Metro Cagayan de Oro

May 1942

 Lanao Province

TAMPARAN DISTRICT:

During the last week of May 1942, the Japs sent a strong patrol to Bacolod Grande on the Northwest shore area of Lake Lanao. The Patrol burned all houses in the settlement, killed some Maranaos. This was retaliatory to the strong opposition offered by the Maranaos in that sector during the first week of May 1942 when the Japs were advancing on Dansalan. The enraged Maranaos fled to the mountains to have more freedom in planning for revenge, for the Moros have the memory of an elephant in remembering crimes committed upon them. They do not forget.

These Moros completely ignored the order of the Japs in Dansalan to return to their homes and resume their normal pursuit of living. To show that the Japs were taking their own orders seriously, punitive Jap patrols were sent out from time to time. These Japanese patrols killed Moros whom they met on the way. There were also glaring instances of brutal abuses perpetrated on the Moro women. The Moros became obsessed in their determination to revenge these insults.

In early August 1942, a strong Japanese patrol went to Uya-an by way of Gadongan. The patrol killed several people in Gadongan and burned all the houses. Upon arriving at Uya-an, they immediately set fire to the large houses, including the market place. Here, for the first time, the Japs met resistance. Two Japs were killed and the rest retreated in time to avoid being surrounded, cut-off and massacred.

Moros Formally Challenge Japs

Two Tamparan Datus, patriotic and influential, LASUB and DIMALAANG by names, constructed a strong, well-situated cotta at Lalaboan in the Basak area. When the cotta was finished and provisions for battle ready, the two Datus sent a joint letter to the Jap Commander in Dansalan, challenging the Japs to a show-down of armed might.

126 Japs Killed

On 12 September 1942, the Japanese, not to let such a challenge go unanswered, promptly sent one full company of soldiers, under Captain TAKIUCHI all loaded in one launch. They landed at the mouth of the Laiaboan District and proceeded along the National Highway in the direction of the Moro cotta.

Here however, the Japs soon found themselves surrounded with all means of escape barred. Of the 126 Japs who took part, not a single person escaped – all were killed.

Ground encounters proving too costly for the Nips, they resorted to safer tactics. The succeeding three months saw Tamparan District bombed and strafed heavily by Japanese planes but long before the bombs fell, the Moros had moved to safer areas.

Kolambugan Area

A Jap patrol consisting of 200 officers and men, landed at Kolambugan at 4:00 AM, 25 August 1942. The purpose of the patrol was to secure the surrender of Captain LUIS MORGAN, and other USAFFE officers who had refused to surrender and who continued to hide from the Nips.

The Japs failed to find MORGAN, who was the CO of the PC Detachment at Kolambugan prior to the surrender and despite the order of surrender, he managed to keep his command intact and evade the enemy.

Many attempts were made by the Japs to capture or convince MORGAN and his men to surrender, but all failed. Incidentally, during this patrol, four Americans who too had not seen fit to surrender, barely escaped capture.

They were WENDELL W. FERTIG, CHARLES W. HEDGES, CHARLES SMITH and JOHN A. HAMNER. All of them later played important roles in the organization of the Mindanao Guerrillas.

ILIGAN AREA

On 16 Sept 1942, an estimated 250 Jap troops left Iligan passing the National Highway towards Kauswagan. On the way they were ambushed by Lt. FELIPE FETALVERO (PC) and his men who knew of the Japanese movement beforehand.

Two men, Lt. LAZARO SILVA, PA, (now a Major and CO, 108th Division) and FELIPE MORALITA, a PC Sergeant, with their own guerrilla troops, assisted Lt. Fetalvero, (now Major and at one time CO, 105th Division) in this encounter. Taken by surprise, the Japs lost a number of lives.

The following day, Japanese launches landed Jap troops behind the position occupied by Lt. SILVA. This caused him to withdraw his troops; the Moros under JOSEPH SANGUILA, and another unit composed of Christians under Corp. MIPANGCAT GALAWAN. However, the Japs thought best not to proceed to Kauswagan and returned to Iligan.

In the latter part of Oct 1942, a Jap convoy of a considerable number of trucks moving from Dansalan to Malabang were ambushed by a swarm of Moros under Datu Aguam. The entire convoy was wiped out in the vicinity of Lake Dapao.

Another attempt to open for traffic the Iligan-Cagayan part of the National Highway was made on 27 Oct 1942 when forty Jap trucks loaded with men and material left Iligan in the direction of Cagayan. Guerrillas on the way systematically attacked the convoy, in almost all hours of the day and night. Only twenty-three trucks reached Cagayan on 5 Nov 1942, seventeen having been wrecked in transit and many Jap personnel killed and supplies destroyed.

Daway District

The moving spirit behind the early guerrilla unit in Daway was Lt. PEDRO ANDRES, with headquarters at Daway, Sta Filomena. He was assisted by Lt. FELEXBERTO CASTRO, Sgt. ENGRACIO C. ALCANTARA, Mr. DAMASO P. MOLDES, Mr. AURELIO CUIDLAT and Mr. MANUEL VILLAMONTE.

Early in October 1942, a company was organized composed of civilians and former USAFFE men who reported for duty to Lt. PEDRO A. ANDRES at Daway. This unit was later designated “I” Co, and the Japs were soon to learn of this organization.

On 19 October 1942, a Jap patrol was sent to go after Lt. ANDRES and bring him back dead or alive. This patrol met no encounter for ANDRES’ unit was not yet fully prepared and so chose not to give battle.

On 24 October 1942, two cargo trucks, one confiscated bus and a passenger car, all loaded with Japs, arrived at Sta Filomena where they were ambushed by ANDRES and his men. One Jap officer and fifteen of his men were killed. Thus began the offensive section of another guerrilla unit against the common enemy.

Hinaplanon, Pugaan, Panul-Iran, Pendugangan

In the first week of Oct 1942, ABRAHAM WABE, a resident of Tuburan, Iligan, succeeded in gathering some arms and ammunition and started to form an organization at Hinaplanon. Realizing his limitations in military matters, WABE turned over his small guerrilla group to Lt. PEDRO ANDRES.

Further organization of this unit, later designated “K” Co, was made by Lieut. GRACITANO JAYLO. Sgt. FABIAN CABRERA and Corp. PABLO S. PACANA, all PC, were assigned by ANDRES to the unit.

In the early part of November, a guerrilla organization was born in the valley of Pugaan, headed by Lt. GIL D. SUMPIO, PA, with the assistance of Lt. HONORIO AQUINO. This unit was later designated “L” Co.

In the sitios of Panul-Iran and Pendugangan, a civilian, JOVENCLO YU, assisted by’ another civilian, ROMEO ALCANTARA, started the guerrilla movement in those adjacent localities. Later this unit was designated “M” Co.

All these guerrilla units had no actual contact with the enemy at the early stages of organization though organized for just that contingency. Companies, “K”, “L”, “M”, were later organized into the 3rd Battalion of the 108th Infantry Regiment. Lt. PEDRO ANDRES became the CO of the battalion while Capt FETALVERO became CO of the Regiment. Still later, this battalion was lifted bodily and made the 3rd Bn of the 120th Inf Regt. This was made possible with the expansion of the 106th Inf Regt, so that one battalion taken from it did not affect its strength materially and would still meet the requirements of the Philippine Army Table of Organization.

Cotabato Province

M’ Lang

The “Philippine Revolutionary Army” was created in M’Lang sometime in the middle of October 1942, by Lieut. SALIPADA K. PENDATUN (later Lt-Colonel) from unsurrendered USAFFE officers and men. The nucleus forming the “Philippine Revolutionary Army” started operation against the enemy as early as 29 Sept 192, by attacking the Japs in Ladtingan, Pikit, and killing some forty of them without any casualty on the guerrilla side.

Datu ALIMAN MAMASALAKEG and PEDRO SINGAYAO of the “Philippine Revolutionary Army” both commissioned officers later, with some men, ambushed three truckloads of Japs in Upian along the Sayre Highway on 5 Oct 1942, resulting in the death of seventy-five enemy soldiers and one officer, the destruction of one truck and capture of a Jap saber and flag. The guerrillas, entrenched in an invulnerable position, suffered no casualty.

These two guerrilla groups, the “People’s Revolutionary Army” and the “Philippine Revolutionary Army” continued to give plenty of trouble to the enemy. The former continuously engaged the enemy at Bulanan, Lumopig, Salunayan and Libungan. The latter unceasingly harassed the Japs in Pikit, Kidapawan and Kabacan.

As time went on, these guerrilla bands grew in power and strength, with the result that more arms were turned into them and mere men hastened to join their ranks.

Midsayap

Datu MANTIL DILANGALEN and FROILAN MATAS, each with a guerrilla following, fused their forces sometime in the latter part of Sept 1942, into what they called the “People’s Revolutionary Army”.

On 2 Oct 1942, this joint command occupied Midsayap which had just been vacated by the Japs. On 6 Oct 192, they formally took over Midsayap by observing the raising of the American and Filipino flags in the town right on the spot where the Jap emblem had previously flown.

On 8 Oct 1942, while Datu MANTIL DILANGALEN was inducting officers and men in the market place into the “People’s Revolutionary Army”, two truckloads of Japs arrived and attacked the guerrillas at two points near the Midsayap junction. In the ensuing battle, twenty-one enemy soldiers were killed and some wounded, Lt. NICOLAS ABEJO and Sgt. ANTONIO VIRAN of the guerrillas, were wounded.

Glan And Sarangani Area

A band of guerrillas, somewhere in Malungon, Buayan, under the leadership of Capt. NICOLAS VILLAMOR, was organized with a few rifles and shotguns, as early as Oct. 1942. In and around Glan proper were some sixty USAFFE soldiers with rifles and shotguns, under the leadership of Capt. ROMAN R. AQUINO, FA, USAFFE.

A union of VILLAMOR and AQUINO guerrilla bands was highly desirable. Through the efforts of Maj. HERBERT C. PAGE and a Dr. GIL B. PABILLO, the merger was effected on 14 Dec 1942 when VILLAMOR with his men and PABLLLO came to Glan upon the invitation of Maj. PAGE and Capt. AQUINO. The combined guerrilla groups established their headquarters at Glan with Capt. V. BILBAO, commanding.

Lebak-Salaman Area

In November 1942 on one dark night, eighteen prominent citizens in the Lebak-Salaman District gathered in a certain house at Puricay; MARCELINO A. CONCHA, prominent businessman, Justice of the Peace RICARDO A. CABALUNA, Manager of American Land and Commercial Co., FORTUNATO P. MENDOZA, JUAN CELESTE and others. They decided to form a guerrilla unit to fight the enemy, due to the abusive powers of the Japanese overseers, most of whom were civilians. All they required was a military leader and they persisted in their search for one.

Leader With Good Reasons

Capt. FELICIANO MAGSAKAY, former CO of the PC detachment stationed at Lebak was then hiding in the mountains. He not only had military training and experience but he entertained a deep personal hatred of the Japs.

When on 27 July 1942, the Japanese came to Lebak, MAGSAKAY was summoned to attend a conference. At the time a patrol of sixteen Japanese went to Barurao where the wife of MAGSAKAY and three children were staying. They demanded to know where her husband hid the arms and ammunition of the USAFFE. Upon her refusal, the Jap officer struck her several times on the legs with his sheathed saber. Further questioning resulting in failure, the officer again struck Mrs. MAGSAKAY on the head with the same weapon. Then kicking the woman and her children, they left as unceremoniously as they came.

MAGSAKAY, upon his return from the conference, reacted as would any normal human being. He swore revenge and took his family to the mountains. It was there that four months later, the request of the eighteen prominent men reached him. He gladly accepted leadership. Other than strictly patriotic reasons, it offered a welcome change to square accounts with the enemy.

On November 1942, MAGSAKAY with seven regular PC and PA soldiers armed with rifles and ten civilian volunteers handling shotguns, struck! At 3:00 PM, that day, a Japanese patrol car came to Barurao from Kalamansi. When the vehicle passed through a coconut grove of the American Land and Commercial Co., a concentrated fusillade of enfilading fire met it. The automobile was immediately wrecked. A Jap Captain, said to have been a Bataan “Hero”, four other Japanese and two Filipino Civilians with them were killed. The two civilians peculiarly died as a result of the explosion of a Jap grenade thrown by the dying Jap Captain. It landed but a few feet from the Capt. and killed the two Filipinos.

Another Guerrilla Unit Formed

On 16 Nov 1942, a public meeting was held in Barurao to acquaint the people with the new movement and the motives behind it. The now Lt-Col JAMES R. GRINSTEAD was one of the more than three-hundred men, Moros and Christian alike, who attended the meeting.

The command was offered to the American officer but he graciously declined the position yielding in favor of MAGSAKAY and satisfying himself with being second in command. MARCELINO A. CONCHA was elected Director of Internal Affairs. FORTUNATO G. MENDOZA, Food and Supply Administrator and RICARDO A. CABALUNA, Staff Adviser.

That very day, the guerrilla band, now augmented by some two hundred civilian volunteers, marched to Kalamansig, the seat of the puppet Jap government, arriving there at midnight. Then early in the morning the guerrilla troops closed in from all directions. But the enemy garrison was no longer there, having moved secretly to Sta Clara two days previously, leaving a lone Filipino guard who surrendered without resistance and delivered to the guerrilla band three rifles.

That marked the end of the Japanese administration in the Lebak-Salaman area, three and one half months after its establishment. The guerrillas took possession of the town and began garrisoning it.

Again Takes Offensive Action

On 23 Nov 1942, Capt MAGSAKAY, Lts BALONCGAY and ABAS GUIABAR with twenty five soldiers and civilian volunteers, marched to Sta Clara at 2:00 AM, intent on capturing that Jap garrison. At 7:00 AM, they attacked the garrison from three points. The exchange of fire lasted for three hours.

At 10:00 AM, the garrison surrendered, Two Filipino civilians were killed and four Japanese civilians, former overseers of the Japanese-sponsored civil government in Lebak-Salaman area, were captured along with Capt JESUS SONGALIA, Lt JUAN DE CASTRO and twenty Filipino soldiers. About four hundred Filipino civilians, previously herded inside the garrison by the Japs, were released. No Jap soldiers were in sight.

Without MAGSAKAY’s knowledge, the Jap garrison had evacuated Sta Clara for Cotabato on the night of 21 Nov 1942, leaving SONGALIA, DE CASTRO and the twenty Filipino soldiers to defend the camp in case of a guerrilla attack. These Filipino officers and men, were Prisoners of War brought by the Japs from Cotabato to Sta Clara. Captured in this action by the guerrilla were twenty rifles, including a BAR; three shotguns, five revolvers, and five-hundred rounds of ammunition.

On 21 Dec 1942, the Headquarters of the MAGSAKAY guerrillas was moved to Barurao from Kalamansig.

The Kiamba Area

During the first week of March 1943, a guerrilla band, headed by Cap NICO VILLAMOR, attacked Kiamba. VILLAMOR ransacked the entire town, after placing under arrest seven Jap civilians. These had been left by the enemy to administer, along with the puppet town officials the government of Kiamba. VILLAMOR brought the Jap civilians to Glan.

Dulawan

Capt GUMBAY PIANG, USAFFE, paroled due to ill-health from the Concentration Camp at Malaybalay in Sept 1942, went to Dulawan, the seat of the Japanese-sponsored civil government in the Dulawan sector and stayed there, still a virtual Prisoner of War. During his one-year stay at Dulawan proper, he secretly organized a guerrilla unit out of former USAFFE officers and men and civilians whom he selected to be in his confidence for their bravery, discretion and patriotism.

In June 1943, having heard that Col WENDELL W. FERTIG was the recognized Commander of all Mindanao Guerrillas, PIANG sent two envoys, Lieuts MANDANG MAMALANGKAS and ABDUL GUIANI, to contact him in Liangan, Lanao and secure authority for the organization of a guerrilla unit in Cotabato.

The envoys returned early in August 1943, bringing the information that pending personal interview with PIANG himself, the issuance of the desired authority was to be held in abeyance. In the meantime, sometime before the arrival of his emissaries, PIANG with his family and followers evacuated to Kabinge, a hinterland sitio, twenty two kilometers from Dulawan, where he organized his temporary headquarters. He left, however, a letter addressed to Cols JIMBO and YAMASHITA at Dulawan informing them of his move. This was challenge flaunted in the face of the Japanese Commanders and henceforth, PIANG rose high in the black list of the enemy.

In the middle of August 1943, he with twenty-three followers in an arduous and dangerous trip went to Misamis, Misamis Occidental, to contact person-ally the Commanding Officer of the Tenth Military District. The result of this conference was the authority for PIANG to organize a separate guerrilla unit, which was the nucleus of the 119th Infantry Regimentt, 106th Division. Capt PIANG returned to Kabinge on 10 October 1943 and set himself fully to the task of organization.

Bukidnon-Province

Imbatug-Sta-Fe-Libona 

Sometime in June 1942, Lieut LEOPOLDO BLANCO, Lieut ELEAZAR ANDUQUE and some enlisted men, who had refused to surrender to the enemy, started collecting arms and ammunition in Imbatug, Sta Fe and Libona, preparatory to the organization of a respectable guerrilla unit.

The then Major ERNEST E. McCLISH with some American  companions came to Imbatug. BLANCO sought the advice of McCLISH and was told to continue collecting more arms and ammunition. A guerrilla unit was then organized with McCLISH in command and BLANCO assisting him.

Kalabong-Dalirig

In the later part of July 1942, Pfc MARCITANO PUNTAIN AREA DERROTA and Pvt RCMEO JAGA organized guerrilla units in Kalabong and Dalirig.

On 14 Oct 1942, DERROTA with forty-eight men ambushed enemy trucks at Mangima, killed some Japs and captured foodstuffs and other supplies. DERROTA, being fast on the go and very active, was nick-named by his men “The Mystery Shadow”.

On 17 Nov 1942, DERROTA and JACA with nineteen men took Puntian without encountering resistance. Puntian, though not garrisoned by the enemy, was frequented by Japanese police patrols.

In the vicinity of Puntian, a certain Cpl LUDOVICO LOPEZ had about forty men under him with a few arms. He promptly merged his group with that of DERROTA and worked under the latter in a subordinate capacity.

The Activity Of Avanceña

On 15 December 1942, MARINO AVANCEÑA, arrived at a sitio near Sumilao. Claiming to be a Captain and a direct representative of Major BOWLER, he called all the guerrilla leaders, instructed them to place their units under the command of Maj BOWLER. The different guerilla entities were then and there organized by AVANCEÑA into a battalion with himself as Battalion Commander. Telling his men to stand by, he proceeded to Sumilao.

On 26 December 1942, AVANCEÑA came back and ordered an all-attack on Impasugong and Maluko. The attack was carried out but the objectives were not taken.

It later developed that AVANCEÑA was a suave pretender, that he represented nobody but himself. Credit must be given him, however, for the fact that in his planned attacks some forty Japs were killed with only one wounded on the side of the guerrillas. AVANCEÑA was reported to be also responsible, with his daring at impersonation in recovering thousands of rounds of ammunition from Dalirig.

Tankulan, Sumilao and Maluko

In the early part of Sept 1942, USAFFE officers who did not surrender, found themselves in Tankulan, Sumilao and Maluko and environs. They too began collecting arms and ammunition, and organizing independent guerrilla units in these areas. Among them were Lts. PATRICIANO A. DESTAJO, JOSE P. LABARO, ISAIAS ARBOLEDA, DOMINADOR IPANAG, and RAMON ONAHON.

RAMON ONAHON deserves special mention. In those uncertain days, he unmindful of the risks he was running, displayed extraordinary courage in harassing the enemy along the Sayre Highway, inflicting considerable casualties in lightning raids with his small unit.

Kitao-Tao, Kibawe

In Bukidnon, sometime in the later part of 1942, ALANIB, MALAYBALAY four distinct, strong guerrilla units were merged into one command. No squabbles were encountered in the fusion. Each group had only one mission; that of dealing the heaviest possible blows to the enemy. Each knew without being told of the fundamental applicability of the axion: In union there is strength.

These guerrilla units were 1) under the leadership of Pfc VICENTE LEUTERIO of Kibawe; 2) under the leadership of SALIPADA PENDATUN of Kalungan, Cotabato; 3) under Capt ALIPIO JUNTILLA of Alanib and 4) under Maj F. McGee at Kanaan and Silae.

After the surrender, Pfc VICENTE LEUTERIO went straight to his farm at Palma. Peace, in his farm, was denied him, however. Somebody reported to the Jap authorities that LEUTERIO was hiding arms and ammunition. LEUTERIO escaped before the Japs arrived. On 5 Oct 1942, he organized some twenty five reservists and civilians.

Attack on the Seventh Anniversary

He was able to arm seven of the strongest and most capable men. LEUTERIO then divided among them some 1,000 rounds of .30 cal ammunition. This band, including LEUTERIO, inaugurated the Seventh Anniversary of the Philippine Commonwealth by attacking the Japanese outpost in Kitao-tao at dawn of 15 Nov 1942. This sudden attack netted seven Japs and one Filipino Jap police man KIA and a few Japs wounded. LEUTERIO’s group suffered no casualties!

On 17 Nov 1942, LEUTERIO and his men ambushed the last of the three Jap trucks at Pinamaloy, all bound for Malaybalay. Eight Japs were killed and some wounded.

On 19 Nov 1942, Capt AMADO CRUZ, Senior Inspector Jap BC, with a squad of soldiers went to Kibawe to get LEUTERIO dead or alive. Having been informed of this, LEUTERIO made a jump ahead of Capt CRUZ. At 10:00 PM, that same day, LEUTERIO and his men attacked the house where CRUZ and his soldiers were sleeping, killing the inspector and three of his men.

Leuterio Inspires the People

This whirlwind activity of LEUTERIO was inclined to be magnified, especially by the poor people, who had always feared the Japs as invincible and invulnerable. Overnight he became a legend. More men joined his command and more arms and ammunitions were gathered in.

The Japanese set a price on LEUTERIO’s head. It was at this time that he asked assistance from Datu UGTUG of Eastern Cotabato, on 20 Nov 1942. On 27 Nov 1942, SALIPADA PENDATUN, brother-in-law of DATU UGTUG, arrived at Kibawe with some one hundred men, fully armed. After a short conference between LEUTERIO and PENDATUN on 1 Dec at Kibawe, it was agreed that the two units would be fused and PENDATUN was to lead. They also agreed to contact and invite officers and men who did not surrender and were at that time in Bukidnon, hiding from the Japs. Among these officers contacted were TEODORO GARCIA, NICOLAS GABUTINA, TOMAS CABILI, MELENCIO ORBASE and many others. Several Americans were also contacted. Among them were VINCENT DOUGLAS (later Capt), JACK CLARKE (later commissioned Lieut), FORREST HOWARD (later Lieut), TRACY TUCKER (later Lieut), and ANTHONY BENAC (later Lieut).

A delegation was sent to Congressman MANUEL FORTICH, the Grand Old Man of Bukidnon, for his opinion of the movement. Without reservation, FORTICH pledged full support and cooperation and encouraged the resistance movement. This attitude heartened and encouraged the guerrillas no end.

On 4 December 1942, PENDATUN assigned LEUTERIO to the Pinamaloy sector and LEUTERIO promptly cut down the telephone line to Malaybalay. The Kitaotao garrison immediately sent several men to repair the line. LEUTERIO ambushed the group and killed three of them; the rest ran back to take refuge in the schoolhouse at Kitao-tao. PENDATUN sent LEUTERIO reinforcements which reached LEUTERIO on 5 Dec 1942 including Lieuts ALBERTO CRUZ and MELENCIO ORBASE. That same evening, Jap reinforcements arrived from Malaybalay. The enemy was then contacted and the battle lasted for three days. On Dec 8th, the Japs left Kitao-tao for Malaybalay having suffered no less than forty dead and five wounded. On the guerrilla side only one was killed, a Pvt LAMAK-LAMAK.

The guerrillas then occupied Kitao-tao and Pinamaloy and as far as Do logon.

Fortich’s Support Helpful

At this juncture, another meeting took place in the house of Congressman FORTICH at Dalirig. The Old Man reiterated his pledge of support and co-operation and gave the guerrillas, now very much united, thirty rifles and 10,000 rounds of ammunition. When the people of Bukidnon heard of the open and full adherence of Congressman FORTICH to the movement, they also came out openly in support of the guerrilla. Army men left their hiding places with whatever arms and ammunition they had, and offered their services.

Even civilians elements demanded admission into the fold. In less than ten days, the equivalent of two skeleton regiments were formed with nine hundred armed with rifles, and a few machine guns. No less than 20,000 rounds of cal .30 ammunition were in the hands of the unit at that time.

Alanib

Sometime in October 1942, at Alanib, a group of about fifty men, consisting of reservists, PC men and civilians, banded themselves together to form a guerrilla unit. They were armed with rifles, some automatic, and each man carried no less than seventy rounds of ammunition. Sgt LEOPOLDO ALBERTO and JOEPE NOBLEZA headed this guerrilla band.

About the first week of December 1942, a certain Capt ALIPIO JUNTILLA left his hiding place at the Kaatoan Cinchona plantation and went to see Major BOWLER to ask for authority to organize a guerrilla unit in Alanib and vicinity. On 12 Dec 1942, JUNTILLA returned with HIDALGO and WALDO McVICKERS with a platoon detachment and, absorbing the unit of ALBERTO and NOBLEZA, organized the Alanib sector. Other officers in hiding in the Kitanglad mountains volunteered. By 14 Dec 1942, this group numbered around two hundred fully armed men with .30 cal rifles, three of which were automatic. It also developed a medical unit, labor pool, and an Ordinance section. This unit, a short time later, was absorbed into PENDATUN’s ever growing guerrilla.

Talakag

Up to 29 Oct 1942, Talakag was governed by Japanese puppet Filipino officials and was frequently visited by Japanese officers and soldiers as well as Japanese civilians. The Cagayan-Talakag road was at that time still passable by motor vehicles.

On 29 Oct 1942, Lieut WALDO McVICKERS with a few armed men took Talakag by surprise and forced the surrender of the Japanese police and eleven puppet officials. This action was sanctioned previously by the then Maj ROBERT V. BOWLER, an American officer who chose not to surrender to the enemy but instead stayed in Wanguilan, a sitio near Talakag.

Immediately thereafter, a conference was held in Talakag, presided over by Maj BOWLER, McVICKERS, BENITO T. HIDALGO, WILLIAM L. F. MC LAUGHLIN, NICOLAS DENOSTA, ALBINO NOBLE, CIRILO RIVERA, AMADO SANTIAGO, and RICARIDO

RODRIGUEZ all made Captains later attended the meeting. Plans for effective campaigns against the enemy; mustering of men into the guerrilla fold; collection of more arms and ammunition; feeding of the troops; and establishment of the civil government were among the matters discussed.

On 30 Oct 1942, the American and Filipino flags were raised over Talakag. A patrol, under  McVICKERS, was immediately sent to destroy the ferry-boat at Ugiaban, Talakag which heretofore had been used by the Japanese. All along the highway from Talakag to Lumbia, outposts were established.

Kanayan and Silae

At Kanayan and Silae, some fifty armed men were under Major FRANK D. McGEE. On 20 Dec 1942, Lieut VICENTE VILLANUEVA, personal representative of PENDATUN who at this time, by resolution of all his officers, assumed the rank of “Brig-General”, contacted Major McGEE at Kabangahan. A little later, Maj McGEE proceeded with his men to Mailag and turned over his command to PENDATUN. By 20 Dec 1942, PENDATUN’s force had swelled into a total of 1,117 officers and men, and was functioning as a Division, It became known as the “Bukid non-Cotabato Force”.

The Malaybalay Siege

Smacking of medieval warfare and looming unique in the history of the Bukidnon guerrillas, was the protracted siege of Malaybalay undertaken by the PENDATUN forces which lasted for some fifty-three days from 12 Jan to 6 March 1943. It was a tale of sheer courage, determination and devotion to duty.

Pendatun fought against the Japanese during the Second World War, forming a group called the Bolo Battalion, which evolved into the larger group, Muslim-Christian Guerrilla Movement and later, the Cotabato-Bukidnon Force.

As a USAFFE officer during World War II, Pendatun organized and commanded the 102nd Regiment under the 101st Division of the Philippine Army/Constabulary from 1942 to 1943. He prevented the total destruction of the regiment during the Japanese invasion of Mindanao in early 1942. As part of the guerrilla movement, he launched an assault on Japanese garrison in Pikit in September 1942, and led a raid on the Japanese garrison at Kabacan on October 25, 1942.

He also eliminated the Japanese garrison at Kitaotao, Bukidnon on December 4, 1942 and rescued Filipino prisoners of war at Casisang, Bukidnon on December 24, 1942 and led the two-month siege on a Japanese garrison at Malaybalay, Bukidnon. For his accomplishments, Pendatun was promoted to Brigadier General and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Star, the second highest military decoration given to AFP Personnel.

Major McGEE’s forces occupied strategic places between Dalwangan and Malaybalay. Almost simultaneously, Lieut ARLINDO F. ANGELES’ Engineering Group undertook the destruction of all bridges North of Kalasungay. In the dead of the night of 11 Jan 1943, Kabacan Bridge was blasted. with dynamite, with the deafening detonations of the explosion heard far and wide. It was an announcement to the Japs in Malaybalay that something serious was afoot.

Previous to this, however, the Japs sensing trouble, had begun transferring Prisoners of War from Casisang to Malaybalay and thence to Cagayan.

Note: Had the PENDATUN forces succeeded in gaining full control of the National Highway from Dalwangan to Kalasungay, the Japs in Malaybalay would have been entirely cut off from contact with their garrisons in the North.

By this time, there was absolutely no more Jap garrison South of Malaybalay, except possibly that in Kabacan, Cotabato, 160 kilometers away. Datu UGTUG’s forces occupied positions in Upian, Afroman, Cotabato, to cut off any enemy reinforcements from Cotabato – which act of the enemy which was then considered a remote possibility.

The Japs in Malaybalay were determined, however, to keep the Dalwangan-Malaybalay Road open. At 5:00 AM, 12 Jan 1943, Japanese patrols sent to investigate the condition of Kabacan bridge, encountered a platoon under Lt ROSALES JUNI. That day, another platoon under Lt LORENZO DEFUNTORUM encountered a light Japanese patrol in the vicinity of Kalasungay. In both encounters, the enemy employed heavy weapons but without effect – there were no casualties on the guerrilla side. That same day, a strong Japanese outpost with heavy weapons, guarded the immediate vicinity of Kabacan while the Kabacan bridge, dynamited by the guerillas the day previous, was being repaired by the Japs.

On 14 Jan 1943, Major McGEE and a few men occupied Dalwangan and captured four Filipino Jap Policemen who first resisted but later gave up, having been convinced that their position was untenable.

Guerrillas Enter Malaybalay

At 4:00 AM, 15 Jan 1943, LEUTERIO and twenty-six enlisted men attacked the Central School Building, Alhambra Cine and Governor ANTONIO RUBIN’s residence.

Simultaneously, Lt SALVADOR GA and nineteen men of McGEE’s troops attacked the Japs in the Forestry Building. In both attacks the Japs replied with heavy weapons, mortars and machine guns but to no avail. None of the guerrillas were hurt. At 9:30 on the same day, Lt FELICIANO CASTELO and his men crossed the Sawaga.

River and marched towards the PC Barracks occupied by Filipino BC’s under Lt JUAN LAGRAMA, Prisoner of War. LAGRAMA offered to surrender all arms and ammunition in the possession of the BC’s under him. But while the negotiations were going on, ROQUE ASENERO, BC, unnoticed slipped away and informed Cap ALVIAR who in turn informed Capt YOSIOKA, the Jap Commander. Immediately, Lt. CASTELO’s position was shelled and machine gunned.

In that exchange of fire, the BCF’s (Bukidnon-Cotabato Forces) lost five men and seven wounded. Casualties of the enemy were believed high. That act of treachery on the part of a Filipino engendered deep rancor in the hearts of the guerrillas.

Action on the Northern outskirts of Malaybalay was fast and furious. This was the sector alloted to the McGEE forces. While Lt. JUNI and his men were fighting the Japs in Kalasungay, Lt GA and his men with a commanding position in Sumpong Hill ambushed Jap foot soldiers going to the Forestry Building from the Normal School Building. Two rifles were taken from the enemy. Eighteen Japs dead, twelve of which were killed by Corp PAJO. No casualties on the guerrilla side.

Japs Capture A Guerrilla Officer

On 28 Jan 1943, in the vicinity of the Sumpong Hill, JUNI and his company, another platoon led by Lt. FRANCISCO AZOONA and a third group under Lt. CONRADO TADEO, locked horns with a considerable number of Japs. In this encounter a Jap Captain MIRAT was killed. Capt GIL ALTAMIRANO, Executive Officer of McGEE, was captured by the enemy and subsequently tortured to death.

By then Malaybalay was a town of foxholes. Even the Filipinos insiders were in foxholes.

One skeleton battalion under Capt ORBASE succeeded in driving the Japs from the PC Barracks and occupied it as well as the Bukidnon High School Grounds and the area West of the road near Governor RUBIN’s mansion.

Japanese planes bombed and strafed continuously guerrilla positions in Kalasungay, Casisang and Impalambong. Some eighty bombs were dropped by the enemy without any casualties. Based on their proximity, these planes most probably originated from the small auxiliary/dispersal airfields at Malaybalay, Valencia, Maramag, Impasug-ong, Dalwangan, and Kibawe, and the Del Monte Airfield Complex in Tankulan, Maluko (present day Dicklum, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon).

In various assaults made by BCF men, the guerrillas suffered four casualties.

Catapult Captured Bombs

In the later part of February, action was intense. The guerrillas were using bombs retrieved from the Maramag Landing Field. These were thrown to the enemy positions by means of catapults. The depletion of the Japanese forces began to show. This was confirmed by prisoners escaping from the town to the protection of the guerrillas. They revealed that the beleaguered Japs were thinking of surrendering if the expected aid from the North did not come on time.

On 23 Feb the biggest number of prisoners escaped from Malaybalay and included Lt Col LUIS M. DELGADO, Capt GRISPINO DE CASTRO, Lt ALFREDO BUSTAMANTE, ALFREDO BAKING, MALACAS MEDINA, FRANKLIN LABAON, F. ABUNDA, SAYUSAY and many enlisted men. Most of the officers and enlisted men were ill. Some of these were later to join the guerrillas and play an important part in future history.

An answer to the frantic call for help of the Malaybalay garrison came in the form of about thirty-five Japs from the North, who were engaged incessantly by the guerrillas while enroute. More followed and three hundred of them finally entered Malaybalay at 5:00 PM, 6 March.

Due to shortage of ammunition, the guerrilla forces withdrew eight kilometers south of Malaybalay and maintained a front line extending from Bugcaon to Linabo.

The original strength of Japs in Malaybalay was more than 250. They were well entrenched, employing heavy and automatic weapons with a great amount of shells and other ammunition. They were aided by BC’s loyal to Japs.

Malaybalay was not taken. But the very audacity of the attack and the protracted siege the guerrillas undertook struck a new note of fear into the heart of the enemy. Moreover, the action strengthened the confidence of’ the troops in their capabilities and opened the eyes of the Filipino defeatists. The possibilities for future moves were astounding and definitely encouraging.

The now Lt-Col FRANK D. McGEE, a West Point graduate, and unsurrendered USAFFE officer, was the strategist of the guerrillas in the Malaybalay operations. To him was largely due the credit of planning and putting into effect almost all the important strategy employed by the BCF in the Malaybalay siege.

Misamis Occidental

The guerrilla units in Misamis Occidental came into being not in the heat of actual battle but in preparation for the coming clash with the enemy. These guerrillas had made no operations against the Japs in the early days although later they, like the rest, have had their share of fighting.

As the Misamis Occidental was the first province to form the nucleus of the Tenth Military District, it was essential that guerrilla groups be organized fully in the shole provinces. Added to this was the fact that Col FERTIG had chosen Misamis Occidental to be the seat of his Headquarters and hence it must of necessity need to be properly garrisoned.

Guba, Misamis

On 16 Sept 1942, just before MORGAN joined TATE in the town of Misamis, Lt ANACLETO C. DINO, MORGAN’s Junior Officer in 8th Lanao Co, PC, was directed by MORGAN to assist Lts PATROCINIO GARCIA and JOAQUIN DIAMAL, both PA, to organize the Militia in Misamis to apprise MORGAN of the organization.

On the same day, 18 Sept 1942, MORGAN sent for DIAMAL and the men to proceed to Misamis immediately. MORGAN, however, did not wait for the men. That day he proceeded to Dipolog, leaving DINO, GARCIA and DIAMAL to organize the militia at Misamis, with the men from Guba forming the nucleus.

DIAMAL arrived at Misamis on the 19th with about forty men. Preparation for the defense of the town was immediately undertaken. Plans were set to discuss important matters relating to the organization. In the conference were present Lts PATROCINIO GARCIA, PEDRO S. AQUINO, SEGISMUNDO HULIGANGA, OSIAS MACAMAY and a prominent civilian, FELICISIMO BACULIO.

Clarin

Lieuts JOSE MABOLO, VICENTE LUGTU and PEDRO YLAGAN undertook the organization of the Clarin Militia in mid-Sept 1942.

Tudela

Lieuts JESUS AGUILAR, MEXIMO LAO, FELECISIMO GABULE and FRANCISCO OBUT organized the Tudela Militia, in mid-Sept 1942.

Jimenez

Lieuts PANCHO and AGUILAR organized in the middle of Sept 1942 the Jimenez Militia, joined later by Lieuts CELSO VALMORES, VIDAL AMOJELAR, ANDRE ANCHETA, BENJAMIN CAJITA, FELICISIMO CAYLO, LORENZO EVIOTA and HAMABAR BONDOC.

Oroquieta

The Oroquieta Militia, organized in mid-Sept 1942, was composed of two companies, “A” and “B”, “A” Co was commanded by Lt SIMPLICIO APAO with Lt FELIMON LAGMAN as Executive Officer and Lts ANTONIO G. GOZAR, EUFRONIO LLANTO and HIGINIO REBOSURA as Staff Members. Its Headquarters building was the Provincial Hospital, “5” Co was commanded by Lt LUCAS NARANGO. Staff: TEODORO SULAY, EUGENIO NERI, DEMETRIO U. SY and ESPIRITU TAN. Headquarter building, the Central School.

Lopez Jaena

The Lopez Jaena Militia was organized by Lt NARCISO DIGAMON, assisted by Lts SIMEON LEDESMA, ORLANDO CARREON and BERTY EDMILAO in Sept. 1942.

Tangub

Mayor EPIFANIO FLORES was instrumental in the organization of the Tangub Militia assisted by Lt SEGISMUNDO HULIGANGA. A meeting was held at Pulao, Tangub with FLORES presiding and attended by Lt HULIGANGA and two other officers. The militia started with ninety men. On 31 Sept 1942, Lt DINO in the absence of MORGAN, designated Lt PEDRO S. AQUINO to command the Tangub Militia.

BONIFACIO:

The Bonifacio Militia was organized about the middle of Sept 1942 by ZOILO RUAYA, assisted by Atty ERNESTO CASTANEDA and Lt DANIEL LUMAPAS.

BALI ANGAO:

Lts ABELARDO NERIDA, ANGEL RUPERTO, PATRICIO ATAY and one CORPUS were the organizers of the Baliangao Militia in mid-Sept 1942.

PLARIDEL: The militia at Plaridel was organized by Lt CALIXTO DE LEON in 22 Sept 1942.

ZAMBOANGA PROVINCE

DIPOLOG-KATIPUNAN-DAPITAN: MANIWAY (DAPITAN), SINDANGAN :

The MORGAN Expeditionary Force arrived at Dipolog the afternoon of 18 Sept 1942. The militias were immediately organized in Dipolog and other barrios subsequently visited by the expedition. Most of these were nameless and unknown, but were absorbed by MORGAN into the Organization under “General” FERTIG.

A Brigadier General Will Command

The explanation to the people by MORGAN was brief: An American Brigadier General has arrived from Australia to organize a new Army, fight the Japs and at the same time prepare the ground for the coming of the American Liberation Forces. Cooperation was expected of everybody. Those who did not cooperate with the new movement were classed with the enemy and would be considered as such when the American Forces arrived.

However pressure was unnecessary. The sight of an American at that time was viewed with the greatest elation by the people. The knowledge that an American General was around to lead the fight, gave the people new hope out of the ashes of defeat, despondency and dejection. There were, of course, some who were skeptical: “Who is FERTIG?” “Never heard of him before” “Is it really true that he came from Australia?” “How does he look?” “Is he not only a mythical character of MORGAN’s imagination?” These questions and more were asked, But the majority, quickly and eagerly, volunteered their services.

UNITS ARE FORMED EVERYWHERE – SEPT 1942

In Dipolog District, Lieut PATERNO LUBATON, was appointed by MORGAN to head the militias, assisted by Lieuts EUFEMIO SALERA, DEOGRACIAS HAMAC, JEREMIAS BARINGA and MEROPE FRANCO. The officers and their men concerned themselves at the outset with the collection of arms and ammunition.

In Katipunan District, Lieut ESTEBAN ABIAD was appointed leader of militia, assisted by Lieuts NARCISO ENGLIS, CRISOSTCMO EGULA, PEDRO ALO and ROBERTO PEÑARANDA.

In Dapitan District, Lieut FRANCISCO HAMOY was appointed to command, assisted by Lieuts VICENTE DALMAN, HERMINIAHON ZAPANTA, JOSE ADRAINCEM and RODOLFO GALLEPOSO.

In Mainway District (this is a big barrio of Dapitan), Lieut RAFAEL T. CLASO was left in command, assisted by Lieuts RENORIO NATIVIDAD, EPIFANIO BOO, ABELARDO BARRIOS, FELIPE ALVIOLA and VICTOR MANIGSACA.

On 20 Sept 1942, at 4:30 PM, MORGAN arrived at Sindangan, and because he wanted to cover as much territory as possible, he left Maj JUSTINO TEANO, an old PC officer, to head the organization of the militia in Sindangan. The Sindangan Militia Force was organized on 21 Sept, with the reorganized 2^nd Company of the former PC stationed in Sindangan during the war, composing the greater bulk. It became the Sindangan Militia District.

Fertig Goes To Dipolog

On 6 Oct 1942, FERTIG arrived at Dipolog with MORGAN and Maj FABIAN MEJIA, a PC officer who was elected to head the guerrillas in Misamis Occidental. From Dipolog, the party continued on inspection of other guerrilla units in Northern Zamboanga.

Dipolog, Dapitan, Katipunan and Maniway Militia Districts were made into Sub-Sector 5A with Capt PETRONELO RUIZ as the Commander. Dipolog District became “A” Co; Dapitan, “B” Co; Katipunan, “C” Co; and Maniway, “D” Co.

Sindangan Militia District was made into Sub-Sector Noe 5-B and designated “E” Co led by Capt FELIPE QUEJADA, an old PC officer, assisted by Lieuts JOSE SOL BALORIA, GALILEO ACOSTA, GAUDENCIO DUHAY-LUNGSOD, LUCIO ALBOS and FILEMON PARTOSA.

On 11 Nov 1942, Sub-Sectors 5-A and 5-B were organized into the 107th Inf Regt which covered the towns of Plaridel and Baliangao (Misamis Occidental) and Dapitan, Dipolog, Katipunan and Sindangan (northern portion of Zamboanga).

On 17 Nov 1942, Maj JUSTINO TEANO assumed command of the newly organized 107th Infantry Regiment.

PAGADIAN:

On 12 Sept 1942, the puppet government in Pagadian ended. A certain Jap, YANO by name, sent by the Dansalan Jap Government to act as overseer in Pagadian, was killed in that evening. The killing was engineered by PC and PA men who as early as July 1942, had arrived at Pagadian and bidded their time.

The following day, 13 September 1942, the Motor Launch “Chingkang”, owned by some Chinese businessmen, arrived at Pagadian from Margosatubig brining a lone Jap, ITO, overseer of the puppet government of Margosatubig. Not having any inkling as to what happened to YANO, ITO landed in Pagadian. He was immediately put under arrest by PC and PA men and in the evening promptly beheaded. This was after his early activities during June, July, August and early September 1942.

Consternation gripped the puppet officials. Some of them were unceremoniously thrown to jail. Others were allowed freedom but given stern warning. Anxiety tugged at the heart of the town. The people expected the Japs to send plenty of soldiers and conduct a punitive expedition. How ever, this misgiving was unfounded. The Japs did not return until much later.

The leaders of the new movement included Lieuts FERNANDO PAGADIAN, NEMECIO BUYCO and FEDERICO PADAYHAG. Most of the men were those belonging to the former 3rd Zamboanga PC Co stationed at Pagadian before the surrender. This guerrilla unit decided to garrison Pagadian and establish their headquarters there instead of going into the hills.

All the PC men formed a company and selected Lt PADAYHAG as their Commanding Officer; the PA’s formed another and elected Lt. PAGADUAN to head them.

On 14 October, at 9:30 in the morning, MORGAN at the head of his rolling force arrived at Pagadian, by way of Aurora and Labangon. WILLIAM TATE was with the party. Organization immediately followed.

On 17 Oct 1942, the Pagadian Sector was formally organized with Capt NICOLAS P. LASOLA as Sector Commander.

Margosatubig, Kabasalan and Malangas

Shortly after the surrender, Moro bandits started raiding and looting the sitios in and around Malangas, a barrio belonging to the municipality of Margosatubig.

During all this time FRANK McCARTHY, a contractor in the Malangas Coal Mines, together with other public-spirited men, handed themselves together in their evacuation place some nineteen kilometers inland. They had with them some of the old laborers of the mines who continued to live with and work for them. McCARTHY had them promise to stick by him which they did.

Little by little they gathered quite a number of arms and ammunition. Some they bought outright from retreating soldiers who badly needed money to return to their homes. Other soldiers with arms and ammunition were prevailed upon to join the guerrilla unit instigated by McCARTHY.

Moro Bandits Cause Trouble

In the meantime, the Moro bandits became stronger and richer by their constant pillaging forays. They controlled Malangas, making this their headquarters and store-house for their looted goods. To make it worse, news reached McCARTHY that Moros in Siay, Kabasalan, had started to pillage nearby villages. McCARTHY decided to take action. With Moro bandits in Malangas and Moro bandits in Kabasalan – he felt bottled up, and his people in immediate danger.

LIBIO CRUZ, a member of the McCARTHY group, volunteered to go to the Moros in Malangas, pretending that he was dissatisfied with his lot in the McCARTHY outfit and wanted to join the bandits. This plan worked satisfactorily. The Moros believed the story of CRUZ, Then the told CRUZ that they were about to loot two wealthy Subanons living not far from Malangas. CRUZ immediately sent a secret message to McCARTHY, arranging for an ambush. McCARTHY planned accordingly.

Moro Bandits Ambushed

On 20 June 1942, the Moro bandits and CRUZ proceeded to put into action their plans of robbing the wealthy Subanons, but the McCARTHY ambush was successful. Three Moros were killed outright and two died later after having been badly wounded in the encounter. McCARTHY’s group suffered not a scratch.

More encounters with the Moro bad men followed. The Moros were driven from Malangas and McCARTHY moved in on 26 June 1942. A meeting was called in the Malangas market attended by some 200 Christians, Subanons and some peaceful Moros. A volunteer guard organization was created. The following month saw the organization of VG’s in Siay, Kabasalan and Kulasian, Margosatubig. The primary mission was to maintain peace and order. This mission included fighting the Moro bad elements and the Japs too, if need be.

Early in July 1942, the three Jap overseers, YAMASITA in Kabasalan; and JOVEN in Naga-Naga, heard of the activities of the McCARTHY group.

On 13 July 1942, a Jap vessel docked at Malangas pier with some three hundred Jap soldiers aboard, under the command of Capt MAIDA. The Japs called a meeting of the town people. The theme was the same – not to disturb the peace and order and not to fight against the mighty, invulnerable, invincible Japanese empire.

At this time, McCARTHY and his volunteer guards had to lie low a distance to the interior. It was suicidal to risk open encounter with that number of the enemy.

On 14 August 1942, the Jap-controlled motor launch “Chingkang” again arrived at Malangas led by SHIROTA, reported to be from Dansalan. He sent word to McCARTHY to surrender with his men and their arms, He also left a warning to the Malangas civilians that if they insisted in foolishly indulging in guerrilla activity, the Japs would burn the town. SHIROTA then proceeded to Margosatubig.

McCarthy Asks For Support

On 15 August 1942, McCARTHY appealed to the people of Malangas at the marketplace in a public meeting to back his guerrillas. The civilians, hating both the Japs and the Moro bandits and liking the leadership of McCARTHY, pledged McCARTHY then planned to send out in a vinta thirty of the strongest and most dependable men, well-armed and carrying explosives to Margosatubig in the dead of the night. ‘Their mission being to sink the Chingkang. This plan failed, however, as the vinta was overtaken by low tide at the mouth of Talanusa channel not far away from Margosatubig.

SHIROTA was angered when later he know of this. On 21 August, he arrived in Malangas aboard the same vessel with two Japanese soldiers and forty BC soldiers – all well-armed. They failed to locate McCARTHY and his men. Three times, until 25 August 1942, the boat of the Japs went to Malangas during the day to capture McCARTHY or at least discourage his organization and the town people against the Japs. Each night, however, the Jap vessel would return to Margosatubig, to avoid running into a raid.

Kabasalan:

A MELCHOR ALDE struck at the Japs at Kabasalan on 13 Sept 1942. The Japs managed to escape but were later captured and killed by a member of the Siay guerrillas to which ALDE belonged. On that same day, McCARTHY and his men were on their way to Kabasalan to help the Siay group in their coup de etat against the Jap rule.

After the incident, the Siay guerrilla increased their strength. From 12-19 Sept 1942, the Siay guerrilla under the leadership of two brave brothers, CESAR and BENJAMIN BERENGUER, collected many firearms and rounds of ammunition from Naga-Naga and outlying barrios – both from Moros and Christians alike. JOVEN, the Jap overseer of Naga-Naga, having been informed of the overthrow of his government in Kabasalan fled to Margosatubig. When the men of BERENGUER and MC CARTHY reached Naga-Naga, the Japs were no longer there.

On 20 Sept 1942, the BERENGUER brothers and Kabasalan soldiers arrived in Malangas in the launch “Oboza” which they put into running condition after having captured it in Kabasalan. This trip was in response to McCARTHY’s request for help in attacking Margosatubig, and in capturing the Motor Launch “Chingkang”.

Before they reached Margosatubig, however, the “Chingkang” had already left on 12 Sept 1942 for Pagadian with ITO, the Jap over-seer. Had ITO delayed he would have been caught in Margosatubig by the McCARTHY and BERENGUER guerrillas. However, on 13 Sept 1942, the fate that he ran away from Margosatubig awaited him at Pagadian where he was beheaded.

The combined MC CARTHY-BERENGUER guerrillas were met by a wildly cheering crowd upon landing in Margosatubig. Filipino and American flags were in evidence everywhere.

JOVEN, the Jap overseer of Naga-Naga who went to Margosatubig, and was left by ITO there with another Jap TACHINA, fled to the mountains. A certain L. BARBA who had been previously taken prisoner by the Japs – maltreated and robbed of his property, pursued the two Japs, found them in the interior, and killed them.

The last days of September and the first three weeks of October 192 ware used by the Siay and Malangas guerrillas to strengthen their positions, including that of Margosatubig.

On 22 October 1942, MORGAN and his Expeditionary Force arrived at Margosatubig. MC CARTHY’s and the Kabasalan group under the BERENGUERS, were formed into the Malangas Sector, with Captain FRANK W. McCARTHY, commanding.

Curuan:

PC, PS, PA and VG’s in Curuan, about forty six kilometers from the city of Zamboanga, formed themselves into the Curuan Cooperative Government which was ratified by the members and supporters on 21 Oct 1942. The activities of this government extended and branched out to the surrounding places, including Basilan and Sacol Islands.

MORGAN’s Expeditionary Force arrived at Curuan on 15 Nov 1942. The Curuan Cooperative Government was then abolished and became the Curuan Sector under Lieut VIRGILIO C. ALARCON.

MISAMIS ORIENTAL

Himaya, El Salvador:

In the early days of October 1942, Major MANUEL JALDON with a few officers and men having collected some arms and ammunition, formed a guerrilla unit at Himaya, a sitio in El Salvador, Cagayan. He issued a call to reservists and civilians to join in the renewal of hostilities against the enemy.

Malanang, Barra, Iponan:

While JALDON was thus occupied, another unit was organized in the nearby sitios of Malanang, Barra and Iponan by Lieuts MARCELINO MAAGAD and MARCELO GEBE. The energetic push which these young men gave their work brought into their fold some thirty five men and thirteen rifles, one shotgun, two revolvers and some ammunition.

In the beginning these two officers were working independently but when they learned of each other’s existence and intentions, they decided to join forces. Having also heard of the activities of Major JALDON, these two young men reported to him on 15 November 1942, at Bolisong, Headquarters of the former’s unit, and placed their guerrilla bands at his disposal. JALDON assigned their unit to cover the Malanang-Barra-Iponan Sector. MAAGAD was designated as Commanding Officer.

On 26 November 1942, MAAGAD’s unit assisted by the now Maj FIDENCTO LAPLAP, attacked the enemy at Patag, killing seventeen Japs and suffering no casualty on their part. Maj LAPLAP was one of the USAFFE officers who hid in Talacogon and later, because of his good showing in combat, was made a Staff Officer by JALDON. This successful encounter at Patag encouraged other officers and men of the USAFFE in hiding, to join with JALDON’s outfit.

Nasagpian:

Lieuts ARTURO CAMPO, NORBERTO JACALAN and OTONTEL COTEJO who were organizing a guerrilla unit at Nasagpian, also reported to Maj JALDON and thereafter fused with the Malanang-Barra-Iponan Sector, increasing the strength of this sector to about eighty eight officers and men.

On 28 Dec 1942, the Japs in a vengeful mood, attacked this sector. The attack was repulsed and the enemy withdrew with a number of casualties.

Pagatpat:

In November 1942, another guerrilla unit was being organized at Pagatpat by Lieuts ANDRES BACAL and MARCELINO BARILLO. This began with only a handful of men but later expanded to about one hundred men and officers.

On 16-17 Nov 1942, the Japs attacked this sector intending to smash its defenders. They failed to push through and returned to Cagayan.

Taytay:

At the time JALDON was organizing his units at Himaya, a small guerrilla band in Taytay was being created under the leadership of Lt ARACID HAMID. Later HAMID, like the others, reported to JALDON for duty, placing his small guerrilla units at JALDON’s disposal.

Initao:

Maj ANGELES LIMENA was also organizing a unit of his own called the West Misamis Oriental Sector which occupied the area lying West of the Alubijid River. This in turn was sub-divided into Lugait Sector under Lt CONSTANTINO MEDADO, Naawan Sector under Lt CARLITO SUBAND, Initao Sector under Lt ANTONIO OGNIR. The Alubijid Sector was designated for command of Major LAPLAP.

Balingasag:

On 16 Sept 1942, twenty nine guerrillas of Balingasag, who had organized a week before, attacked a Jap officer, Capt OKAMORA, and two Jap soldiers who were living in the church tower. The Japs expected no trouble in Balingasag as a puppet government was already in existence. The guerrilla band was led by Lieut PEDRO D. COLLADO and Pfc CLYDE M. ABBOTT, USAC. Other leading members of the organization were EUTIQUIO CAPRIO, VICENTE MERCADO, PEDRO VALENCIA and AMBROSLO CASTINO.

Abbott Inspires Guerrillas

In this fight, SANTIAGO UBALDE, a guerrilla member, was killed. The exchange of fire between the Japs in the tower and the guerrillas below was continuous. The town priest was sent to the tower to negotiate for the surrender of the Japs, but they refused. CLYDE ABBOTT, in complete disregard of his own safety advanced and threw a lighted dynamite, but the explosive fell short of the tower. Then the guerrilla band decided to burn the church. This was done with dried coconut leaves and the burning led by ABBOTT himself.

When the church was on fire, the Japs jumped out, firing at the guerrillas as they attempted to escape. VICENTE MERCADO killed the Jap Captain and other members of the band killed the other two Japs.

The next day, two Jap launches, “Mambejona” and “Tito” approached the beach to land troops. They were repulsed by rifle fire from the guerrillas lining the beach. An estimated seventeen. Japs were killed in the launch “Mambajona”. “Tito” was too far off for effective firing.

Japanese attempts to retake Balingasag failed and day by day the guerrillas increased their strength in number, arms and ammunition. The town of Salay was included in the Balingasag Sector when CIPRIANO BEREGAY with some men went to that municipality on the 18th Sept to end the Jap puppet government there.

In Oct 1942, Lieut PEDRO D. COLLADO made a trip to Misamis, Misamis Occidental to report to Col FERTIG. Through COLLADO, the Balingasag Sector was then incorporated into the ever increasing Mindanao guerrilla organization. The spirit of unity which prompted these bands to join together for a common cause, without regard to personal glory, is one of the encouraging highlights of the early guerrilla organization.

Talisayan:

Led by Pfc FAUSTO ORONDANG, PC, nineteen guerrillas took over the government of the Talisayan town the night of 19 Sept 1942. The puppet Mayor, FELICISIMO AGUILAR, was taken captive and the Jap overseer of the town was beheaded. The next day more men joined. The guerrilla band, leaving a few men in Talisayan, then proceeded to Gingoog and took that town on 20 Sept. Puppet officials were jailed. Then followed the taking of Kinoguitan. Camiguin Island consisting of the municipalities of Catarman, Sagay and Mambajao under Lieut MANUEL CORRALES and FELINO DONESA whom OMONDANG commissioned as Captain. OMONDANG’s headquarters was at Talisayan.

The OMONDANG unit however, showed a defiant attitude to the guerilla forces headed by Col FERTIG. Upon order of Lt-Col ERNEST E. McCLISH, then designated CO of the 110th Division which included a part of Bukidnon, all of Misamis Oriental, Surigao, Agusan and Davao Provinces, OMONDANG was disarmed and his men taken into the 110th Division. This was on 1 Dec 1942.

AGUSAN PROVINCE

Buenavista:

The first guerrilla shot, in the entire province of Agusan was fired in Buenavista.

2nd Lieut HILARION ANIASCO, PC and TIRSO GERONA, civilian volunteer, after

organizing a small guerrilla unit, struck on 26 Sept 192. A Japanese car on its way to Buenavista from Butuan to get fish and vegetables was ambushed near the road junction. Two Japs and one Filipino civilian guide were killed. The guerillas then took command of Buenavista, killing an additional five Filipino spy suspects in the interim. They then set up a guerrilla government.

The Jap garrison at Butuan, some fifteen kilometers away to the East, repeatedly attempted to retake Buenavista but were repulsed in a series of encounters. This guerrilla organization like many others grew in strength rapidly.

The Japs, a few days later bombed the town, destroying the Municipal Building.

Cabadbaran:

Cabadbaran, under the leadership of Atty JOSE R. VILLANUEVA and 2nd Lieut BENJAMIN FAMADOR, escaped POW, also revolted. Early in Oct 1942, SINDAK, a Japanese hireling who had been terrorizing Cabadbaran for some time, was sent by the Jap High Command of

Butuan to Cabadbaran with two Filipino policemen to arrest the escaped USAFFE Filipino officers and the Cabadbaran Chief of Police. The guerrilla group under Sergeant GREGORIO VENCE, later Lieut, arrested SINDAK and his two policemen, confiscating their truck. The following day, SINDAK was killed.

Some days later, this guerrilla band swelled by the presence of Lt THCMAS R. BAXTER, later Capt; LT ROSAURO P. DONGALLO, later Major; Lt ALFREDO CAYTON, Lt PLENIO ATEGA and Sgt GREGORIO VENCE, fought a Jap patrol of undetermined number at kilometer four, Cabadbaran-Butuan road, inflicting some casualties on the enemy.

After this encounter, the DONGALLO brothers, THOMAS BAXTER and VICENTE ZAPANTA, who joined after the encounter, proceeded to Misamis Oriental on Zapanta’s banca and jointed Lt-Col McCLISH at Balingasag, then busy organizing the 110th Division. VICENTE ZAPANTA, later Major and his wife actively participated in the organization of the ll0th Division. ZAPANTA’s banca “Athena” was a great help in the water traffic of the command.

Two other early guerrilla leaders actively participating in the Cabadbaran guerrillas were CRUZ RANARIO, later Captain, and Atty TERESA CORVERA, intelligence agent.

Ampayon:

Another group was formed in Ampayon by LOPE DESIATA, ex-policeman and joined Sgt LEON EBALLA, PC, now Lieut. This group later joined the Cabadbaran guerrilla command under the leadership of Lieut BENJAMIN FAMADOR, LT. PLENIO ATEGA and Sgt GREGORIO VENCE.

Libertad:

In Libertad was also another group under Sgt SALVADOR CIENCIA, now Lieut; Sgt DEMAFELIS, now Lieut; Lt. VICENTE CEMBRANO, now Capt. This group was led by Pvt GEORGE ABAPO, PS, 3rd Lt BENJAMIN PIA, TIRSO GERONA, civilian volunteer and 3rd Lt ARTURO LEONARDO.

Sometime in Jan 1943, KHALIL KHODR, Lebanese miner, was chosen by the different small guerrilla units which included that of Buenavista and Cabadbaran and the vicinity of Butuan, to head the movement. KHODR proved a good leader and organized a fairly large guerrilla unit. This unit later absorbed the guerrilla band in the Agusan River area headed by Lt LOU ROBERTON, Lieut ALFREDO CAYTON and that around Butuan led by Lieut CIENCIA. KHODR was subsequently made Captain.

Jagupit:

A small band of USAFFE soldiers and officers organized a guerrilla group in Jagupit under the leadership of Lt CAYETANO SERRANO, Lieut ERNESTO RIVER (escaped POW) and Lt EDUARDO CURATO (escaped POW). This band later joined the forces in Cabadbaran.

Before the activation of the Agusan. guerrillas into the fold of the 110^th Division under Lt-Col ERNEST E. McCLISH, there had been an attempt of various guerrillas to unify their command. One of these attempts was made in the conference’ held at Amparo. The guerrilla leaders present elected the following:

KHALIL KHODR was placed 2nd in command because it was intended that Colonel RUPERTO KANGLEON then confined in Butuan but definitely planning to escape was to head the united guerrillas in Agusan Section.

Chief of Staff             : 2nd Lt HILARION ANIASCO

G-1                              : 2nd Lt VICENTE CEMBRANO

G-2                              : Atty JOSE VILLANUEVA

G-3                              : Sgt (now Lt) SALVADOR CIENCIA

G-4                              : 1st Lt CELESTINO UDARBE (now Capt)

Fin Officer                  : Lt PLENIO M. ATEGA

Commanding Officer  : Lt BENJAMIN FAMADOR in the field

No Table of Organization was followed. The offices were simply created in the conference. But this plan was not carried out on account of the arrival of Capt WILLIAM KNORTZ, representative of Lt-Col McCLISH, on 30 Dec 1942. Capt KNORTZ immediately recognized the Agusan guerrillas and on 14 Jan 1943, the 112th Infantry Regiment (later changed to 113th Inf) was incorporated into the 110th Division.

THE BUTUAN SIEGE

From 3-10 March 1943, forces in the 110th Division composed of the Misamis Oriental guerrillas (110th Inf) and the Agusan units (113th Inf), a total of some 2,000 men, stormed the Jap garrison at Butuan and laid a siege for eight days.

McCLISH was assisted by Lt-Col CLYDE C. CHILDRESS; LUIS MORGAN and his expeditionary force; ROSAURO DONGALLO, CO, Division Special Troops; KHALIL KHODR, CO, 113th Inf; Capt CRUZ RANARIO, Division “M”; Atty TERESA CORVERA, Woman guerrilla leader of Agusan; Lt CLYDE ABBOTT leading the 110^th Infantry troops.

More than half of the town was burned in the battle. The Jap remnants were finally driven to the Elementary School Building where they entrenched themselves and were about to surrender when Jap planes arrived and bombed and strafed the guerrilla attackers. This was followed by Jap reinforcements of some two hundred well-armed men from Cagayan. Jap casualties in this battle were estimated to be close to a hundred. Twenty men were lost on the side of the guerrillas.

Butuan was not taken but the attack demoralized the Japs who, sensing that their stay in Butuan was precarious, moved to Cagayan, Misamis Oriental on 28 August 1943.

This Butuan siege like that of Malaybalay was among the few determined attempts in the early guerrilla days to dislodge the enemy, however poorly equipped were the attacking forces.

SURIGAO PROVINCE

Masgad:

A guerrilla force was organized here by MACARIO DIAZ, Municipal Mayor of Surigao City who did not surrender to the Japs. DIAZ however, had only a few arms and a few rounds of ammunition. Some minor encounters between the DIAZ band and the Japanese took place around the area of Lake Mainit, particularly the Siana Mines. Some Japanese patrols from Surigao were encountered in hit-and-run attacks by the DIAZ guerrilla band.

OTHER GUERRILLAS

In Gigaguit and environs, Maj CEFERINO GARCIA, PC, organized another guerrilla band; SAMMY GOODE with a small following in Tago; JOSE McCARTHY at Tandays; Capt TOMANING at Lianga and other small guerrilla units were organized almost simultaneously in mid-Sept 1942.

These bands were loose and attempts to unite them failed. It was only when Capt WILLIAM KNORTZ was sent over to Surigao by Lt-Col McCLISH to organize a regiment that all the guerrilla bands were fused and united in June 1943.

Such Americans as Capts THOMAS BAXTER and ANTON HARATIK did a great job in initiating the organization of small guerrilla bands in Surigao and Agusan before KNORTZ arrived.

This was to be the nucleus of the 114th Infantry Regimentt of the 110th Division, – later strengthened and made a potent, powerful striking force under Major PAUL H. MARSHALL, (later Lt-Col), former Sgt in the Army of the United States who escaped from Davao Penal Colony in the early part of 1943. He was assisted by Capt (later Major) ROBERT SPIELMAN who had escaped with Lt-Col MARSHAIL from Davao, the latter’s Executive Officer. Lt-Col MARSHALL relieved McCLISH as CO of the 110th Division on 22 Jan 1945. His unit was instrumental in driving the Japs from the Surigao-Agusan North area previous to the landing of American Forces on Mindanao.

DAVAO PROVINCE

Laureta’s Guerrilla Band

Lt-Col CLARO LAURETA, then Captain, USAFFE, did not surrender to the Japs in Davao, but instead moved to the interior and organized a guerrilla band of his own and firmly resisted the Japs. He was formerly CO of the Camp Victa Co, PC, Davao.

His original group consisted of about forty soldiers of his former command. He maintained his guerrilla unit along the Lubuganon River and enforced law and order in the settlement of some 4,000 civilian evacuees from Davao City. This was in the very early days after the surrender. The guerrilla band soon drew other soldiers.

Later minor guerrilla chieftains like Lt PEPITO in Saug; Lieut NAVARRO with some thirty men in Compostela, joined LAURETA.

Seventy Five Japs Killed

Even before the surrender and as early as 1 May 1942, LAURETA’s unit intact after the disintegration of the Fil-American Forces in the Davao Sector, waged guerrilla warfare against patrols and small enemy garrisons. At 5:00 PM on 1 May 1942, Lieut NAPOLI, one of LAURETA’s officers, with some soldiers surprised the Japanese garrison at Pagsabangan. The enemy suffered a loss of seventy three men killed including eleven Moros, and many wounded. The guerrillas had one man wounded.

On 15 May 1942, an enemy patrol of forty men under Lieut MORI was encountered at Barrio Mabaud, near Pagsabangan. MORI and a Jap soldier were killed. The guerrillas suffered no loss.

On 1 June 1942, at 10:00 AM, an advance guard of a unit of 250 Japs was encountered by the guerrillas in Barrio Magatos, Kapalong. Ten Japs were killed. No guerrilla casualties.

Simultaneously, the guerrilla outpost at barrio Talomo encountered a Jap contingent, part of a unit of 250, and after a brief exchange of fire, five Japs were counted dead with no casualties on the guerrilla side.

On 18 Sept 1942, a Japanese patrol of seven men searching for a Jap crashed plane in barrio Camoning, two kilometers from the guerrilla camp, was completely wiped out and their arms and ammunition were appropriated by the guerrilla attackers.

Cambanogoy Encounter-Two Japs Killed

On 10 December 1942, an enemy patrol of forty men clashed with a guerrilla patrol of an inferior number at barrio Cambanogoy. The Japs retreated, leaving behind two of their dead.

The LAURETA guerrilla band, in the face of overwhelming enemy superiority ~Japs in Davao calculated to be no less than fifty thousand men during that time – remained intact throughout the guerrilla period and continued to harass the enemy and to keep the civilian population united except in the heavily garrisoned Jap areas.

Mati-Manay :

JOVITA PEDRAYA, Sgt, USAFFE, took command of about 200 men formerly under Capt ASIS, his former Commanding Officer who was killed after he tried to force his men to surrender to the Japs. This was in June 1942. The territory occupied by the PEDRAYA group.

lay in the east coast of Davao and included Mati and Manay. This group was later made into the 111th Prov Bn under the 110th Division with Lt OWEN P. WILSON commanding and PEDRAYA, Executive Officer.

Cateel-Lingig:

Small guerrilla units were formed in Cateel and Lingig under Lt TEODULFO VILLARIN. These also were later absorbed in the 110th Division but did no active fighting until Capt ANTON HARATIK took command in the latter part of 1943. Then small encounters were initiated with the enemy. This unit formed the nucleus of the 112th Provisional Battalion.

SULU AREA

On 24 Dec 1941, the Japs invaded Jolo and easily overcame the PC forces garrisoned there. The remnants of the dispersed PC forces formed the nucleus of subsequent guerrilla groups. There is very little to record on their activities.

Tawi-Tawi :

When the war broke out, the PC Commander in the Tawi-Tawi area was 1st Lt ALEJANDRO PRESPECES. After the surrender, he was forced to move with his force of thirty armed men to Bato-Bato, due to inadequate supply of food and supplies.

Lt ANTON TAN, a school teacher and Reserve officer in Jolo, was with the Jolo USAFFE Force in December 1941. When the surrender came and the troops dispersed, he went to Sibutu to join the guerrillas.

Another guerrilla unit in the Tawi-Tawi area was led by “Colonel” TOME BITENG. Very little is known of this organization but it is believed that BITENG is an ex-USAFFE officer from Panay whose outfit is concerned mostly with shipping rice to North Borneo and profiteering on sugar trade between Negros and the Sulu islands. He kept his connections with the Panay guerrillas and was encouraged by them to seek an independent command, He never did cooperate in effecting the unification of guerrilla units in the area. He expressed willingness to take instructions from FERTIG’s Headquarters but did not report when requested to do so.

SIASI-JOLO AREA:

Capt LUIS. P. MORGAN and his Expeditionary Force arrived in the environs of the City of Zamboanga sometime in mid-November 1942. He desired to organize the Sulu guerrillas so he sent for Lt ABDULRAHIM IMAO, a Jolo Moro, who at the time was at Zamboanga. A guerrilla unit was organized at Siasi in December 1942, under Lt IMAO.

On 25 Dec 1942, the newly formed unit attacked the Siasi Jap garrison, capturing thirty rifles. In ear1y January 1943, the Jap garrison attacked the Siasi guerrillas but failed to disrupt them.

In the meantime, contacts were made with other guerrilla leaders all over the Siasi-Jolo area and in time the following sectors were organized:

Siasi Sector                             – Lt Komgldm Tio

Tawi-Tawi Sector                   – Lt Alejandro Prespeces

Silangkan (Jolo) Sector           – Lt Abdulrahim Imao

Maimbung (Jolo) Sector         – Lt A. Ali

Karunglang (Jolo) Sector        – Lt E. Agga

Lusuk (Jolo) Sector                 – Lt A. Datiles

Taglibi (Jolo) Sector               – Lt Ballesteros

Bilaan (Jolo) Sector                – Capt Arolas Tulawie

Since the surrender, the Japs stationed only a small garrison in Jolo. The guerrilla activities in the sector confined the Japs to Jolo town until mid-1943. At that time, the Jap garrison was reinforced and temporarily disrupted the guerrillas.

In January 1943, Lieut-Col ALEJANDRO SUAREZ who escaped from the Japanese custody in the Mindanao mainland, returned to Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and unified the various guerrilla units operating independently in the province. He later commanded the 125th Inf Regt assigned to cover that sector.

Source: History of the Mindanao Guerrillas by the American Guerrillas of Mindanao (AGOM) Unpublished Manuscript ; Photos of the Sulu Area Command from With the Bravest, The Untold Story of the Sulu Freedom Fighters of World War II by Ernesto M. Espaldon, M.D.

Cover photo: The Busraw Kalaw Guerrilla of Mumongan, Lanao. (present day Balo-i, Lanao del Norte) Courtesy of the MacArthur Memorial, Norfolk, Va.