US Army Letter Informing del Pilar of Batangueño Unit's Non-Recognition, May 1947

The 1^st Battalion, “B” Company, Batangueño Unit was a guerrilla organization affiliated with the MFAT or Marking’s Fil-Americans Troops. The latter was a larger organization operating in Luzon commanded by one Marcos Agustin, hence the nickname “Marking.” This organization absorbed elements of Hugh Straughn’s Fil-American Irregular Troops (FAIT) after the American commander was captured and executed by the Japanese Army. Hence, the name “Marking’s Fil-Americans.” The Batangueño Unit was commanded by one Fidel del Pilar and operated out Tanauan. In this document¹, Thomas J. Brown of the United States Army’s Philippines-Ryukyus Command wrote to del Pilar of the non-recognition of the Batangueño unit.

[p. 1]

HEADQUARTERS
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL

GSCPU 091 / 1039

APO 707
13 MAY 1947

Mr. Fidel del Pilar
Tanauan, Batangas
Philippines

Dear Mr. del Pilar:

The Commanding General has directed that you be informed that the 1^st Battalion, Batangueño Unit, MFAT, 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 full testimony of witnesses having pertinent knowledge, recognition of this guerrilla unit is not deemed to be warranted because of the reasons mentioned below:

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

b. The unit was not maintained satisfactorily in the field in opposition to the enemy.

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

d. A definite organization was not established.

e. Adequate records were not maintained (names, ranks, dates of enlistment or joining, dates of promotions, and necessary related information).

f. [The] Unit did not show satisfactory continuity of activity and organization.

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

[p. 2]

h. 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 considered that the previous recognition of approximately 24 officers and men from the 1^st Battalion, Batangueño Unit, MFAT who were recognized by the Commanding General (Eighth Army) for their aid during the liberation of the Philippines constitutes adequate and just acknowledgement of military service.

Your attention is invited to Presidential Executive Order No. 68, Commonwealth of the Philippines, copy of which is attached, for any necessary action in connection therewith.

Sincerely,

THOMAS J. BROWN
CWO, USA
ASST ADJ GEN

1 Incl

Executive Order No. 68

Col G F Lillard

1. The 1^st Battalion, Batangueño Unit, MFAT, consisting of 624 members, has not been favorably considered. 24 members have previously been recognized.

2. This unit does not fulfill the requirements of the five basic points for recognition.

3. No useful purpose will be served by further investigation of this unit.

4. All worthy members have been recognized and the unit suffered no casualties.

5. No revision of present recognition dates is contemplated nor recommended by the undersigned.

[Sgd.] Lt B. Bromley Jr

Concur: [Sgd.] Capt S C Buchanan, Chief, Southern Luzon

Concur: [Sgd.] Maj D C Murray, Chief, Revision Section

Concur: [Sgd.] Maj C H Wentzell, Asst Chief, Unit Branch

Concur: [Sgd.] Lt Col S J Palos, Chief, Unit Branch

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Notes and references:

¹ “Batangueño Unit, MFA,” File No. 109-13, online at the United States National Archives.

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