History of the Lipa Guerrilla Headquarters Combat Team, Rillo-Neri Unit Part I

The Lipa Guerrilla Hq Combat Team was the combat team organized by the RILLO-NERI Unit, Fil-American Irregular Troops, following the Memo issued by the Hq Guerrilla Forces, Tagaytay City, by Col Alex Williams Jr, on 19 February 1945, to quote:

19 February 1945

1. Purpose: The purpose of this memorandum is to prescribe operation of Guerrilla Troops within the 11^th A/B Division’s zone of responsibility.

2. Composition: Only those Guerrilla Units authorized and inducted by this headquarters (through Maj Vanderpool, GSC) will be recognized.

3. Organization: Authorized guerrillas will be organized into companies with numerical or alphabetical designations, and administration shall be in accordance with pertinent United States Army Regulations.

By Command of Major General Swing,

s/ Alex Williams Jr.
t/ ALEX WILLIAMS JR.

Following this order, Capt Schommer, Guerrilla Coordinator at Tagaytay City, called a conference of all representatives of the Guerrilla Units inducted by Maj Vanderpool, GSC. For the western part of Batangas province, the following Guerrilla Units were told to organize:

HUNTERS ROTC –the Staff and 3 Combat Companies
RAINBOW REGIMENT, AUSA – The Staff and a Combat Company
RILLO-NERI UNIT – the Staff and a Combat Company
Gagalac Unit - the Staff and a Combat Company
LICOPA UNIT – the Staff and a Combat Company

Later on, following the order issued by Maj Robert Glieden, S-3 of the 158^th REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM, Apo 70, the above stated Combat Companies passed to the control of [the] General Guerrilla Commander of the 158^th Regimental Combat Team effective 0015 5 March 1945, to quote:

4 March 45

TO: Commanding Officer, 187^th P/G Regiment, 11^th A/B Division, Apo 463

1. General Guerrilla Command in Balayan area passes to

CO 158^th per WOCG 11^th A/B Division effective 0011 5 March 1945.

2. Hunters ROTC; Rainbow Regiment, AUSA, Rillo-Neri Unit, Gagalac Unit; Licopa Unit pass to control of General Guerrilla Commander per VOVG 11^th A/B Division effective 0011 5 March 1945.

For the Commanding General,

s/ Robert Glieden
t/ ROBERT GLIEDEN

DISTRIBUTION

1 Org above
1 158^th RCT File

Once more, the Rillo-Neri Unit was transferred to the 11^th A/B Division, U. S. Army, and on 9 May 1945, Lt A P McDonald, Guerrilla Coordinator, Taal Hq 11^th A/B Division, officially informed Capt Horacio L Ilagan, that the RILLO-NERI Combat Company was officially designated as the LIPA GUERRILLA HEADQUARTERS COMBAT TEAM, effective 1 April 1945, to quote:

9 May 1945

Subject To

: Official Unit Designation : Capt. Horacio L Ilagan CO Rillo-Neri Unit

1. In accordance with instructions from higher headquarters, the Rillo-Neri Unit is officially designated as the Lipa Guerrilla Hq Combat Team effective 1 April 1945.

2. See footnote of the letter of Maj Jack P Barton dated 8 May 1945.

s/ A. P. McDonald
t/ A. P. MCDONALD

Col Salvador Rillo and Lt Col Jaime Samperino Neri, SJ, were the founders of the Rillo-Neri Unit, Fil-American Irregular Troops, under Col Hugh S Straughn. To designate the Unit from the other Fil-Americans, the Rillo-Neri Unit was added in honor of the two founders.

I – After the fall of Bataan, Col Rillo called some of his close

1. To organize a group to direct dissemination of the American propaganda in the City of Manila and the Southern Provinces;

2. To raise funds and aid – clothing, food, medicine – for the American stragglers and escaped prisoners for:

a. Master, Lavesky and Barual – American employees of the Finance Department of the Quartermaster – staying with Mr Nazario in the barrio of San Jose del Monte at the foot of Ipo Mountain, Riza;

b. American Officers Capt Schalby, Lt Schaefer, Lt Moor, at Lt Silhavy, who were under the care of Mrs. Gertrudes B LaDuc, widow of an American; and

3. To do some sabotage works and, if possible, to resist small groups of Japanese patrols with what small weapons we had.

II. FORTY-SEVEN (47) SPRINGFIELD RIFLES, ORIGINAL ARMS OF THE UNIT:

HORACIO ILAGAN, ROTC Officer [of an outfit] disbanded in Manila, was requested by Col Rillo to bring to Balayan, Batangas forty-seven (47) Springfield rifles [that] Col Rillo was able to get from the Alejandro Albert Elementary School, Dapitan, Manila. On 15 April 42, Horacio Ilagan (appointed later on as res S-2 with the rank of Major) with 30 volunteer ROTC disbanded soldiers, started from Manila to bring the rifles to Batangas. By passing thru corn fields, under the coconut trees and later on crossing Mt Batulao, Maj Ilagan was successful in bringing the rifles to Balayan, Batangas.

III. COL RILLO CAUGHT on 6 June 1942 by JAPANESE MILITARY POLICE: Before the progress of the organization of the guerrilla unit in Balayan, Batangas could be reported in Manila, Col Rillo was arrested by the Japanese Military Police on 6 June 1942 at Balinwatak, Rizal, while trying to bring some supplies to the Americans at Ipo Mt. Because of this, the first try to organize a guerrilla unit under Col Rillo was foiled.

IV. MR. HORACIO ILAGAN AS GUERRILLA LIAISON OFFICER: While it is true that Col Rillo was imprisoned, yet his wife was able to get instructions from him. Maj Ilagan was told to contact Col Espina, Overall Commander of the Fil-American Irregular Troops under Col Straughn in Batangas – thru his son-in-law Maj Medrano. Maj Ilagan was appointed as Liaison Officer for the western part of Batangas Province, especially to Maj Deguito and Bahia, founders of the Pioneer Guerrillas of Balayan. Thru the efforts of Maj Ilagan, the following guerrilla organizers attached themselves to Col Espina:

Maj Distresa, founder of guerrilla movement in Nasugbu, Batangas
Maj Vicente Calingasan, guerrilla leader in Tuy, Batangas
Maj Tugegue, guerrilla leader of [the] eastern barrios of Balayan
Maj Amador Deguito, Maj Rodolfo Bahia and Maj Jose Unzon, organizers of the Pioneer Guerrillas in Balayan, Batangas
Capt Gagalac and Capt Licopa, organizers of the Glint in the towns of Calaca, Lemery and Taal, Batangas
Col Amando Ilagan, organizer of the Canluran Regiment in Taal, Batangas

V. RILLO-NERI UNIT ORGANIZED ON MILITARY FOOTING on 12 January 1945: After the killing of the different guerrilla founders and when Col

VI. SCHOOL FOR OFFICERS ORGANIZED: Under Col Fortunato Borbon, ex-Bataan veteran and Maj Basilio Fernando, and later on Capt Lino Inciong, other USAFFE OFFICERS, a school for officers’ training was organized at the Hq of the unit at Dao, Balayan, Batangas.

VII. REGIMENTAL HQ COMBAT TEAM ORGANIZED: Armed with the forty-seven of April 1942, a Regimental Hq Combat Team of 50 EM and 4 Officers under Capt Gregorio Arcalas was organized. This Combat Team increased in number every time the Japanese sent out patrols of less than 10 men. Such that its members were 170 EM and 6 Officers when the Americans landed in Nasugbu, Batangas on 31 Jan 45.

VII. SABOTAGE MISSIONS: On 5 August 43, Col Rillo was arrested for the runners of Col Nakar, CO of the Northern Luzon Guerrillas. Thanks that Maj Ilagan was caught him. [?] In November 43, while a strong storm was passing [over] Manila, 5 simultaneous fires started at the different depots of the Japs. Maj Ilagan, together with 10 Hunters ROTC [men], set fire to the Japanese gasoline depot at Paco, Manila. At the same time, another one was burning the depot at Grace Park and the other one at the Chinatown. A big one was eating up the supply depot near the Manila Railroad and a beautiful one destroying the ammunition depot along the seashore of Tondo, Manila.

IX. AMERICAN SOLDIERS RESCUED, CARED [FOR] AND LATER ON ESCORTED TO FREDOM: Following the surrender of Corregidor and Bataan, many American stragglers tried to cross to Looc, Batangas. Some of them found refuge at Calan, Tuy. While it is true that the Lopez family of Balayan was feeding these Americans, yet it was the RILLO-NERI UNIT soldiers who were guarding night and day these Americans. Later on the members of the Unit [took] these Americans to Mindoro for them to enjoy once more freedom. The following Americans were taken care [of] immediately after their escape from Corregidor in May 1942 up to November 1944, when they were escorted to Mindoro:

1. Capt. Bert C Fuller (Bataan escapee)
2. Major Raymond Humphrey (Bataan escapee)
3. A R M 2 C John W Montgomery (6345666) VB-15, USN Down Nov 6, 1944
4. Lt. J. G. Dondero, Donald (Bataan escapee)
5. Lt. J. G. W. Resing (251421) VB-15 USN Down on 6 Nov 1944
6. Lt. J. G. W. E. Miller (158079) VF-32 USN Down Sept 21, 1944
7. Capt Whitecomb, Airforce of USA (Bataan escapee)
8. Marine Corps Reid Chamberlain (Bataan escapee)

X. INTELLIGENCE REPORTS: Col Rillo and Fr Neri were among those lucky prisoners of war who were able to escape from Muntinglupa Bilibid Prison together with about 200 political prisoners. Both Col Rillo and Fr Neri immediately proceeded to Balayan, Batangas. By this time, the Combat Team had a strength of 141 EM and 5 officers fully armed. For the purpose of ensuring that all intelligence reports of all the guerrilla units would reach Col Nicholson (Commander Rowe), Fr Neri was sent to Mindoro in Sept

XI. ENEMY CASUALTIES: In spite of the general instruction that the guerrilla units should avoid armed contact with the enemy, every time that the Japs gave an opportunity to inflict casualties, the Unit Regimental Hq Combat Team did not hesitate. Every time the Japs sent out patrols of not more than 10 men, no one would be able to return alive to report about what happened. Those Japs would really get their desire to reach heaven. Every time a Jap was killed, another arm was added to the unit and new recruits were accepted. Before the American landing in Nasugbu, Batangas on 31 Jan 45, the Combat Team, which started with 50 EM and 4 officers, had already a strength of 170 EM and 6 officers. Or an increase of 129 arms which naturally represented 129 Japs killed. Too bad the Japs learned their lessons quite so fast so that they never dared to send another patrol composed of 10 men only.

This pace of the History of the Unit, the periods are divided into three distinct groups of different dates and attachment to different American Units:

a. FIRST PERIOD: From 30 Jan 45, when the unit received two ATTACK ORDERS FROM MAJ JAY D VANDERPOOL, Guerrilla Coordinator, up to 0011 March 45, when the unit was attached to the 11^th AB under Maj Vanderpool and Captain C Schommer;

b. SECOND PERIOD: From 5 March 45, when all inducted units by Maj Vanderpool were ordered to pass in control to the CO of the 158^th REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM, APO 70, by order of General Swing, signed by Maj Robert Glieden, Chief of Staff up to the time when the unit was ordered to report to Maj C Schommer, CO of the 187^th 11^th A/B Division, USA at Cuenca, Batangas; and

c. THIRD PERIOD: From 1 April 1945 to 4 July 1945 under Lt A P McDonald, Guerrilla Coordinator, 11^th A/B Division with Hq at Taal, Batangas.

I. ACTIVITIES UNDER THE FIRST PERIOD: Before the American Landing in Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines on 31 Jan 45, the RILLO-NERI received two attack orders from Maj Jay Vanderpool, GSC, Coordinator of the United States-Philippines Forces, Joint Intelligence Luzon.

A. ATTACK ORDER and COMPLIANCE

(The Order)

30 January 45 In the field

SUBJECT TO

: ATTACK ORDERS : All Guerrilla Units

Two Eight January Pd
VANDERPOOL FROM MacARTHUR PD ALL GUERRILLAS

WILL ATTACK UPON NOTIFICATION REPEAT NOTIFICATION FROM THIS HQ PD YOU COORDINATE ALL GUERRILLA ACTIVITIES WEST OF LAGUNA DE BAY END

xxxxxxxxxx (Followed by instructions D. to J.) xxxxxxxxxx

(j) CABARRUBIA AND BORBON (ADVISER TO RILLO-NERI): Will attack and destroy all enemy forces along the improved road of Balayan (incl) Lemery (incl). He will be responsible for this road. Patrolling will be done in Tuy. All enemy forces will be attacked when encountered.

xxxxxxxxxx (Followed by instructions from 3 to 16) xxxxxxxxxx

s/ Jay D Vanderpool
t/ JAY D VANDERPOOL

(Compliance)

1. The Rillo-Neri Unit complied with the order. The Regimental Combat Company patrolled the entire area from Tuy to Balayan. The Japanese were attacked in the towns of Balayan, Tuy, Calaca and Lemery, province of Batangas, thus forcing the Japs to stay in their prepared garrisons in Himalas and San Piro, Balayan, Batangas. Tuy, Batangas was liberated before the landing of the Americans in Nasugbu, Batangas.

2. Col Rillo ordered Maj Horacio Ilagan to destroy the Japs at the foxholes along the Himalas Shores of Balayan Bay. Maj Ilagan was able [to] occupy the foxholes in the shores of Himalas, Balayan after an encounter for an hour which resulted to the killing of 11 Japs.

B. SECOND ORDER AND COMPLIANCE

(The Order)

31 Jan 45

To SUBJECT

: Rillo Guerrillas (Borbon) ATTACK INSTRUCTIONS : All Guerrilla Units

1. You will immediately, upon receipt of this order, direct all efforts of all available men in the performance of the following sabotage missions:

a. Attack and destroy every truck now being used by the enemy.

b. Cut and carry away every telephone line in your sector. Cut the wire into one meter pieces.

c. Burn or destroy all enemy supplies especially gasoline and ammunition.

d. Destroy all means of transportation available to the enemy or hide same so that he will be denied the use thereof.

e. Bridges will not be destroyed without authority of the GHQ, SWPA or the undersigned.

f. Attack and destroy small enemy forces now guarding radio transmitter stations.

2. You will report immediately to the undersigned for transmittal to GHQ, SWPA those sabotage missions that have been completed.

S/ Jay D Vanderpool
T/ JAY D VANDERPOOL

(Compliance)

1. In compliance with these orders, direct all efforts of all available men – the Unit mobilized all the members of the Unit. Seven hundred (700) Em and 47 Officers were mobilized so that the Unit has a strength of 923 EM and Officers.

2. Sabotage.

1 Feb 45
In the field

Subject To

: Maj [J] D Vanderpool Chief Liaison Officer

a. One abandoned truck fully loaded with palay confiscated by the Japs from the people of Balayan was seized by members of this Unit. The palay will be used for the consumption of the members and the truck will be for our use;

b. Telephone lines in our sector cut.

s/ F. Borbon
t/ F. BORBON

3. PATROL

4 Feb 45
In the Field

I am sending you one wounded prisoner who needs medical assistance. Besides this prisoner, we have killed three Japs by my unit in the barrio of Taktak, Balayan, presumably part of the party that fled from Malibu, Tuy which Lt Cabarrubia attacked. The tags of the three dead Japs will be sent to you later as soon as they are received by our Hq.

s/ S. B. Rillo
t/ S. B. RILLO

Notes and references: