Lobo Unit Editorial Vol III No. 15 on the Day of Redemption for the Filipino People
[TRANSCRIPTION]
The Lobo Unit, USAFFE Guerrilla was originally considered by the United States army as part of the Pandita Area, DI Combat, Free Luzon Area, 6th Military District guerrilla outfit under the command of one Danny Flores. The mother organization was not favorably considered for recognition by the United States Army. However, among the files of this unit submitted to the United States Army is a series of “editorials” which, while not created by anybody from within the unit, were probably disseminated not only among guerrillas but also the civilian population in Lobo to keep the morale high. Thus, it provides great historical value and is included among the files of this unit. This document is part of this series.
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| VOL. III, NO. 15 | 11 March 1944 |
E D I T O R I A L
The day of Redemption of the Filipino people from the hands of the Japanese is scheduled this year, 1944. There must not be any more room for doubt regarding the return of America to the Philippines. We repeat, America is soon coming back to the Philippines.
America has met the issues of War with all her might. Her Army, Navy and Air Forces have met the enemy in far-flung continents: Africa, Europe, Australia and Asia.
In Africa, the enemies were driven away to seek shelter and refuge in their homelands. They have been pushed back, and the War is now carried on right on their soils. They have lost possessions and territories wherein they get their vital raw war materials to carry on the War. Whatever reserves they might have, have been up and replacements, therefore, are impossible. They are now only biding time and soon they would surrender.
Here in the Pacific, the situation is the same. From Australia to the North (Oceania), the Japanese have lost their vital and strategic islands for bases. One by one, the islands they formerly occupied are being captured and taken by the Allies. Their forces, therefore, in the south have been cut off from their lifeline contact, communications and supply from the homeland. They are now losing their screws; they are becoming jittery; they are losing their morale. Soon, they will give up the fight or face starvation and extinction from the Map of the World.
The following War Flashes will explain more in detail our editorial:
“The wheat and allied crops harvested last spring fell below the mark, due to the damages of floods and storms in some parts of the country. A substantial increase in wheat and barely crops next spring is found necessary to free the country from its dependence on foreign rice imports.”
Minister.
Almighty God and all of mankind know who is the aggressor in the present War. Justice will always prevail. Even Nature is against the invaders. Their guilt will never be atoned [for] by false and crafty propaganda.
“In the meantime, the shortage of fiber resources has become increasingly acute with the progress of the War and the demand for labor and raw materials by war industries more pressing.”
Minister.
KEEP ON SAILING!
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But we ask with all sincerity: “Now that the Japanese troops in the Southwest Pacific area are cut off from lifeline contact, communications and supply from the homeland, could more and more arms and ammunition be sent to the firing fronts?” Dear Reader, what do you say? Your answer is as good as ours.
“Amazing achievement would be possible if our productive power overwhelmingly surpassed that of our enemy.”
Even a grader in a small barrio school knows that Japan is a poor country. In fact, she is waging this war to have more territories for her teeming hungry millions. She lacks mineral war resources to carry on the war. With this deficiency, could she continue the war for long? Again, dear Reader, your answer is as good as ours. We will never disown your answer.
“The War of Greater East Asia has always been anticipated to be a protracted affair.”
Right you are, Mr. Tozyo. But with Japan's manpower and resources almost exhausted, will Japan be able to carry on a long war with the Allies whose resources are still untouched, intact? Will the mosquitoes be able to suck all the blood of the sleeping lion? A mere wag of its tail will drive the mosquitoes away. Dear Reader, what do you say this time? Your answer is our answer, too.
“In the area of [the] Bougainville Island, the Americans landed on Mono Island on October 27 and on Bougainville Island on November 1. Thereafter, the enemy dispatched fleets five times with reinforcements and supplies. He continued on dispatching reinforcements and supplies until November 17, thus gaining superiority in arms, materials and manpower. This disclosed his determination to hold his positions in these strategically important islands. It is obvious that the enemy is not going to abandon his plan soonor readily.”
Yes, it is very obvious Mr. Tozyo. America will not abandon her plan. In fact, she will push ahead her enemy, as she is advancing steadily, whether you like it or not, Mr. Tozyo.
Dear Reader, the Head of the Japanese nation is now confessing his guilt. Yours will be the verdict. We are with you. We repeat. We are with you.
KEEP ON SAILING!