Internal US Army Memo about the GHQ Batangas Force on Non-Reconsideration - Batangas History, Culture and Folklore

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, an internal communication within the United States Army, one Lt. Raul Diaz de Rivera informed Lt. Col. Wallace Hanes that the GHQ Batangas Force FAIT was not favorably considered for reconsideration.

HEADQUARTERS
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, G-3
OFFICE RETAINED RECORD

G-3 File No. GSCP U 091 PI

DATE: 13 October 1947

SUBJECT: Reconsideration request for
FROM: I. R. Medrano

OFFICER TAKING ACTION: 2^nd Lt Raul Diaz de Rivera

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

Lt Col Wallace H 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 claim 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 It is further recommended that all individual non-casualty claims be withdrawn and not favorably considered.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.] 2^nd Lt Raul Diaz de Rivera

Concur: [Sgd.] Capt S C Buchanan, Chief, Reconsideration Sec

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