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December 30, 2017

Final US Army Letter to Medrano on Non-Recognition of GHQ Batangas Force, October 1947

December 30, 2017
The Fil-American Irregular Troops (FAIT) was a large guerrilla organization that operated in Luzon during the Japanese occupation during World War II up to the liberation of the Philippines. The organization was founded by the retired American Army officer Hugh Straughn and had units in many localities in Luzon, including Batangas. The GHQ Batangas Force, purportedly founded by one Jorge Espina, who was subsequently killed by the Japanese, was one of the units who sought recognition as an element of the Philippine Army in the service of the United States Armed Forces. In this document1, one Captain R. E. Cantrell of the Adjutant’s Office of the Philippines-Ryukyus Command wrote to one Mr. I. R. Medrano, supposed commander of the GHQ Batangas Force, to inform the latter of the final decision of non-recognition of the guerrilla unit after reconsideration.

[p. 1]

HEADQUARTERS
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF COMMANDING GENERAL

GSCPU 091 PI/2146 APO 707
15 OCT 1947

Mr. I. R. Medrano
Ibaan, Batangas
Philippines

Dear Mr. Medrano:

The Commanding General has directed that you be informed that the GHQ, Batangas Force, FAIT, purporting to be a guerrilla organization under your control, previously not favorably considered for recognition, has been reconsidered at your request.

A thorough review of the supporting papers of this organization, and a detailed examination of the additional evidence submitted with your request for reconsideration, together with a careful analysis of all other available information of the activities of your unit from its inception, scrutinized in relation to the overall resistance movement, has again failed to reveal sufficient material to satisfy the requirements for recognition of your unit as an element of the Philippine Army in the service of the Armed Forces of the United States. The GHQ, Batangas Force, FAIT unit is therefore not favorably reconsidered for modification of the original decision of non-recognition.

This letter constitutes the final determination of the action upon the claim for recognition of the GHQ, Batangas Force, FAIT guerrilla unit.

Sincerely,

R E Cantrell
Captain, AGD

Lt Col Wallace M Hanes:

1. The GHQ, Batangas Force, FAIT, under the command of I. R. Medrano, consisting of 109 men, has not been favorably reconsidered for recognition. No members have been previously recognized.

2. This unit does not fulfil the requirements of the five basic points for recognition. See attached reconsideration report.

3. No casualty roster has been submitted. It is recommended that no individual casualty claims be favorably considered.

4. It is further recommended that all individual non-casualty claims be withdrawn and not favorably considered.

5. This report constitutes the final action by this headquarters on the request for recognition of the GHQ, Batangas Force, FAIT guerrilla unit.

[Sgd.] 2nd Lt Raul Diaz de Rivera

[p. 2]

Concur: Capt S C Buchanan, Chief, Reconsideration Sec

Concur: Maj R V Sloan, Chief, Individual Branch

Concur: Capt E Q Curtis, Chief, Unit Branch



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Notes and references:

1 “GHQ, Batangas Force, FAIT,” File No. 110-3, downloaded from PVAO.

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