Thomas Brown's Letter to Lazaro Alda re GHQ Batangas Force, June 1947

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 Thomas Brown of the Adjutant General’s Office of the Philippines-Ryukyus Command wrote to one Lazaro Alda of the GHQ Batangas Force to appraise the latter of the U.S. Army’s decision on the request for recognition.

[p. 1]

HEADQUARTERS
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL

GSCPU 091 PI / 126

APO 707
13 JUNE 1947

Mr. Lazaro Alda
Barrio Tinga, Itaas
Batangas, Batangas
Philippines

Dear Mr. Alda:

This will acknowledge receipt of your letter, dated 17 May 1947, requesting information concerning the result of the investigation of General Headquarters, FAIT.

This unit, carried in our files as General Headquarters, Batangas Force, FAIT, was not favorably considered for recognition by this headquarters on 3 March 1947. A letter to this effect was mailed to Lieutenant I.R. Medrano, Ibaan, Batangas. A request for reconsideration of this unfavorable decision was made by Lieutenant I. R. Medrano and his request was granted in a letter, this headquarters, dated 7 May 1947, to him at Headquarters, Military Police Command (AP), BBB North Road.

Mr. Loreto A. Abaya is listed in the unit roster as the commanding officer of the Headquarters Company of General Headquarters Batangas Force FAIT. The application for recognition of the General Headquarters, including the Headquarters Company, was submitted for Mr. Jorge Espina (deceased), commanding officer of General Headquarters by Lieutenant I. R. Medrano, Executive Officer of the Ibaan Regiment.

All correspondence relative to the application for recognition and reconsideration of this unit has been directed to Lieutenant I. R. Medrano.

The request for reconsideration of General Headquarters, Batangas Force, FAIT has been placed on file in this headquarters to await appropriate action at the earliest practicable time. However, a considerable delay is to be expected before final decision can be rendered on this organization since many claimant guerrilla units remaino be investigated initially and review of rejected units must necessarily follow them.

It is recommended that you contact Lieutenant I. R. Medrano, the authorized representative of this unit, for any further information with regard to the action taken by this headquarters on this unit. He will be informed promptly at such time as a decision is reached on the application of this unit for reconsideration.

Sincerely

THOMAS J BROWN
CWO, USA
ASST ADJ GEN

[p. 2]

Col. Gerard F. Lillard:

Basic, ltr frm Lazaro Alda to CG, PHILRYCOM, dtd 27 May 47, requesting information regarding the result of an investigation of General Headquarters, FAIT.

1^st Lt George E. Kemper

Concur: Lt Col S J Palos, Chief, Unit Branch

[p. 3]

Bo. Tinga, Itaas
Batangas, Batangas
May 17, 1947

Sir,

I would like to know the result of the investigation of the unfeigned Gen. Headquarters Fil-American Irregular Troops of FAIT, Batangas Guerrillas under Capt. Loreto Abaya.

This unit was investigated for two and a half hours only, last February of this year so I wish to solicit your honor giving this unit a chance to gain recognition.

The substantiating evidence would show that this unit was the mother company of the units formerly recognized, as the Fil-American Irregular Troops of Batangas Guerrillas.

Being a component part of several units that have been recognized, I think this unit is entitled to the same recognition.

Very respectfully,

[Sgd.] LAZARO ALDA

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Notes and references:

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

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