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December 31, 2017

Letter of Gratitude from Rafael Rocca to Col Pasia, March 1945

December 31, 2017
The Fil-American Irregular Troops (FAIT) was a large guerrilla organization formed by the retired American officer Hugh Straughn. It had many units operating around Luzon, including Batangas. Among this was the Maculot Battalion which operated in the town of Cuenca, Batangas. The unit was among those that were officially recognized as elements of the Philippine Army in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States in the Western Pacific during World War II. In this document1, one Rafael Rocca wrote to Colonel Pedro Pasia of the Maculot Regiment to express gratitude for their safe evacuation to Pulo Island and eventual transport to safety in Manila.



[p. 1]

Manila, March 15th, 1945

Col. Pedro Pasia,
Cuenca, Batangas.

My dear Colonel: -

What a relief to be in Manila again and feel, once more, what freedom is! The Americans in Tagaytay were very kind and gave us every facility to reach Manila.

I wish to reiterate my gratitude to you for all the help you have given us to get to safety and the assistance during our stay at your place.

I have seen how you and your men have worked night and day removing the people from the danger zones and transporting them to Polo, where everybody found safety and protection. I know that you sacrificed your personal interest and risked your life as chief of the guerrillas in that zone, and your inspiring example of patriotism deserves the gratitude of all Filipinos. My family was very fortunate to have evacuated to a place falling under your command.

I hope to see you when you come to Manila.

With best regards to Mrs. Pasia, I am,

Sincerely yours,



(SGD) Rafael F. Rocca



A TRUE COPY:

[Sgd.] PEDRO PASIA
Lt. Colonel
ASN-0-48337

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Notes and references:
1 MACULOT BATTALION FAIT, File No. 110-67, downloaded from PVAO.
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