Letter to Ceferino Melo on Non-Recognition of Geronimo Division, November 1946

29 NOV 1946

The Commanding General has directed that you be informed that the 4^th Battalion, 143^rd Infantry, General Geronimo Division, ECLGA, 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 substantiating records and testimony of witnesses having personal knowledge, recognition of this guerrilla unit is not deemed to be warranted because of reasons mentioned below:

a. Record of service was not substantiated by sufficient acceptable evidence.

b. Activities of the unit did not contribute materially to the eventual defeat of the enemy.

c. Unit did not show satisfactory continuity of activity and organization.

d. Members of the unit did not devote their entire effort to military activities in the field to the exclusion of normal civilian occupation and family obligations.

e. Many members apparently lived at home, supporting their families by means of farming or other civilian pursuits, and assisted the guerrilla unit on a part time basis only.

It is requested that you comply with the provisions of Executive Order No. 68 by the President of the Philippines, dated 6 September 1945, copy attached.

Sincerely yours,

THOMAS J. BROWN
CWO, USA
ASST ADJ GEN

1 – Executive Order No. 68

1. The 4^th Battalion 143^rd Infantry, General Geronimo Division East Central Luzon Guerrilla Area (ECLGA), consisting of 627 officers and enlisted men under the command of Lt Col Ceferino Melo has not been favorably considered for recognition. None of the members have previously been recognized.

2. Basis for non-recognition:

a. The unit was not maintained satisfactorily in the field in opposition to the enemy (members lived at home).

b. Activities of the unit did not contribute materially to the eventual defeat of the enemy. (resistance was slight)

c. The unit did not show satisfactory continuity of activity and organization. (no documentary evidence presented)

d. Members of the unit did not devote their entire effort to military activities in the field to the exclusion of normal civilian occupation and family obligations.

e. Many members apparently lived at home, supporting their families by means of farming or other civilian pursuits and assisted the guerrilla unit on a part time basis only. (statement by the members)

f. Record of service was not substantiated by sufficient acceptable evidence. (no evidence presented)

3. Col Fausto Alberto, former G-2, MMD, ECLGA, stated that he has absolutely no knowledge of the subject unit.

4. Col Histrimundo Gregorio, former C of S, MMD ECLGA, stated that the MMD had no units outside of Manila and suburbs and that he never heard of the unit.

5. Lt Col E. P. Ramsey CO, ECLGA, stated that he knew nothing about the unit and that to his knowledge, it never existed.

1. Concur. Major D. C. Murray 2. Concur. Lt Col Robert Gaal [not sure, blurred]

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