1st Letter Denying Major Phillips Unit’s Request for Recognition, August 1946 - Batangas History, Culture and Folklore 1st Letter Denying Major Phillips Unit’s Request for Recognition, August 1946 - Batangas History, Culture and Folklore

1st Letter Denying Major Phillips Unit’s Request for Recognition, August 1946

Batangas History
1 Jan, 2018

The Major Phillips Unit was a guerrilla unit that was founded and operated in or around western Batangas town of Calatagan. It was commanded by one Emilio Macabuag and took its name from a United States Army intelligence officer from whom the guerrilla outfit took directions until the latter was caught and killed by the Japanese. In this document1 one Lt. Col. W. P. Moore wrote to Emilio Macabuag to inform the latter of his unit’s non-recognition after the initial application.

[p. 1]

Guerrilla Files

HEADQUARTERS
UNITED STATES ARMY FORCES WESTERN PACIFIC
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL

APO 707
12 Aug 46

Mr. Emilio Macabuag
Calatagan, Batangas

Dear Mr. Macabuag:

The “Major Phillips Unit,” purporting to be a guerrilla unit 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 the 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. Adequate records were not maintained (names, ranks, dates of enlistment or joining, dates of promotions, and necessary related information.)

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 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.

Sincerely yours,

[Sgd.] W. P. MOORE
Lt. Col., AGD
Ass’t Adj Gen
1 Incl:
Executive Order No. 68

[p. 2]

Lt. Col. H. L. Carnahan:

1. The “Major Phillips Unit,” consisting of 146 members under the command of Emilio Macabuag, has not been favorably considered for recognition. Approximately 11 members of [the] Major Phillips Unit have previously been recognized with the Rainbow Unit of Balayan, Batangas.

2. Basis for non-recognition:

a. The unit was not maintained satisfactorily in the field in opposition to the enemy.
(1) Many members lived at home occupied by civilian jobs and duties.
b. Activities of the unit did not contribute materially to the eventual defeat of the enemy.
(1) Activities were very few and of negligible effect.
c. Adequate records were not maintained (names, ranks, dates of enlistment or joining, dates of promotions, and necessary related information).
d. Members of the unit did not devote their entire efforts to military activities in the field to the exclusion of normal civilian 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.
(1) Men stated that they did work and lived at home.

2nd Lt. Max L. Brabson:

Concurred in by Chief of Investigation Section (Capt. D. C. Murray)
Notes and references:
1 “MAJOR PHILLIPS UNIT,” File No. 83, downloaded from PVAO.
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