Letter from Lt. Col Moore Informing the Ibaan Regiment of Non-Recognition

The Ibaan Regiment was one of many units of the Fil-American Irregular Troops, a large guerrilla group founded by the former US Army officer Hugh Straughn, that was operating in Batangas during the Japanese Occupation. It was commanded by one Sixto Guerra. In this undated document document¹ one Lt. Col. W. P. Moore of the Adjutant General’s Office of the United States Armed Forces in the Western Pacific wrote to Sixto Guerra to inform the latter of the non-recognition by the US Army of the Ibaan Regiment.

[p. 1]

HEADQUARTERS
UNITED STATES ARMY FORCES WESTERN PACIFIC
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL
APO 707

9 July [probably 1946]

Mr. Sixto Guerra
Ibaan, Batangas
P.I.

Dear Mr. Guerra:

The “Ibaan Regiment,” 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 available substantiating records and testimony of witnesses having pertinent knowledge, recognition of this guerrilla unit is not deemed to be warranted because of 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. A definite organization was not established.

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

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.

It is requested that you comply with the provisions of Executive Order Number 68, by the President of the Philippines, dated 26 September 1945, copy attached.

Sincerely yours,

W. P. MOORE
Lt. Col., AGD
Asst Adj Gen

Incl: Executive Order No. 68

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Lt. Col. Hugh L. Carnahan:

1. The “Ibaan Regiment,” consisting of 1362 officers and men under the command of Sixto M. Guerra has not been favorably considered for recognition. One hundred and one members of this unit have already been recognized by using units of the United States Army.

2. Basis for non-recognition:

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. A definite organization was not established.

d. Adequate records were not maintained.

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

3. Colonels Marking and Adevoso recommend “OK.”

GEORGE R. BOND 0-1339838
2^nd Lt, Infantry
/aje

Notes and references:

¹ “Ibaan Rgt Fil-Amer Batangas Guerrillas FAIT,” File No. 110-6, downloaded from PVAO.