Oraña Guerrilla Unit's Request for Recognition and the US Army Response

10 March 1946

1. Transmitting herewith is the Original Roster of the ORAÑA GUERRILLA UNIT, San Luis, Batangas, for approval.

2. Enclosed herewith are also two copies of the History of the ORAÑA GUERRILLA UNIT and its activities prior and after the coming of the American liberating forces; of its activities while attached to the 158 R.C.T.; of the list of casualties (Men Killed in Action) of the unit during the campaign; of the captured instruments of war and other military properties of the Japanese; and of the Officers Organization Chart.

3. It will be noted that the presentation of this roster is close to the deadline set by the AFWESPAC. The reason lies in the fact that sometime after the close of the campaign, and after the restoration of peace and order, the undersigned Commanding Officer of this unit left for a business trip to Palawan. Before he left, he did not realize that the AFWESPAC would set a deadline for the presentation for recognition of duly organized guerrilla rosters. He left the records intact in a safe place in our headquarters in Durungao, San Luis, Batangas, duly locked. He did not also leave word to any of his officers in the command. While at Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, he had neither been informed of the deadline, nor had he read newspapers about it, the place being very far from Manila and practically no newspapers around. The other ranking officers in the command tried their best to locate the whereabouts of the rosters but failed. They had resigned the case as hopeless. However, fortunately enough, probably God has willed that justice would be given to these men who really sacrificed like other guerrilla units the AFWESPAC has extended the deadline to March 15, this year. Fortunately, further, the said undersigned Commanding Officer has returned and immediately, therefore, the said roster was prepared in accordance with the USA T/O & E.

4. It will be noted also that there exist vacancies in the Heavy Weapons Company of this unit. The total number of officers and men are a little more than to fill the quota required by the USA T/O & E, after one platoon was duly

5. These men have long bound their hearts together under one common cause — the defense of Democracy, our cherished ideal that shall never falter — and not that victory has been honorably and humanly achieved, we promise to strengthen our unity further under the guidance of America. To her, we promise to cooperate in whatever undertaking she will pursue, because we know that God has given her the supreme right to lead the world into a life of happiness, liberty and prosperity.

6. And lastly, it is hereby most respectfully requested that permission be granted to this unit to present other pertinent papers in support of the activities of each and every member thereof, sometime later.

7. Request approval.

[Sgd.] JEREMIAS M. ORAÑA
Lt. Col. Infantry
Commanding Officer

1. Two (2) complete copies to CG, AFWESPAC;

2. One complete copy to the Honorable Secretary of National Defense; and

3. One complete copy – File (in the Headquarters of the unit)

APO 707
28 JUN 1946

The “Oraña Guerrilla Unit,” purporting to be a guerrilla unit under your nominal control, is not favorably considered for recognition as an element of the Philippine Army.

A set of general requirements for guerrilla recognition, established by General MacArthur during the liberation of the Philippines, has been used as a guide in considering the record of this unit. After careful investigation and full consideration of all available substantiating records and testimony of witnesses having pertinent knowledge, recognition of this guerrilla unit is not deemed to be warranted because of reasons mentioned below:

a. The unit was not maintained satisfactorily in the field in opposition to the enemy.

b. Activities of the unit did not contribute materially to the eventual defeat of the enemy.

c. A definite organization was not established.

d. Adequate records were not maintained (names, ranks, dates of enlistment or joining, dates of promotion, and necessary related information).

e. Many members apparently lived at home, supporting their families by means of farming or other civilian pursuits and assisted the guerrilla unit on a part time basis only.

f. Record of service was not substantiated by sufficient acceptable evidence.

It is requested that you comply with the provisions of Executive Order No. 68, by the President of the Philippines, dated 26 September 1945, copy attached.

W. P. MOORE
Lt. Col., AGD
Ass’t Adj Gen

Executive Order No. 68

The “Oraña Guerrilla Unit,” consisting of 938 officers and enlisted men under the command of Jeremias M. Oraña has not been favorably considered for recognition. Two members have been recognized in the Triumvirate Guerrillas.

2. Basis for non-recognition:

a. The unit was not maintained satisfactorily in the field in opposition to the enemy.

b. Activities of the unit did not contribute materially to the eventual defeat of the enemy.

c. A definite organization was not established.

d. Adequate records were not maintained.

e. Many members apparently lived at home, supporting their families by means of farming or other civilian pursuits, and assisted the guerrilla unit on a part time basis only.

f. Record of service was not substantiated by sufficient acceptable evidence.

g. Lack of confidence in their guerrilla unit was shown by an attempted bribery of the investigating officer.

3. Col. Marking, Col. Adevoso, and Col. Gellidon recommendations state “UNKNOWN.”