Toribia Espina's Letter to Manuel Roxas and Related US Army Documents
The Marking’s Fil-American Troops (MFAT) was an amalgamation of Marcos Agustin’s Marking’s Guerrillas and the Fil-American Irregular Troops (FAIT), the latter having fallen into disarray after the capture of its founder and commander Col. Hugh Straughn. The FAIT had many units operating in southern Luzon, including Batangas. Among these was a unit operating in Rosario. In this page1 are transcriptions of a letter sent to then-Philippine President Manuel Roxas by Toribia Espina, widow of Col. Jorge Espina, organizer of the Rosario unit; as well as other related documents on file with the United States Army.
HEADQUARTERS
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, G-3
OFFICE RETAINED RECORD
2nd Indorsement
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE
Manila, November 8, 1947
Notes and references:
1 “Rosario Unit, III AC (David’s Command),” File No. 209-48, online at the United States National Archives.
[p. 1]
Cahigan, Rosario, Batangas
October 5, 1947
October 5, 1947
Hon. Manuel A. Roxas
President, Philippine Republic
Malacañan Palace
Manila
Beloved President:
In your honor, I am requesting a favor to help me secure the recognition of the Fil-American Troops, Batangas, Ibaan, Rosario Units, which were formerly under the leadership of my deceased husband, Lt. Col. Jorge D. Espina.
I, being the wife of a guerrilla leader, suffered, sacrificed and helped for the existence of the organization until the coming of the Americans. I regret very much that until now, our recognition seems to be uncertain. We have been waiting for years.
I have aged parents-in-law who are already unable to work. They are expecting for a blessing which their only son failed to give them. As for myself, I desire to continue my studies so that at least, I can be of help to my country as an educated citizen. With regards to our men, they seem to be impatient, too. It’s a pity to see them all turn to lawless elements. Guerrilla widows are plenty. Oftentimes, they ask me the day the promised help will be given. Some of them died already in the extreme of poverty. Honorable President, if you could only see our everyday lives, I am sure you will pity us.
Closing, but with fervent hope for your action of help. It is respectfully prayed that the earliest possible help be extended to us before it is too late.
Very respectfully,
s/ (Mrs.) Toribia E. Espina
[p. 2]
PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF, G-3
OFFICE RETAINED RECORD
| G-3 File No. GSCP U 091 PI | 27 Dec 1947 |
|
SUBJECT FROM |
: Recognition, Request for : Toribia E. Espina |
OFFICER TAKING ACTION (and initials)
1st Lt George E Kemper
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
Lt Col Wallace M Hanes:
Basic, letter from Toribia E. Espina to President Manuel A. Roxas dated 5 Dec 47, transmitted to the Department of National Defense, forwarded to this headquarters by 3rd Ind dated 27 Nov 47, from Headquarters National Defense Forces, requesting recognition of the Fil-American Troops, Batangas Ibaan Rosario Unit.
[Sgd.] 1st Lt George E Kemper
Concur: [Sgd.] Capt E R Curtis, Chief, Unit Branch
[p. 3]
Basic: Ltr fr (Mrs) Toribia E Espina, Cahigan, Rosario, Batangas dtd 4 Oct 47, requesting the recognition of the Fil-American Troops, Batangas Ibaan, Rosario Unit
GSCPU 091 PI / 2852 4th Ind
29 DEC 1947
HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINES-RYUKYUS COMMAND, APO 707
TO: Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Camp Murphy, Quezon City
The Rosario Unit, David’s Command, MFAT, was not favorably considered for recognition by this headquarters on 31 March 1947.
FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL.
R. E. CANTRELL
Capt AGD
Asst Adj Gen
Capt AGD
Asst Adj Gen
Lt Col Wallace M Hanes:
Basic, letter from Toribia E. Espina to President Manuel A. Roxas dated 4 Dec 47, transmitted to the Department of National Defense, forwarded to this headquarters by 3rd Ind dated 27 Nov 47, from Headquarters National Defense Forces, requesting recognition of the Fil-American Troops, Batangas Ibaan, Rosario Unit.
1st Lt George E Kemper
Concur: Capt E R Curtis, Chief, Unit Branch
[p. 4]
BASIC: Ltr fr (Mrs) Toribia E. Espina, Cahigam, Rosario, Batangas dtd 4 Oct 47, Requesting the Recognition of the Fil-American Troops, Batangas Ibaan, Rosario Unit.
| AGFS 201-ESPINA, J D (0) | 3rd Ind | DL/jvt |
| HEADQUARTERSNATIONAL DEFENSE FORCES, Camp Murphy, Quezon City | ||
| 27 November 1947 | ||
| TO: CG, PHILRYCOM, APO 707 (Attn: G-3, GAD) | ||
Request information of the status of the unit mentioned in the basic letter.
FOR THE CHIEF OF STAFF.
[Sgd.] BASILIO HERNANDEZ
Major, AGS
Chief, Vet Aff Br, OTAG
Major, AGS
Chief, Vet Aff Br, OTAG
Incls:
1st Ind fr 0 of the P, dtd 6 Nov 47
2nd Ind DND dtd 8 Nov 47
B/L dtd 5 Oct 47
2nd Ind DND dtd 8 Nov 47
B/L dtd 5 Oct 47
[p. 5]
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE
Manila, November 8, 1947
Respectfully referred to the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Camp Murphy, Quezon City, for appropriate action.
By authority of the Secretary:
[Sgd.] NEMESIO CATALAN
Colonel (FA), GSC
Senior Military Assistant
Colonel (FA), GSC
Senior Military Assistant
RE/s
Notes and references:
1 “Rosario Unit, III AC (David’s Command),” File No. 209-48, online at the United States National Archives.