Lt. Col. Isaac Farol's Report on Ambush on a Japanese Truck, 3 February 1945

Batangas History

31 Dec, 2017

The Luansing Unit Fil-American Batangas Guerrillas were commanded by one Galicano Luansing and known loosely as the “Luansing’s Unit.” This guerrilla outfit was at one time or the other during the Japanese occupation affiliated with the Fil-American Irregular Troops and also the President Quezon’s Own Guerrillas. By the time the Allied forces return to the Philippines, it was operating independently. This unit assisted the United States Army in campaigns against the Japanese forces from Balayan, Batangas Town, Lipa, Rosario and San Juan. In this document¹, one Lt. Col. D. Farol filed a report on an ambush made by his troops on a Japanese truck in the town of Rosario, Batangas

U S A F F E
BATANGAS UNIT
ROSARIO REGIMENT
In the Field

Feb. 3-45

SUBJECT
To

: AMBUSHING A JAPANESE TRUCK
: COMMANDING OFFICER, USAFFE, BATANGAS UNIT

At about 3:00 p.m., Feb. 2, 1945, at barrio Alupay, Rosario, Batangas, the patrol under Capt. Venancio Farol and Patrol Leader Lt. Dominador Cometa was able to effect a surprise attack on a Japanese truck carrying 11 Japanese infantry soldiers, killing 7 and seriously wounding 4 who are presumed to be killed also. Prior to the attack, this truck was running in the direction of San Juan, Batangas. Without knowing that the bridge at Alupay was already blasted, the truck continued to cross the bridge. As a consequence, the truck fell into the depth below, giving a fair chance for the patrol to strike without further hesitation. Such measure was taken in view of the wicked attitude and atrocious activities of the Japanese against the civilian population. Without any untoward provocation, the people are either killed or inhumanly tortured.

RESULT OF THE ATTACK

	Enemy	Our Troops
Killed	7	None
Wounded	4	None
Captured arms and war materials	3 Japanese rifles Cal. 27; Samples of War Materials, articles 1 to 8, as follows: Articles 1 to 6 -- 2 boxes each Article 7 -- 4 boxes Article 8 -- 50 pieces Military Map, forwarded Feb 18-45.

In view of the lack of arms and ammunition to cope with the present situation in this area, it is earnestly requested that any available quantity of arms and ammunition be supplied to this headquarters.

[Sgd.] ISAAC D. FAROL
Lt. Col. Guerrilla Inf.
Commanding

Notes and references:

¹ “Luansing Unit, Fil-American Batangas Guerrillas,” File No. 63, downloaded from PVAO.