Testimony of Jose M. Katigbak on Japanese Atrocities Committed in Lipa, Batangas in 1945
This page contains the testimony of Jose M. Katigbak on Japanese atrocities committed in the town of Lipa, Batangas in 1945. The pages contained herein are now declassified and were part of compiled documentation1 of war crimes trials conducted by the United States Military Commission after the conclusion of World War II. This transcription has been corrected for grammar where necessary by Batangas History, Culture and Folklore. The pagination is as it was contained in the original document for citation purposes.
JOSE M. KATIGBAK
DIRECT EXAMINATION
[p. 1587]
called as witness on behalf of the Prosecution, being first duly sworn, was examined and testified as follows:
Q (By Captain Pace) Give your name, please.
A Jose M. Katigbak.
Q Where do you live?
A Lipa, Batangas.
Q What is your profession?
A Physician.
Q And in addition to being a physician, do you hold any other position?
A I am the acting mayor of Lipa, Batangas.
A Jose M. Katigbak.
Q Where do you live?
A Lipa, Batangas.
Q What is your profession?
A Physician.
Q And in addition to being a physician, do you hold any other position?
A I am the acting mayor of Lipa, Batangas.
[p. 1588]
Q How long have you been the mayor of Lipa, Batangas?
A Since April 23, 1945.
Q During the Japanese occupation of Lipa and before their withdrawal from Lipa, did they do anything to the city?
A Before their withdrawal from Lipa, there was a preparation, a deliberate preparation for the destruction of the town.
Q What did they do in preparation for the destruction of the town?
A All the big houses were provided with drums of gasoline. The small houses were also provided with bottles of gasoline.
Q With what?
A Bottles containing gasoline. This, they placed in all houses. There was also a preparation for a sure destruction of the town by having some of the soldiers drill in throwing lighted bottles of gasoline on the walls, in order to break them and be sure of the flames that would get out of the bottles of gasoline.
Q What happened when the Japanese withdrew?
A Before they withdrew, it was somewhere around about the end of March, a portion of the town had been burned.
Q By whom?
A By the Japanese.
Q Alright. What happened then?
A Then, on the 27th of March — that is, Tuesday of Holy Week — the whole town was set on fire.
A Since April 23, 1945.
Q During the Japanese occupation of Lipa and before their withdrawal from Lipa, did they do anything to the city?
A Before their withdrawal from Lipa, there was a preparation, a deliberate preparation for the destruction of the town.
Q What did they do in preparation for the destruction of the town?
A All the big houses were provided with drums of gasoline. The small houses were also provided with bottles of gasoline.
Q With what?
A Bottles containing gasoline. This, they placed in all houses. There was also a preparation for a sure destruction of the town by having some of the soldiers drill in throwing lighted bottles of gasoline on the walls, in order to break them and be sure of the flames that would get out of the bottles of gasoline.
Q What happened when the Japanese withdrew?
A Before they withdrew, it was somewhere around about the end of March, a portion of the town had been burned.
Q By whom?
A By the Japanese.
Q Alright. What happened then?
A Then, on the 27th of March — that is, Tuesday of Holy Week — the whole town was set on fire.
[p. 1589]
Q By whom?
A By the Japanese.
A By the Japanese.
(A photograph was marked
Prosecution Exhibit No.
259 for identification.)
Prosecution Exhibit No.
259 for identification.)
 |
| Exhibit 259, Lipa south of the bell tower. Image credit: U.S. National Archives. |
Q Will you look at Prosecution Exhibit 259 for identification and state what it is?
A This is part of the town of Lipa, looking southward from the bell tower.
Q Is that a correct representation of the way the portion of Lipa shown in that photograph looked after the Japanese had burned the town?
A Yes, sir.
A This is part of the town of Lipa, looking southward from the bell tower.
Q Is that a correct representation of the way the portion of Lipa shown in that photograph looked after the Japanese had burned the town?
A Yes, sir.
CAPTAIN PACE: I offer it in evidence.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: There being no objection, it is accepted in evidence.
(Prosecution Exhibit No.
259 for identification
was received in evidence.)
259 for identification
was received in evidence.)
(A photograph was marked
Prosecution Exhibit No.
260 for identification.)
Prosecution Exhibit No.
260 for identification.)
 |
| Exhibit 260, Lipa looking north. Image credit: U.S. National Archives. |
Q (By Captain Pace) Will you look at Prosecution Exhibit 260 for identification and state what it is?
A This is a picture of the portion of the town looking northward, after the destruction.
Q Does that correctly show the way that portion of the town looked after it was burned
A Yes, sir.
Q There appear in that picture roofs that appear to be of a temporary nature, and several items like that. Have they been added since the fire?
A This is a picture of the portion of the town looking northward, after the destruction.
Q Does that correctly show the way that portion of the town looked after it was burned
A Yes, sir.
Q There appear in that picture roofs that appear to be of a temporary nature, and several items like that. Have they been added since the fire?
[p. 1590]
A Yes, sir. These are temporary buildings that have been erected by the inhabitants.
CAPTAIN PACE: I offer this in evidence.
There being no objection, it is accepted in evidence.
(Prosecution Exhibit No.
260 for identification
was received in evidence.
260 for identification
was received in evidence.
(A photograph was marked
Prosecution Exhibit No.
261 for identification.)
Prosecution Exhibit No.
261 for identification.)
 |
| Exhibit 261. Lipa looking west. Image credit: U.S. National Archives. |
Q (By Captain Pace) Will you look at Prosecution Exhibit 261 for identification and describe it?
A This is the portion of the town looking westward from the bell tower, after the destruction of the Japanese.
A This is the portion of the town looking westward from the bell tower, after the destruction of the Japanese.
CAPTAIN PACE: I offer it in evidence.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: There being no objection, it is accepted in evidence.
(Prosecution Exhibit No.
261 for identification
was received in evidence.)
261 for identification
was received in evidence.)
(A photograph was marked
Prosecution Exhibit No.
262 for identification.)
Prosecution Exhibit No.
262 for identification.)
 |
| Exhibit 262. Destroyed Lipa Cathedral. Image credit: U.S. National Archives. |
Q (By Captain Pace) Did the Japanese do anything to prepare the Lipa Cathedral for burning?
A The convent, which was located near the cathedral, was also provided with drums of gasoline.
Q And did the cathedral and convent burn?
A Both of them burned down.
Q Will you look at Exhibit 262 for identification, and state what it shows?
A The convent, which was located near the cathedral, was also provided with drums of gasoline.
Q And did the cathedral and convent burn?
A Both of them burned down.
Q Will you look at Exhibit 262 for identification, and state what it shows?
[p. 1591]
A This is the Lipa Cathedral after it had been destroyed, burned down.
CAPTAIN PACE: I offer it in evidence.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: There being no objection, it is accepted in evidence.
(Prosecution Exhibit No.
262 for identification
was received in evidence.)
262 for identification
was received in evidence.)
(A photograph was marked
Prosecution Exhibit No.
263 for identification.)
Prosecution Exhibit No.
263 for identification.)
 |
| Exhibit 263. Inside the destroyed Lipa Cathedral. Image credit: U.S. National Archives. |
Q (By Captain Pace) Will you look at Exhibit 263 for identification and see if you can identify it?
A This is the inside of the Lipa Cathedral after it had been destroyed.
A This is the inside of the Lipa Cathedral after it had been destroyed.
CAPTAIN PACE: I offer it in evidence.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: There being no objection, it is accepted in evidence.
(Prosecution Exhibit No.
263 for identification
was received in evidence.)
263 for identification
was received in evidence.)
Q (By Captain Pace) Now, was any other destruction to property done by the Japanese before they evacuated?
A Before the evacuation, the other destruction [that] was done was the confiscation of whatever belongings that were left behind by the people in their rush in going away; such as corimatas [carromata, a horse-draw carriage], automobiles, clothes, and all other animals — for example, chickens and cows; all had been taken away by the Japanese.
Q Did they pay for them?
A No.
Q Was anything else destroyed?
A Before the evacuation, the other destruction [that] was done was the confiscation of whatever belongings that were left behind by the people in their rush in going away; such as corimatas [carromata, a horse-draw carriage], automobiles, clothes, and all other animals — for example, chickens and cows; all had been taken away by the Japanese.
Q Did they pay for them?
A No.
Q Was anything else destroyed?
[p. 1592]
A Destruction of lives.
Q How about municipal facilities?
A The municipal building, the electric light plant, were totally blown up, and also the water system was destroyed.
Q What destruction, if any, occurred in Lipa due to American bombing or shelling?
A There were around ten houses that were bombed by the Americans. Now, these houses that were bombed, were previously marked by the ROTC Hunters guerrilla unit, which had its headquarters in Lipa.
Q Nothing was destroyed other than the ten houses that were bombed after they had been marked by the guerrillas, is that right?
A That is what has been the report of the guerrillas.
Q Now, as municipal mayor for the municipality of Lipa, did you receive orders from the Governor of the Province of Batangas to conduct an investigation?
A Yes, sir.
Q What was the nature of the orders which you received?
A The orders were for the investigation of the destruction of property, property losses, the number of houses that had been burned, and the number of people that had been killed?
Q Now, has your office, under your supervision, made an investigation into the number of people killed?
A Yes, sir.
Q In the municipality of Lipa?
A Yes, sir.
Q How about municipal facilities?
A The municipal building, the electric light plant, were totally blown up, and also the water system was destroyed.
Q What destruction, if any, occurred in Lipa due to American bombing or shelling?
A There were around ten houses that were bombed by the Americans. Now, these houses that were bombed, were previously marked by the ROTC Hunters guerrilla unit, which had its headquarters in Lipa.
Q Nothing was destroyed other than the ten houses that were bombed after they had been marked by the guerrillas, is that right?
A That is what has been the report of the guerrillas.
Q Now, as municipal mayor for the municipality of Lipa, did you receive orders from the Governor of the Province of Batangas to conduct an investigation?
A Yes, sir.
Q What was the nature of the orders which you received?
A The orders were for the investigation of the destruction of property, property losses, the number of houses that had been burned, and the number of people that had been killed?
Q Now, has your office, under your supervision, made an investigation into the number of people killed?
A Yes, sir.
Q In the municipality of Lipa?
A Yes, sir.
[p. 1593]
Q Is that investigation complete yet?
A Up to this time, it has not been completed, because most of the places are rather inaccessible at this time.
Q How does your staff investigate the people who were killed?
A By indulging — giving the barrio lieutenants instructions to get the names of all the people in their barrio that had been killed.
Q And have the barrio lieutenants in your municipality, some of them, submitted lists?
A Yes, sir.
Q Pursuant to your orders?
A Yes, sir.
Q And have you compiled these lists?
A Yes, sir.
Q In connection with your official duties?
A Yes, sir.
A Up to this time, it has not been completed, because most of the places are rather inaccessible at this time.
Q How does your staff investigate the people who were killed?
A By indulging — giving the barrio lieutenants instructions to get the names of all the people in their barrio that had been killed.
Q And have the barrio lieutenants in your municipality, some of them, submitted lists?
A Yes, sir.
Q Pursuant to your orders?
A Yes, sir.
Q And have you compiled these lists?
A Yes, sir.
Q In connection with your official duties?
A Yes, sir.
(A list of names was mark-
ed Prosecution Exhibit No.264 for identification.
ed Prosecution Exhibit No.264 for identification.
Q Will you please look at Prosecution Exhibit 264 for identification, and tell me if you can identify it?
A Yes, sir. This is the list of the dead persons who died by massacre under the Japanese hands, which had been compiled in our office, a partial list.
Q You say this is a partial list?
A Partial list.
Q Is that an official record of the deaths compiled by your office?
A Yes, sir.
A Yes, sir. This is the list of the dead persons who died by massacre under the Japanese hands, which had been compiled in our office, a partial list.
Q You say this is a partial list?
A Partial list.
Q Is that an official record of the deaths compiled by your office?
A Yes, sir.
[p. 1594]
Q Under your supervision?
A Yes, sir.
Q How many names does it contain?
A That list, I think, contains around 2164.
Q In addition to these 2164 dead people listed here, what is your estimate of the number of people were were residents of Lipa who were killed by the Japanese?
A The residents —
A Yes, sir.
Q How many names does it contain?
A That list, I think, contains around 2164.
Q In addition to these 2164 dead people listed here, what is your estimate of the number of people were were residents of Lipa who were killed by the Japanese?
A The residents —
CAPTAIN REEL: Just a moment. Since the question adds the term “by the Japanese,” we object to it; there has been no evidence of that at all. When the time comes when the Prosecution seeks to admit this, we will object to it on that basis; but since the question has been asked with those words, we will object to the question.
CAPTAIN PACE: I will withdraw the question, and at this time offer Prosecution Exhibit 264 for identification in evidence.
CAPTAIN REEL: Defense objects to the exhibit, sir, for the following reasons: in the first place, it is entirely beyond this witness’ personal knowledge. In the second place, this list purports to be — and I quote from it — a list of persons massacred by the Japanese in Pangao, Lipa, Batangas. There is no evidence that this list of persons was massacred by the Japanese. It is beyond this witness’ personal knowledge. In addition, this witness has testified that there were shelling by the American forces in that town; undoubtedly, some people died from those shelling. This witness has further testified, sir, that Lipa was the headquarters of the Hunters
[p. 1595]
guerrillas, a pro-American guerrilla group. There has also been testified that the Makapili were operating in that area, an anti-American or pro-Japanese guerrilla group, and there is no way of ascertaining from this list how many of these people were killed in the bloody encounters between these guerrilla groups.
We feel that it is entirely unjustified, and we object to it, sir.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: The Commission will withdraw for deliberation.
(Whereupon, the members of the Commission retired for executive session.)[p. 1596]
GENERAL REYNOLDS: The objection of counsel to the admission of the document in its present form is sustained. The list of names is accepted by the Commission as an official compilation by an appropriate civil agency of individual persons known to be missing from their customary abodes or in some cases known to be dead following the period in question.
Subject to this interpretation, the document is accepted by the Commission for such probative value as it considers appropriate.
(Prosecution Exhibit No. 264
for identification was
received in evidence.)
for identification was
received in evidence.)
CAPTAIN REEL: Sir, may I ask that the reporter read back the first question and answer after the exhibit was first shown to the witness?
GENERAL REYNOLDS: Very well.
(The question and answer referred to were read by the reporter as follows:
“Q Will you look at Prosecution Exhibit 264 for identification and tell me if you can identify it?
“Yes, sir. This is a list of dead persons who died by massacre under the Japanese hands which had been compiled in our offices — a partial list.”)
CAPTAIN REEL: Sir, because of the ruling of the Commission, we ask that the question and answer be stricken from the record.GENERAL REYNOLDS: The Commission directs that the question and answer be stricken from the record.
[p. 1597]
Q (By Captain Pace) Doctor, what orders did you receive from the Governor of the Province of Batangas in connection with the preparation of the list which is now Prosecution’s Exhibit No. 264?
A The order that we received was to prepare a list of persons who were massacred during the Japanese regime.
Q Pursuant to that order, what instructions did you give your subordinates?
A I told the subordinate lieutenants to take only the names of all persons that died under these circumstances.
Q What circumstances?
A The order that we received was to prepare a list of persons who were massacred during the Japanese regime.
Q Pursuant to that order, what instructions did you give your subordinates?
A I told the subordinate lieutenants to take only the names of all persons that died under these circumstances.
Q What circumstances?
CAPTAIN REEL: May we ask that this examination be stricken or that its purpose be ascertained? We understood that the Commission had ruled that this exhibit is already in for a certain purpose. We don’t believe that Prosecution should attempt now to change the ruling of the Commission by any other method.
CAPTAIN PACE: I submit, sir, that the document is worthless unless the method of its preparation, the purpose of its preparation, and the circumstances under which it was prepared are also in evidence.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: The Commission would have received and considered such testimony prior to the introduction of the document. The Commission has considered the points raised and it desires that further questioning as to the method used with regard to the document is omitted.
CAPTAIN PACE: Yes.
Q (By Captain Pace) What months or what period of time did the deaths in the list cover, Doctor?
[p. 1598]
A The list covered the deaths from February — from November up to March of nineteen forty — November, 1944, to March, 1945.
Q Does it contain the names of people who are known to have died natural deaths?
A No, sir; because of that, we have a list in the municipality.
Q In the municipality of Lipa, do you know how many people were killed due to the hazards of war, such as American or Japanese artillery fire?
Q Does it contain the names of people who are known to have died natural deaths?
A No, sir; because of that, we have a list in the municipality.
Q In the municipality of Lipa, do you know how many people were killed due to the hazards of war, such as American or Japanese artillery fire?
CAPTAIN REEL: Sir, we object. We understood that the Commission had ruled on this subject.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: The objection of counsel is sustained.
CAPTAIN PACE: Am I to understand, sir, that we are allowed to show that the city records of Lipa, which supplement this list and their relation to it —
GENERAL REYNOLDS: As to the list which has been presented to the Commission on which this Commission has ruled, the matter is considered closed.
CAPTAIN PACE: Yes, sir.
Q (By Captain Pace) You stated, Doctor, that your investigation pursuant to the orders of the Governor of Batangas has not been completed. Is that correct?
A That is only a partial list that we have handed to the committee of — War Crimes Committee.
Q How many people do you estimate in your official capacity were killed by the Japanese during the period in question?
A That is only a partial list that we have handed to the committee of — War Crimes Committee.
Q How many people do you estimate in your official capacity were killed by the Japanese during the period in question?
[p. 1599]
CAPTAIN REEL: Sir, again we object.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: The objection is sustained.
MAJOR KERR: Sir, is the Prosecution to understand, then, that the Commission will receive no testimony from this witness concerning who killed whom and how many in Batangas Province —
GENERAL REYNOLDS: The Commission—
MAJOR KERR: We are not seeking now, sir, to discuss the list in evidence, but I believe we qualified this witness to show how many people were killed by the Japanese. That is the purpose of the line of questioning now.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: The Commission feels that the ruling announced was entirely clear and adequate. It has accepted this list as names of people who are known missing from the area and in some cases known to be dead. It does not seem to the Commission that after that ruling, it is appropriate for the Prosecution to pursue the matter further. As far as that ruling governing on the presentation of any future documents, we will consider those future documents on their merits when they are presented to us for consideration.
MAJOR KERR: Then we are free, sir, to proceed with this witness outside of the list which is in evidence to show the deaths which did occur by Japanese action in his area? Is that correct, sir?
GENERAL REYNOLDS: It would seem to the Commission that if we were to do that, he would testify as to his personal knowledge and not from the documents which have already been accepted by the Commission.
[p. 1600]
MAJOR KERR: Yes, sir.
CAPTAIN PACE: Will you read the question?
(Question read.)
GENERAL REYNOLDS: That is an example of questions which the Commission considers inappropriate and will not be answered.
Q (By Captain Pace) Exclusive of the names contained in the Exhibit No. 264, how many additional people do you estimate were killed in the Municipality of Lipa by the Japanese?
A About seven —
A About seven —
CAPTAIN REEL: Sorry. I object, sir. To those last words, we object.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: If the witness is testifying by his personal knowledge, there is no objection to the question.
CAPTAIN PACE: I will ask a preparatory question, sir.
Q (By Captain Pace) Is any testimony you might give in that connection based upon information and reports and personal investigation on your part which was done in your official capacity pursuant to orders which you received officially from the Governor of Batangas?
A Yes, sir.
Q Will you state how many people you estimate to have been killed by the Japanese?
A Yes, sir.
Q Will you state how many people you estimate to have been killed by the Japanese?
CAPTAIN REEL: We object, sir.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: I fear Prosecution is carrying this to an absurdity. If you wish to bring out questions
[p. 1601]
within the personal knowledge of this witness, the Commission will hear you.
CAPTAIN PACE: If the Commission, please, I called this witness as an official and it is my understanding that in any court of law, an official can testify to things which he has learned through subordinates which have been collected due to official instructions. If that is what the Commission means by “personal knowledge,” I think that the witness is qualified to answer the question.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: As to the information he received by official investigation, it is contained in this document. And, once more, the Commission announces the matter is close.
CAPTAIN PACE: Yes, sir.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: This witness, like any other person, may testify as to his personal knowledge.
Q (By Captain Pace) How many residents of the Municipality of Lipa died between November, 1944 and April, 1945 from natural and other causes?
A From natural and other causes, the number of people that died there is more than 10,000.
Q Of those 10,000, how many of them died from natural causes?
A From natural and other causes, the number of people that died there is more than 10,000.
Q Of those 10,000, how many of them died from natural causes?
CAPTAIN REEL: Sir, we object unless there is some showing that this witness has personal knowledge, which the Commission has insisted upon.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: Objection is not sustained.
A I say there were more than 10,000 that died. Of this, according to the knowledge that we have in
[p. 1602]
municipality, about 1,000 died of natural causes.
Q (By Captain Pace) Other than the people who were residents of the Municipality of Lipa, did residents of other municipalities die there from other than natural causes?
A Yes, sir.
Q How many of those?
A There were more or less 1,000; between 500 and 1,000.
Q And how many of those died of natural deaths?
A There were less than a hundred, I think.
Q (By Captain Pace) Other than the people who were residents of the Municipality of Lipa, did residents of other municipalities die there from other than natural causes?
A Yes, sir.
Q How many of those?
A There were more or less 1,000; between 500 and 1,000.
Q And how many of those died of natural deaths?
A There were less than a hundred, I think.
CAPTAIN REEL: Sir, we will ask that the answer be stricken. The witness obviously is not testifying from his personal knowledge. He said, “less than 100, I think.” This does not comply with the Commission’s ruling.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: The objection is not sustained.
Q (By Captain Pace) Doctor, during the period of the liberation of the Municipality of Lipa and the period immediately preceding it, was there any fighting between the American forces and the Japanese forces in your municipality?
A There was a very slight fighting [that] took place there.
Q Well, will you give the scale of the fighting as you knew it?
A The Japanese withdrew to the mountains. There, they did not venture to go out of their hiding place during daytime, so whatever fighting took place was the bombing of the Japanese concentrations in the foot of the mountains.
Q Were any of the residents of Lipa in the mountains with the Japanese where these bombings took place?
A There was a very slight fighting [that] took place there.
Q Well, will you give the scale of the fighting as you knew it?
A The Japanese withdrew to the mountains. There, they did not venture to go out of their hiding place during daytime, so whatever fighting took place was the bombing of the Japanese concentrations in the foot of the mountains.
Q Were any of the residents of Lipa in the mountains with the Japanese where these bombings took place?
[p. 1603]
A A few, except those who were members of the makapilis, and those persons which they gathered from the foot of the mountains.
Q Approximately how many residents were there?
A There will be about 3,000 people down there.
Q From the municipality?
A From the municipality.
Q Have the figures you have given us included those people?
A From my municipality, that mountain is surrounded by three municipalities and some of these Filipinos down there are from other municipalities. From my municipality, there were about 2,000 that were there.
Q Were you considering those people in the figures which you have given us?
A Pardon me?
Q The figures which you have given us, have they taken into consideration the people at the foot of the mountains with the Japanese?
A Those were the people of Lipa that were taken into the mountains.
Q Are you considering them when you give us these figures which you have testified to?
A In the killings?
Q Yes.
A No, sir.
Q How much bombing occurred in your municipality by either the Americans or the Japanese?
A There were plenty of bombings that we are unable to
Q Approximately how many residents were there?
A There will be about 3,000 people down there.
Q From the municipality?
A From the municipality.
Q Have the figures you have given us included those people?
A From my municipality, that mountain is surrounded by three municipalities and some of these Filipinos down there are from other municipalities. From my municipality, there were about 2,000 that were there.
Q Were you considering those people in the figures which you have given us?
A Pardon me?
Q The figures which you have given us, have they taken into consideration the people at the foot of the mountains with the Japanese?
A Those were the people of Lipa that were taken into the mountains.
Q Are you considering them when you give us these figures which you have testified to?
A In the killings?
Q Yes.
A No, sir.
Q How much bombing occurred in your municipality by either the Americans or the Japanese?
A There were plenty of bombings that we are unable to
[p. 1604]
account; also, there were some shelling Once in a while, the Americans would shell them, so that practically, we were never able to find how many were taking place.
Q Do you know how many people were killed by that?
A We were not able to get into the concentration camp.
Q Do you know how many people were killed by that?
A We were not able to get into the concentration camp.
CAPTAIN PACE: You may inquire.
Q (By Captain Sandberg) How long have you lived in Lipa?
A During all my life except when I studied here in Manila.
Q And have you during that entire period been always in close touch with public affairs in Lipa?
A Yes, sir; after I graduated from the College of Medicine.
Q And would you say that you are well qualified to speak about everything that happened in Lipa?
A I am.
Q And would you also say that you are sure that nothing of public importance would occur in Lipa about which you would not know?
A I think so.
Q What was the population of Lipa in 1944?
A 1944, there was no census taken during that day — that year.
Q As a man familiar with public affairs, what would you estimate the population?
A The population of Lipa with the census taken in 1939 was 45,000.
A During all my life except when I studied here in Manila.
Q And have you during that entire period been always in close touch with public affairs in Lipa?
A Yes, sir; after I graduated from the College of Medicine.
Q And would you say that you are well qualified to speak about everything that happened in Lipa?
A I am.
Q And would you also say that you are sure that nothing of public importance would occur in Lipa about which you would not know?
A I think so.
Q What was the population of Lipa in 1944?
A 1944, there was no census taken during that day — that year.
Q As a man familiar with public affairs, what would you estimate the population?
A The population of Lipa with the census taken in 1939 was 45,000.
[p. 1605]
Q I see. Do you know what the population of Lipa is now?
A According to our survey, the population of Lipa, including all of those evacuees from other towns, is around 46,000.
Q That is, the population of Lipa now is 1,000 more than it was during the war?
A Including those evacuees that are still in Lipa from other towns.
Q You stated that the headquarters of the Hunters ROTC guerrillas was located in Lipa?
A Yes, sir.
Q How do you know that?
A My younger brother is the Chief of the Intelligence Division of the ROTC guerrilla unit.
Q And did you know other people who were associated with the Hunters ROTC guerrillas?
A Yes, sir.
Q Were you yourself associated with them?
A Not exactly actively, but I am a supporter of it.
Q Will you describe to us exactly what your support consisted of?
A First support, I gave the lower part of my house as their headquarters and whenever they went to barrios, I either gave them money or gave them letters so that they might receive food and support from my friends in the barrios.
A According to our survey, the population of Lipa, including all of those evacuees from other towns, is around 46,000.
Q That is, the population of Lipa now is 1,000 more than it was during the war?
A Including those evacuees that are still in Lipa from other towns.
Q You stated that the headquarters of the Hunters ROTC guerrillas was located in Lipa?
A Yes, sir.
Q How do you know that?
A My younger brother is the Chief of the Intelligence Division of the ROTC guerrilla unit.
Q And did you know other people who were associated with the Hunters ROTC guerrillas?
A Yes, sir.
Q Were you yourself associated with them?
A Not exactly actively, but I am a supporter of it.
Q Will you describe to us exactly what your support consisted of?
A First support, I gave the lower part of my house as their headquarters and whenever they went to barrios, I either gave them money or gave them letters so that they might receive food and support from my friends in the barrios.
[p. 1606]
Q I see. As a man familiar with public affairs in Lipa, could you tell us what activities the Hunters ROTC guerrillas carried on?
A They were carrying an Intelligence Division, that is, working about the movements of the Japanese soldiers, the movements of their mechanized units, investigating the places where they were hiding their ammunition dumps, airplanes, parts of airplanes and other mechanical devices.
Q And as a man familiar with public affairs in Lipa, would you say that their espionage activities were effective?
A I think so, sir.
Q Were the Hunters ROTC guerrillas armed?
A No, sir. Some of them were bearing only small arms like revolvers for self-protection when they went to the different towns.
Q Were any of them armed with bolo knives?
A Pardon me?
Q Bolo knives.
A “Bolo?”
Q Bolo knives.
A Some of them, to disguise themselves as workers, used these bolo knives.
Q Did the Hunters ROTC guerrillas wear a uniform or distinctive marking?
A No, sir.
Q Would you describe their activities generally as “clandestine” and “secret?”
A As secret.
A They were carrying an Intelligence Division, that is, working about the movements of the Japanese soldiers, the movements of their mechanized units, investigating the places where they were hiding their ammunition dumps, airplanes, parts of airplanes and other mechanical devices.
Q And as a man familiar with public affairs in Lipa, would you say that their espionage activities were effective?
A I think so, sir.
Q Were the Hunters ROTC guerrillas armed?
A No, sir. Some of them were bearing only small arms like revolvers for self-protection when they went to the different towns.
Q Were any of them armed with bolo knives?
A Pardon me?
Q Bolo knives.
A “Bolo?”
Q Bolo knives.
A Some of them, to disguise themselves as workers, used these bolo knives.
Q Did the Hunters ROTC guerrillas wear a uniform or distinctive marking?
A No, sir.
Q Would you describe their activities generally as “clandestine” and “secret?”
A As secret.
[p. 1607]
Q Would you describe their activities as being of the type in which they operated against the Japanese from secret hiding places and at night?
A Not secret hiding places because the place, you may not call “secret” because it was right in the town; but their actions were all secret.
Q Would you describe the Hunters ROTC guerrillas as a military organization engaged in the war against the Japanese?
A These ROTC guerrillas, the one that was located in Lipa, Batangas, as I have said, was only for [the] Intelligence Division. They were to detect all movements done by the Japanese, the soldier movement; they were to detect where the big guns were being placed and also the concentrations of their soldiers, ammunition dumps, and whatever was important that was asked by the headquarters.
Q As a man thoroughly familiar with public affairs in Lipa, will you tell us what the strength of the Hunters ROTC was in February and March of 1945?
A Not secret hiding places because the place, you may not call “secret” because it was right in the town; but their actions were all secret.
Q Would you describe the Hunters ROTC guerrillas as a military organization engaged in the war against the Japanese?
A These ROTC guerrillas, the one that was located in Lipa, Batangas, as I have said, was only for [the] Intelligence Division. They were to detect all movements done by the Japanese, the soldier movement; they were to detect where the big guns were being placed and also the concentrations of their soldiers, ammunition dumps, and whatever was important that was asked by the headquarters.
Q As a man thoroughly familiar with public affairs in Lipa, will you tell us what the strength of the Hunters ROTC was in February and March of 1945?
MAJOR KERR: If the Commission please, may I inquire as to the purpose of this cross-examination?
GENERAL REYNOLDS: It seems to be pertinent. We did caution the Defense yesterday that they would be permitted to develop the guerrilla activities during their presentation of the case. This is an unusual witness and the Defense may continue.
A The Intelligence Division that was located in Lipa, Batangas had more than a hundred members.
Q (By Captain Sandberg) I see. Was there also
Q (By Captain Sandberg) I see. Was there also
[p. 1608]
operating at this time in Lipa the makapili?
A The makapilis during that time were rather inactive. They had not been in the field very much.
Q Well, do you remember an instance in which the makapili, as has been testified here this morning, made up lists of persons to be killed?
A Yes, sir.
Q And would you describe that as “inactivity?”
A Well, that’s the only contribution that we had got. They didn’t venture out in the field, because this list was being compiled within the town limits or within their barrios.
Q So, would you say that their sole activity was limited to informing the Japanese on the activities of the guerrillas?
A That was during February, but in March, when they found out that the people were already going away, they increased their activity because most of the guerrillas were not there — very few guerrillas were there already in town.
Q Were the makapili armed?
A Pardon me?
Q Were the makapili armed? A Some of them were armed and some of them were not.
Q Returning to the Hunters ROTC, do you remember as a man familiar with activities in Lipa of a time when American airplanes dropped guns, machine guns and other supplies, military equipment for use by the guerrillas around Lipa?
A In Lipa, there was none of that.
A The makapilis during that time were rather inactive. They had not been in the field very much.
Q Well, do you remember an instance in which the makapili, as has been testified here this morning, made up lists of persons to be killed?
A Yes, sir.
Q And would you describe that as “inactivity?”
A Well, that’s the only contribution that we had got. They didn’t venture out in the field, because this list was being compiled within the town limits or within their barrios.
Q So, would you say that their sole activity was limited to informing the Japanese on the activities of the guerrillas?
A That was during February, but in March, when they found out that the people were already going away, they increased their activity because most of the guerrillas were not there — very few guerrillas were there already in town.
Q Were the makapili armed?
A Pardon me?
Q Were the makapili armed? A Some of them were armed and some of them were not.
Q Returning to the Hunters ROTC, do you remember as a man familiar with activities in Lipa of a time when American airplanes dropped guns, machine guns and other supplies, military equipment for use by the guerrillas around Lipa?
A In Lipa, there was none of that.
[p. 1609]
Q Do you know of a guerrilla unit around Marauoy that amounted in strength to a full armed division?
A Marauoy, that is the P.Q.O.G.; President Quezon’s Own Guerrillas. P.Q.O.G. guerrillas.
Q And that was an active military organization, was it not?
A Yes, sir.
Q Fully armed to the strength of one division?
A Not fully armed but well armed.
Q And do you remember a guerrilla unit around Lake Taal that had a strength of about 10,000?
A 5,000?
Q 10,000.
A There was no guerrilla unit that had 10,000 near Lake Taal. There was a guerrilla unit on the Islands of Lake Taal.
Q And what was the strength of that?
A Only about 250 to 300.
Q Do you know a guerrilla unit that was headed by Vicente Umali?
A That was the P.Q.O.G.
Q Was there opposition between the makapili and the President Quezon’s Own Guerrillas?
A Plenty. They had everything against each other.
Q Do you remember the Hukbalahap? Did they operate down there?
A There was none in our locality.
Q Were there any operations by them in Batangas?
A There was none so far.
A Marauoy, that is the P.Q.O.G.; President Quezon’s Own Guerrillas. P.Q.O.G. guerrillas.
Q And that was an active military organization, was it not?
A Yes, sir.
Q Fully armed to the strength of one division?
A Not fully armed but well armed.
Q And do you remember a guerrilla unit around Lake Taal that had a strength of about 10,000?
A 5,000?
Q 10,000.
A There was no guerrilla unit that had 10,000 near Lake Taal. There was a guerrilla unit on the Islands of Lake Taal.
Q And what was the strength of that?
A Only about 250 to 300.
Q Do you know a guerrilla unit that was headed by Vicente Umali?
A That was the P.Q.O.G.
Q Was there opposition between the makapili and the President Quezon’s Own Guerrillas?
A Plenty. They had everything against each other.
Q Do you remember the Hukbalahap? Did they operate down there?
A There was none in our locality.
Q Were there any operations by them in Batangas?
A There was none so far.
[p. 1610]
Q Do you remember when the Mayor of Lipa was kidnapped in November of 1944?
A Mayor of Lipa kidnapped?
Q Yes.
A The Mayor of Lipa that was supposed to have been kidnapped was ex-mayor, not the mayor himself.
Q That is, he was the former —
A Mayor.
Q Mayor. And he was kidnapped by the guerrilla organizations?
A Not exactly kidnapped, but he ran away and said that he was kidnapped in order to protect his family from the Japanese.
Q I see. As a man familiar with public affairs in Lipa, will you tell us about the Japanese troops there? How many were in the town?
A During that time, the Japanese troops in Lipa, the exact number is not available because they moved from one point to another. Sometimes, groups would come to Lipa numbering about 600 to 700. The same groups would disappear the night after.
Q Well now, if I tell you that there were about 40 or 50 air force men, members of the Japanese air force there, would that refresh your recollection?
A You mean air force?
Q Japanese air force, that is, the ground force of the Japanese air force.
A The ground force of the Japanese airstrip in Lipa was not only 50. There were about 200 of them.
A Mayor of Lipa kidnapped?
Q Yes.
A The Mayor of Lipa that was supposed to have been kidnapped was ex-mayor, not the mayor himself.
Q That is, he was the former —
A Mayor.
Q Mayor. And he was kidnapped by the guerrilla organizations?
A Not exactly kidnapped, but he ran away and said that he was kidnapped in order to protect his family from the Japanese.
Q I see. As a man familiar with public affairs in Lipa, will you tell us about the Japanese troops there? How many were in the town?
A During that time, the Japanese troops in Lipa, the exact number is not available because they moved from one point to another. Sometimes, groups would come to Lipa numbering about 600 to 700. The same groups would disappear the night after.
Q Well now, if I tell you that there were about 40 or 50 air force men, members of the Japanese air force there, would that refresh your recollection?
A You mean air force?
Q Japanese air force, that is, the ground force of the Japanese air force.
A The ground force of the Japanese airstrip in Lipa was not only 50. There were about 200 of them.
[p. 1611]
Q Do you remember that after the Americans landed in Tagaytay that the Japanese caused the City of Lipa to be evacuated of its civilian population?
A At first, they told the people to evacuate. Then, after when all the people had gone away, they asked the people to return again and get passes so that they might go to town without any molestation from the Japanese.
Q Isn’t it a fact that the purpose of the evacuation was to protect the civilian population from the ravages of war and the internecine fighting between the various contending guerrilla factions?
A That was what they said, but that was not the fact because after the people had gone to the barrios, they began their raids in the barrios.
Q Lipa is on the main highway from Batangas to Manila, is it not?
A Yes, sir.
Q And was there a considerable amount of Japanese military traffic on that highway?
A Yes, sir.
Q Do you recall that incident in which that traffic was harassed by guerrillas?
A Not in the vicinity of Lipa.
Q But nearby?
A Maybe in other towns, but not in Lipa.
Q Do you know Eusevio [Eusebio] Linatoc?
A Yes, sir.
Q Do you know him as a member of a guerrilla organization?
A At first, they told the people to evacuate. Then, after when all the people had gone away, they asked the people to return again and get passes so that they might go to town without any molestation from the Japanese.
Q Isn’t it a fact that the purpose of the evacuation was to protect the civilian population from the ravages of war and the internecine fighting between the various contending guerrilla factions?
A That was what they said, but that was not the fact because after the people had gone to the barrios, they began their raids in the barrios.
Q Lipa is on the main highway from Batangas to Manila, is it not?
A Yes, sir.
Q And was there a considerable amount of Japanese military traffic on that highway?
A Yes, sir.
Q Do you recall that incident in which that traffic was harassed by guerrillas?
A Not in the vicinity of Lipa.
Q But nearby?
A Maybe in other towns, but not in Lipa.
Q Do you know Eusevio [Eusebio] Linatoc?
A Yes, sir.
Q Do you know him as a member of a guerrilla organization?
[p. 1612]
A He is not a member of a guerrilla organization.
Q Do you now Cipriano Rodelas?
A Cipriano Rodelas?
Q Yes.
A He is not a member of the organization.
Q And Felix Javier?
A Felix Javier is also not a member of the organization.
Q And you knew who the members of the organization were?
A Some of them; not all.
Q You have a pretty good idea who did belong, but you weren’t a member yourself?
A I am a supporter.
Q Do you now Cipriano Rodelas?
A Cipriano Rodelas?
Q Yes.
A He is not a member of the organization.
Q And Felix Javier?
A Felix Javier is also not a member of the organization.
Q And you knew who the members of the organization were?
A Some of them; not all.
Q You have a pretty good idea who did belong, but you weren’t a member yourself?
A I am a supporter.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: The Commission is quite well informed on the activities of guerrillas in Lipa. Is there anything to be gained by pursuing this discussion further?
CAPTAIN SANDBERG: Well, sir, I am just about finished with that phase of the cross-examination.
Q (By Captain Sandberg) In connection with the destruction of Lipa, where were you personally at that time?
A I was in the barrio.
Q How far from the city?
A Not very far. I could see the city from the barrio. It is about 11 kilometers.
Q You were about 11 kilometers from the scene of destruction?
A Yes.
Q So that you didn’t actually see what caused the destruction, did you?
A I was in the barrio.
Q How far from the city?
A Not very far. I could see the city from the barrio. It is about 11 kilometers.
Q You were about 11 kilometers from the scene of destruction?
A Yes.
Q So that you didn’t actually see what caused the destruction, did you?
[p. 1613]
A What I mean is that I was outside of the town, is that my family and myself were living outside of the town, being a supporter of the guerrillas, we were always venturing to get into the town, near the town. So that during that night when they set fire, most of our members were very near and some of them actually were within the town limits.
Q But so far as you yourself were concerned as a witness in this case, you didn’t actually see what caused the destruction of the houses in Lipa?
A I saw those which were on the outskirts of the town. That is near the town limit.
Q And did you actually see how those houses were destroyed?
A Yes, sir.
Q What exactly did you see?
A They threw bottles of gasoline, bottles containing gasoline, with wicks that were lighted. Some of them in small houses, they just splashed gasoline on the walls and then they lit it with [a] match.
Q But so far as you yourself were concerned as a witness in this case, you didn’t actually see what caused the destruction of the houses in Lipa?
A I saw those which were on the outskirts of the town. That is near the town limit.
Q And did you actually see how those houses were destroyed?
A Yes, sir.
Q What exactly did you see?
A They threw bottles of gasoline, bottles containing gasoline, with wicks that were lighted. Some of them in small houses, they just splashed gasoline on the walls and then they lit it with [a] match.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: The Commission has already heard that same question and the same answer, and unless Counsel has some particular reason for re-asking the question which is already in the record, we prefer not to take that time.
[p. 1614]
CAPTAIN SANDBERG: Well, if you please, sir, cross examination has already elicited from the witness that so far as the destruction of Lipa proper was concerned, it was not within the witness’ own knowledge, even though on direct examination, the inference was that it was. We regard that as extremely important, and the purpose of this cross examination is to elicit from the witness exactly how much he knew or knows, and how much is mere rumor or second-hand information.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: Very well.
CAPTAIN SANDBERG: Thank you.
Q (By Captain Sandberg) Now, you say that ROTC guerrillas marked certain houses for destruction. How do you know that?
A Because the members of the guerrilla division were separated into different sections of the town.
Q Yes. And how did the information come to you?
A When the chief compiled these different reports of the agents, so that they could get the statement at one time.
Q So that you knew the basis upon which the houses were marked for destruction?
A Pardon me?
Q So that you knew the basis upon which these houses were marked for destruction?
A I knew then by that report, and also after some of the houses were being burned.
Q Now, isn’t it a fact that the houses which were marked for destruction were the houses which belonged to Japanese collaborators?
A Because the members of the guerrilla division were separated into different sections of the town.
Q Yes. And how did the information come to you?
A When the chief compiled these different reports of the agents, so that they could get the statement at one time.
Q So that you knew the basis upon which the houses were marked for destruction?
A Pardon me?
Q So that you knew the basis upon which these houses were marked for destruction?
A I knew then by that report, and also after some of the houses were being burned.
Q Now, isn’t it a fact that the houses which were marked for destruction were the houses which belonged to Japanese collaborators?
[p. 1615]
A Exactly not — those houses which were being occupied by materials; for example, airplane parts and gasoline owned by the Japanese.
Q I see. Now, with reference to the fighting in Lipa, you were not there at the time, were you?
A I was in the barrio. There was nobody inside the town when there was fighting.
Q So that you don’t know of your own knowledge what the extent of the fighting was?
A What we saw only on account of the cannons and the airplanes that were making a dive into the town.
Q Now, you don’t also know of your own knowledge to what extent American artillery fire destroyed property in Lipa, do you?
A Not the American artillery fire; it practically didn’t destroy anything of importance in the town of Lipa.
Q Well, you don’t know, do you? That is your conclusion, but you don’t actually know; you weren’t there?
A We were near, and we saw that the firing was not in the town, but outside the town; the shells were dropping outside the town.
Q Do you recall instances in which American airplanes dived over the town on strafing operations?
A Yes, sir.
Q You do. Did that do any destruction?
A There were about 7 or 8 houses that were bombed.
Q I see. Now, with reference to the fighting in Lipa, you were not there at the time, were you?
A I was in the barrio. There was nobody inside the town when there was fighting.
Q So that you don’t know of your own knowledge what the extent of the fighting was?
A What we saw only on account of the cannons and the airplanes that were making a dive into the town.
Q Now, you don’t also know of your own knowledge to what extent American artillery fire destroyed property in Lipa, do you?
A Not the American artillery fire; it practically didn’t destroy anything of importance in the town of Lipa.
Q Well, you don’t know, do you? That is your conclusion, but you don’t actually know; you weren’t there?
A We were near, and we saw that the firing was not in the town, but outside the town; the shells were dropping outside the town.
Q Do you recall instances in which American airplanes dived over the town on strafing operations?
A Yes, sir.
Q You do. Did that do any destruction?
A There were about 7 or 8 houses that were bombed.
CAPTAIN SANDBERG: That is all.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: The Commission will recess for approximately ten minutes.
[p. 1616]
(Short recess.)
GENERAL REYNOLDS: The Commission is in session. The Prosecution may proceed.
The Defense have announced they have no further questions of this witness.
Q (By Captain Pace) You have testified on cross examination as to the existence of the Makapili in your municipality, is that right, sir?
A Yes, sir.
Q Were they part of the Japanese army?
A They were part of the Japanese army.
Q You have also testified that the population of Lipa in 1939 was 45,000, and at present it is about 46,000?
A Yes, sir, including those evacuees from other towns.
Q How many evacuees in Lipa from other towns?
A There are about 10,000 of them.
Q How many people, approximately, have evacuated from Lipa to other municipalities?
A This list contains mostly the people of Lipa that are in Lipa, and that is that their residences or houses are still in Lipa, although some of them may be merchants in other towns.
Q Now, you testified that about 10,000 people had evacuated to Lipa?
A Yes, sir.
Q How many people have left Lipa during that period, evacuated away from there?
A Yes, sir.
Q Were they part of the Japanese army?
A They were part of the Japanese army.
Q You have also testified that the population of Lipa in 1939 was 45,000, and at present it is about 46,000?
A Yes, sir, including those evacuees from other towns.
Q How many evacuees in Lipa from other towns?
A There are about 10,000 of them.
Q How many people, approximately, have evacuated from Lipa to other municipalities?
A This list contains mostly the people of Lipa that are in Lipa, and that is that their residences or houses are still in Lipa, although some of them may be merchants in other towns.
Q Now, you testified that about 10,000 people had evacuated to Lipa?
A Yes, sir.
Q How many people have left Lipa during that period, evacuated away from there?
[p. 1617]
A The people of Lipa? The residents of Lipa?
Q Yes.
A Very few.
Q How is the death rate in Lipa compared with the birth rate, over that period?
A The death rate in Lipa, compared to the birth rate, from 1939, you mean, to the present time?
Q Yes.
A Nearly equal. Sometimes, there were months that the death rate was more than the birth rate.
Q Now, of the 100 ROTC guerrillas that you testified were in Lipa, how many of those were executed by the Japanese?
A I know of three.
Q Three?
A Three.
Q Yes.
A Very few.
Q How is the death rate in Lipa compared with the birth rate, over that period?
A The death rate in Lipa, compared to the birth rate, from 1939, you mean, to the present time?
Q Yes.
A Nearly equal. Sometimes, there were months that the death rate was more than the birth rate.
Q Now, of the 100 ROTC guerrillas that you testified were in Lipa, how many of those were executed by the Japanese?
A I know of three.
Q Three?
A Three.
CAPTAIN PACE: That is all I have, sir.
GENERAL DONOVAN: I have a question. When you say “the population of Lipa,” do you mean Lipa proper, or Antipolo or Anilao?
THE WITNESS: That is the whole municipality.
GENERAL DONOVAN: The whole business?
THE WITNESS: Yes.
Q (By Captain Sandberg) Now, when you testified that the Makapili is a part of the Japanese Army, am I correct in assuming that the statement is based on a pretty thorough knowledge by you of the organization of the Makapili?
[p. 1618]
A The Makapili used the same uniforms as the Japanese Army.
Q Would you answer my question, please?
A Yes, sir.
Q Would you answer my question, please?
A Yes, sir.
CAPTAIN REEL: Will you read the question?
(The question referred to was read by the reporter as follows:)
“Q Now, when you testified that the Makapili was a part of the Japanese Army, am I correct in assuming that the statement is based on a pretty thorough knowledge by you of the organization of the Makapili?”
A Not a very thorough knowledge. I base my conclusion on the fact that they used the same uniform as the Japanese Army.
Q (By Captain Sandberg) I see. And they continued to operate up until the very approach of the American forces in March of 1945?
A They had operated with the Japanese in their fight against the American forces.
Q Now, based on your knowledge of the Makapili, isn’t it a fact and within your knowledge that General Ricarte was one of the heads of the Makapili?
A Not exactly one of the heads, but one of the organizers.
Q And do you know a man named Lapus, who was a member of this Makapili organization?
Q (By Captain Sandberg) I see. And they continued to operate up until the very approach of the American forces in March of 1945?
A They had operated with the Japanese in their fight against the American forces.
Q Now, based on your knowledge of the Makapili, isn’t it a fact and within your knowledge that General Ricarte was one of the heads of the Makapili?
A Not exactly one of the heads, but one of the organizers.
Q And do you know a man named Lapus, who was a member of this Makapili organization?
CAPTAIN PACE: I object to that, sir. The evidence before this Commission is that Lapus was not a member
[p. 1619]
of that Makapili.
GENERAL REYNOLDS: The objection is sustained.
Q (By Captain Sandberg) Do you know a man by the name of Narciso Lapus?
A In the newsprint; not personally.
Q Now, would it be a correct statement that the Makapili are as much a part of the Japanese Army as the Hunters guerrillas were members of the American Army?
A The guerrillas were quite an independent unit, although cooperating with the Americans.
Q Well, this intelligence and espionage that they furnished, they furnished to the Americans, didn’t they?
A Pardon?
Q I say the intelligence and espionage work they did, they did it for the benefit of the United States Army, didn’t they?
A Yes, sir.
Q In connection with the evacuees, based on your knowledge of public affairs, is there a considerable floating population in Batangas?
A Not Batangas, but in Lipa, because some of the evacuees are not from other towns of Batangas, but from the Provinces of Tayabas and Laguna.
Q And people have been uprooted from their homes and moved to other locations in considerable numbers?
A In Lipa?
Q That is right.
A Three have been returned back to the town, and they built small shacks right in their own properties.
A In the newsprint; not personally.
Q Now, would it be a correct statement that the Makapili are as much a part of the Japanese Army as the Hunters guerrillas were members of the American Army?
A The guerrillas were quite an independent unit, although cooperating with the Americans.
Q Well, this intelligence and espionage that they furnished, they furnished to the Americans, didn’t they?
A Pardon?
Q I say the intelligence and espionage work they did, they did it for the benefit of the United States Army, didn’t they?
A Yes, sir.
Q In connection with the evacuees, based on your knowledge of public affairs, is there a considerable floating population in Batangas?
A Not Batangas, but in Lipa, because some of the evacuees are not from other towns of Batangas, but from the Provinces of Tayabas and Laguna.
Q And people have been uprooted from their homes and moved to other locations in considerable numbers?
A In Lipa?
Q That is right.
A Three have been returned back to the town, and they built small shacks right in their own properties.
[p. 1620]
Q Well, how many evacuees are there in Lipa from other localities?
A There are around 10,000.
Q And are they from other places in Batangas?
A Some of them from other towns, like Rosario.
Q So that there is a pretty sizable floating population in Batangas?
A In Lipa.
Q That is, people who are uprooted from their customary homes and come to strange and unfamiliar places where they are not known?
A Not exactly not known, because most of them are people that have married — that is, from Lipa have married to other girls from other provinces, so they are also practically known to us.
A There are around 10,000.
Q And are they from other places in Batangas?
A Some of them from other towns, like Rosario.
Q So that there is a pretty sizable floating population in Batangas?
A In Lipa.
Q That is, people who are uprooted from their customary homes and come to strange and unfamiliar places where they are not known?
A Not exactly not known, because most of them are people that have married — that is, from Lipa have married to other girls from other provinces, so they are also practically known to us.
CAPTAIN SANDBERG: That is all.
CAPTAIN PACE: Thank you, Doctor.
(Witness excused.)
Notes and references:
1 “Excerpts from the Testimony of Jose M. Katigbak in U.S.A. v Tomoyuki Yamashita,” part of the U.S. Military Commission compilation of war crimes documentation, online at the Internet Archive.