidence as has not been submitted previously and which, you feel, reflects favorably upon your claim. These additional data should be original documents, or photostatic copies of original documents, or true copies of the original documents, certified to by United States Army officers of field grade on duty with the Guerrilla Affairs Division, G-3 Section, of this headquarters.

Your request for reconsideration will be placed on file in this headquarters to await appropriate action at the earliest practicable time. However, a considerable delay is to be expected before final decision can be rendered on your organization since many claimant guerrilla units remain to be investigated initially and review of rejected units must necessarily follow them.

THOMAS J. BROWN
CWO, USA
ASST ADJ GEN

Basic, ltr from Jeremias M. Oraña to CG, PHILRYCOM, dtd 19 Apr 47, requesting reconsideration of the unfavorable decision rendered by this hqs on 28 Jun 46 with regard to the request for recognition of the Oraña Guerrilla Unit

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