Various Documents Related to the Joe Perez Guerrillas

The “Joe Perez’s Forces,” a guerrilla organization under your nominal control, has not been favorably considered for recognition by this headquarters.

Your attention is invited to Presidential Executive Order Number 68, Commonwealth of the Philippines, copy of which is attached. You are requested to comply with the provisions of the abovementioned order.

It has long been my wish to meet you personally. We have so many problems in common. I feel sure that meeting will be productive of mutual understanding and benefits.

I am one of the three officers in command of the Southern Luzon Area which comprises Sorsogon, Albay and part of Camarines Sur. Lately, I have been induced to take a hand in the organization of the Batangas Division. There are many other vital information which, I am sure, you would like to know. It concerns mainly of recognition from the High Command. I shall be too glad to help you out in this if I can be of help to you.

The bearer is a regular soldier, patriotic from head to toe, disciplined, determined. He shares in the deep emotion which guides every one of us in our fight against our common foe; he will fight as readily as any of your men will. Of such type of Filipino is the fame of Bataan made, an honor to uphold and an emblem to wear in our hearts.

He has personal instructions to convey to you.

I hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing instrument with the carbon copy in the possession of Mr. Conrado T. Limjoco and that the same is a true and correct copy thereof.

In witness hereof, I signed these presents and affixed my official seal in the City of Manila, Philippines on this 2^nd day of Sept. 1945.

The time we are in now is such that we, each one of us, must use our utmost in precaution. What is a neck to a true patriot, but the upper story above the neck is very essential to the carrying-thru of the work to its ultimate finish for the CAUSE. You, picked men and officers, must show fine self-restraint and emphasize discipline over the men you lead. There are plenty who wish to join and volunteer for the service. Ours is the privilege to choose. On the choice of each man depends the lives of men and the success of our organization.

Instruct your men to lay low for a while until the heat is over. There is no need to rush our work: what’s needed is [the] certainty of the job we are doing. We are just beginning to have a semblance of order within and unity with Cavite. I have just attended the conference with the high ranking officers from Cavite. They gave me assurance to this effect. You will be advised as to further move when I find the time opportune.

LET’S NOT BE TOO HASTY. WE STILL HAVE ENOUGH TIME.

Thank you so much.

I hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing instrument with the carbon copy in the possession of Mr. Conrado T. Limjoco and that the same is a true and correct copy thereof.

In witness hereof, I signed these presents and affixed my official seal in the City of Manila, Philippines on this 2^nd day of Sept. 1945.

Is it true that your secretary, Abreu, resigned? If it is true, I wish to remind you of our policy viz., to place our own men wherever opportunity occurs. I have three in mind but I’d narrow it down to two: Enting Jonson and Salvador Limjoco.

I will appreciate whatever you can do for them.

1. You are hereby advised to help Captain X in getting contributions in your territory. We will explain the matter more in detail.

2. Kindly assist him in every way. He is connected with the Cavite unit.

I hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing instrument with the carbon copy in the possession of Mr. Conrado T. Limjoco and that the same is a true and correct copy thereof.

In witness hereof, I signed these presents and affixed my official seal in the city of Manila, Philippines on this 2^nd day of Sept. 1945.

I wish you all good luck. Convey to all our Comrades not to worry of my safety. With the help of our God, I am safe with the troops.

Our present difficulty here now is our food supplies, as you well know the situation. Whatever help you can for the cause, the whole organization highly appreciates it. Our financial condition is at its lowest ebb. Your immediate help is needed.

I hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing instrument with the carbon copy in the possession of Mr. Conrado T. Limjoco and that the same is a true and correct copy thereof.

In witness hereof, I signed these presents and affixed my official seal in the city of Manila, Philippines on this 3^rd day of Sept. 1945.

I regret to inform you that I’ve decided to postpone our plan to visit Bulacan this weekend on account of the coming All Saints’ Day celebration on Monday.

I’ll be back in this place by Tuesday afternoon so there is a possibility for us to leave either on Wednesday or Thursday. Besides, I wish to notify first the big-wigs in our place about our coming contemplated once over.

That’s all and may the Almighty bless your soul.

I hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing instrument with the carbon copy in the possession of Mr. Conrado T. Limjoco and that the same is a true and correct copy thereof.

In witness hereof, I signed these presents and affixed my official seal in the city of Manila, Philippines on this 3^rd day of Sept. 1945.

1. This letter will serve to notify all known loyal guerrilla organizations that the undersigned has arrived in the Western part of Central Luzon from General Headquarters, Southwest Pacific Area for the purpose of coordinating all activities of loyal guerrilla organizations and acting as a liaison officer between the loyal Filipino people and General MacArthur.

2. The undersigned desires to establish contact with leaders of all guerrilla units and with all civilian organizations desiring to cooperate with the incoming forces of General MacArthur.

3. It is desired that all commanders of loyal units receiving this communication accomplish the questionnaire, attached, and forward the same to the Headquarters of the Hunters or ROTC Guerrillas. The undersigned has established a temporary headquarters at this location. This information is necessary in order that an estimate may be made of the capabilities of the various loyal organizations. The information contained in the report will be consolidated and forwarded to GHQ, SWPA.

4. The undersigned desires to personally meet the leaders of the major organizations. A meeting is contemplated in the near future at a place to be designated. Unit commanders to attend will be notified as to the time and place by a liaison officer from Hunters’ Guerrillas.

I hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing instrument with the carbon copy in the possession of Mr. Conrado T. Limjoco and that the same is a true and correct copy thereof.

In witness hereof, I signed these presents and affixed my official seal in the city of Manila, Philippines on this 4^th day of Sept. 1945.

1. It is reported by Mamerto Magno, one of our soldiers, that a member of your organization, Eusebio Vergara, under Maj. Gasilao, has shot and killed his cow this morning, Feb. 11, 1945. This cow’s meat has been used by Maj. Gasilao’s men as their food.

2. The owner wants his cow’s price at ₱32.00.

I hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing instrument with the carbon copy in the possession of Mr. Conrado T. Limjoco and that the same is a true and correct copy thereof.

In witness hereof, I signed these presents and affixed my official seal in the city of Manila, Philippines on this 5^th day of Sept. 1945.

1. Mr. Bonifacio Jonson, defendant in the charge of theft, is not a member of our unit. He may admit his guilt in an affidavit signed by him, but we cannot conform to his confession with regards to his affiliation with the guerrillas.

2. You may inspect our Roster of Troops and verify for yourself that he is not a member of our organization.

3. When questioned by me as to his proofs that he is with the Joe Perez unit, he merely said that one Apolonio Laguardia just told him that he is a member, a fact not admitted by the same person. He admitted to me that I did not take him as a member during my investigation at the prison cell this morning.

4. I know personally his character and maybe you have heard of him also. He is somewhat mentally unbalanced. We have noticed that sometimes, he is showing signs of an abnormal behavior, which is unworthy of a dignified gentleman.

5. The guerrilla organization is only for men of good behavior and moral standing. Such type of men those are not needed in the military service. We have disciplined men selected for good service and not for acts unworthy of the cause.

I hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing instrument with the carbon copy in the possession of Mr. Conrado T. Limjoco and that the same is a true and correct copy thereof.

In witness hereof, I signed these presents and affixed my official seal in the city of Manila, Philippines on this 5^th day of Sept. 1945.