Testimonies in Support of the Lipa Guerrilla Regiment Paran's Unit
The Lipa Guerrilla Regiment used to be known as the “Second Batangas Regiment” when it was affiliated with the Marking’s Guerrillas of Marcos Agustin. It was formed by a former USAFFE officer named Felino Paran. Upon Paran’s capture by the Japanese, command was assumed by Miguel Lina and became known as the “Lipa Guerrilla Unit.” The organization ultimately failed to collectively gain official recognition by the United States Army, but some of its members did get this coveted accolade. In this page1 are three testimonies-cum-certifications submitted to the United States Army as part of the Lipa Guerrilla Regiment’s application for official recognition.
[p. 1]
[Bank of the Philippine Islands letterhead.]
DIOCESE OF LIPA
DIOCESE OF LIPA
Notes and references:
1 “Lipa Guerrilla Regiment Paran’s Unit,” File No. 23, online at PVAO.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
This is to certify that, since the early part of 1943, I know that a guerrilla unit in Lipa, Batangas, locally known as “PARAN GUERRILLAS,” has been very active in the resistance movement against the Japanese. It maintained a good organization, and extended material aid to the poor. During the fight for the liberation of the Province of Batangas, definite groups of this guerrilla unit took active part in the campaign with the United States Armed Forces. This unit also rendered invaluable service in conducting civilians to places of safety.
Recognition of the “PARAN GUERRILLAS” is highly recommended as a fitting and just reward for its meritorious services to the country and to the cause of liberty.
Manila, Philippines, January 23, 1946.
[Sgd.] LEONCIO M. ARANDA
Attorney-at-Law
Legal Counsel for the Bank
of the Philippine Islands
Manila
Attorney-at-Law
Legal Counsel for the Bank
of the Philippine Islands
Manila
[p. 2]
Batangas, Batangas
January 22, 1946
January 22, 1946
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
I heard about the activities of the “GUERRILLA UNIT” in Lipa, locally known as Paran Guerrillas, since the early part of 1943. The material aid this unit extended to the poor, and the efforts made in conducting the civilians to places of safety deserve commendation. Due recognition of this unit will only mean justification, and will surely meet the approval of the civilians not only in Lipa but in the surrounding places where it had made a good name for itself from its organization up to the complete liberation of the Province of Batangas. I have nothing but sincere appreciation of its meritorious services.
Respectfully,
+ [Sgd.] MONS. ALFREDO VERSOZA
Bishop, Diocese of Lipa
Bishop, Diocese of Lipa
[p. 3]
Lipa, Batangas
January 21, 1946
January 21, 1946
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
I hereby express my sincere appreciation for the “LIPA GUERRILLA UNIT,” locally known as Paran Guerrillas; for its good organization, and for the activities in the Resistance Movement during the enemy occupation. As far as my knowledge is concerned, this organization had conducted many to places of safety, and had given food and medical aid to the needy. Definite groups of said organization took active part in the Liberation Campaign with the United States Army Forces.
I do believe that due recognition of the abovementioned unit will be but a fitting justice for its meritorious services.
Respectfully,
+ [Sgd.] MONS. ALFREDO A. OBVIAR
Auxiliary Bishop, Diocese of Lipa
Auxiliary Bishop, Diocese of Lipa
Notes and references:
1 “Lipa Guerrilla Regiment Paran’s Unit,” File No. 23, online at PVAO.