The Rise of the Guerrillas in Mindanao

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.

Luis Morgan (front row, rightmost) on his graduation from the Philippine Constabulary Academiny in 1934. Published in A War Widow’s Experiences by Esperanza Alcid Enriquez, widow of Col. Enriquez of this class. Published in the US, 2000. (courtesy of Prof. Ricardo Jose)

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.

Colonel Wendell Fertig later became the highest ranked guerrilla leader of Mindanao’s 10th Miltiary District

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.

Lt PEDRO ANDRES
(Photo courtesy of Pedring Timonera(

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

Edward Kuder (seated) with the young Salipada Pendatun, 1927. (Courtesy of Phillipines Free Press)

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.

Lt. Col. Ernest Edward E. McClish (familysearch.org)

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.

Captain Ramon M. Onahon (photo from Onahon Family Collection)

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.

L-R Thomas Cabili, Robert Bowler, Salipida Pendatuan, Charles (Chick) Parsons, unknown, Manuel Fortich & Edwin Andrews in Malaybalay, June 1943 (MacArthur Memorial Archives)

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.

May 1941 photos of the Koatoen Research Laboratory and Experimental Cinchona Farm in Bgy Kaatoan, then a part of Malaybalay (now Lantapan), Bukidnon.

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.

Waldo McVickers

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 2nd 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.

Vintage Photo of Curuan, Zamboanga (Danilo Paragas)

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.

(Artwork by Philip Molina Garcia)

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:

(Artwork by Philip Molina Garcia)

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:

(Artwork by Philip Molina Garcia)

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.

(Artwork by Philip Molina Garcia)

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 110th 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

Capt William-A.-Knortz escaped from Dansalan, Lanao when the 81st Division (Phil) surrendered to the Japanese in May 10, 1942

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 110th 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.

Major PAUL H. MARSHALL

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.

CLARO LAURETA (MacArthur Memorial)

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. Abdulrahim Imao, commander of the Fightingest 21, Sulu Area Command & uncle of Abdulmari Asia Imao, the Philippines’ first Muslim National Artist.

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.

Col. Alejandro Suarez, a Spanish-Moro mestizo who was designated as overall commander of the Sulu Area Command when the Sulu archipelago was organized as a separate command by Gen. MacArthur.

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.

The Malaybalay Siege

12 January 1943

Smacking of medieval warfare and looming unique in the history of the Bukidnon guerrillas, was the protracted siege of Malaybalay undertaken by the Cotabato Bukidnon Force of SALIPADA K. PENDATUN 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 guerrille 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 Frank C. McGee

Major Frank 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, Kabakan 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.

Datu Ugtog Matalam

By this time, there was absolutely no more Jap garrison South of Malaybalay, except possibly that in Kabacan, Cotabato, 160 kilometers away. Datu UGTOG MATALAM’s forces occupied positions in Upian, Aroman, 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 underLt 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 MC GEE’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. Casualty of the enemy was 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 beleaguer-

ed 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 EM 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.

Malabalay 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.

Source: History of the Mindanao Guerrillas by the American Guerrillas of Mindanao (AGOM). Unpublished Manuscript.

Beginning And Growth Of The Tenth Military District

12 November 1942

Why The Early Guerrillas In Mindanao
Factors Favorable For Guerrilla Growth:

a) Natural Barriers: Mindanao turned out to be a fertile field for originating, nurturing, maturing and welding into a compact organization, guerrilla units. The island abounds in jungles, irregular land surface, rivers, mountains, steep cliffs, swamps and two big lakes (Lanao and Mainit), all offering obstacles in the way of travel.


Dansalan Public Market along the shore of Laka Lanao.

b) Absence of Highway, Good Roads: Battles fought on Mindanao, can hardly be engaged in by mechanized units, except on the Sayre and National Highways. Good roads, passable by bulky vehicles, are very rare. In place of roads are trails, most of them so small that when abandoned for a short time, they become untraceable. These trails cross and crisscross each other through a most irregular terrain covered with thick forests and rocky ledges, forbidding cliffs and other natural barriers. Such natural difficulties were to become a strong ally for the successful movement of guerrilla forces.

The Sayre Highway winding its way through Mangima Canyon in Tankulan, Bukidnon.

c) Food Plentiful: Mindanao lands are essentially agricultural that even in the middle of well-nigh impenetrable jungles, a ‘small clearing planted with corn, rice, bananas, camotes or other food-yielding plants, can support families. Even forest food products like sago, rattan shoots, edible wild tree’s fruits as durian, lanzones and pulps of certain forest trees, were plentiful. The jungles too offer plenty of game such as wild hogs, deer, monkeys, wild chickens and various birds. To cap it all, Mindanao is one of the most sparsely populated islands in the Philippines, taking into consideration its size. It has, by the census of 1900 less inhabitants than the province of Cebu. There was no scramble for food in the early days of the guerrilla movement!

(Photographs courtesy of the MacArthur Memorial Museum and Library, Norfolk, Va.)

d)  USAFFE Officers and Men add their experience: A considerable number of USAFFE officers and men did not surrender or if they had surrendered, many escaped or were released from the concentration camps. Outside of Japanese control, they became potent material for the guerrilla movement. It should also be said here with regret, that many USAFFE personnel made no effort to contribute in any way to the guerrilla resistance movement and reported to military authorities only after the landing of American troops in Leyte. Of the 33,000 guerrilla forces on Mindanao, all but thirty per cent comprised USAFFE men. Seventy per cent were civilian volunteers!

L to R Capt. William Edwin Dyess, Lt. Col. Ernest McClish, Cmdrt Charles Parsons, Capt. Charley Smith, Lt. Cmdr Melvyn McCoy, Major Steve Mellnik, Lt. Leo Boelens. (MacArthur Memorial)

e) Americans were leaders: A total of 187 American officers and men, in various branches of Army service, but mostly from the Air Corps, plus a few American civilians, managed to elude the clutches of the enemy and were mainly responsible in solidifying into a strong organization the different and diverse guerrilla groups on Mindanao, assisted by Filipino guerrilla leaders. Mindanao guerrilla units, some springing into action immediately after the surrender, were whipped into line and in mid-1943, there were approximately thirty-thousand enlisted men and three-thousand officers in the solidified Mindanao Guerrilla Command. This was known and officially recognized by Gen. MacArthur as the Tenth Military District, United States Forces in the Philippines (USFIP), under the strong leadership of a non-pareil “Guerrilla Chieftain”. All of these units were activated in accordance with the Tables of Organization of the Philippine Army (Reserve Division).

How this organization came into being and succeeded in pushing its missions to a successful conclusion, is a story of so many stories, linked and interlinked to become an interlaced whole, one and indivisible. It is in great part, the story of Colonel WENDELL W. FERTIG.

Nucleus Of The Tenth Military District:

WILLIAM A. TATE, American-Negro-Filipino mestizo, who before the war was an employee of the Mindanao Autobos Co., and late Chief of Police of Momungan, Lanao (present day Balo-i, Lanao del Norte) under the Japanese, decided to revolt. Past midnight of 16 September 1942, TATE, in compliance with a prior arrangement made with Capt. LUIS MORGAN. American mestizo PC officer, crossed Panguil Bay in a sailboat with thirty-four men from Baroy, Kolambugan, Lanao to Tangub, Misamis Occidental. They were poorly armed but determined in their mission.

Luis Morgan (front row, rightmost) in his graduation from the Philippine Constabulary Academy in 1934. Published in A War Widow’s Experiences by Esperanza Alcid Enriquez, widow of Col. Enriquez of this class. Published in the US, 2000. (Courtesy of Prof. Ricardo Jose)

The intention was to surprise the puppet Japanese-sponsored officials in that and other municipalities and take away the arms and ammunition scheduled to be ready for delivery to the enemy authorities. These were kept in the municipal halls. TATE met no opposition, and the move was highly successful. He arrested several puppet officials, ordered them jailed and confiscated eighty-seven firearms which were waiting collection by the Japanese military.

Fertig Assumes Command – 4 October 1942

MORGAN followed two days later. The two guerrilla leaders moved from town to town in the Northern portion of Zamboanga, attempting to consolidate guerrilla units already in existence and creating new militia groups in places where there were none.

MORGAN and TATE, lacking in the fundamental essentials of strong leadership and knowing their own limitations, sought Col. WENDELL W. FERTIG through Capt. CHARLES W. HEDGES (later promoted Colonel), asking FERTIG to head the planned organization of the Visayas-Mindanao Force. Before the outbreak of the war, Col. HEDGES was the Logging Superintendent of the Findlay-Millar Timber Co at Kolambugan, Lanao with a commission as Captain in the Reserve, United States Army. He was a very close friend of Col. FERTIG. He also knew personally MORGAN and TATE and, in fact, met them at the Baroy beach when they came to request Col. FERTIG to command the proposed Visayas-Mindanao Guerrilla Force. Lending the weight of his friendship and influence, he aided in convincing Col. FERTIG to accede to the request of MORGAN and TATE. Col. FERTIG recognized the immediate need for united and concerted action in the attainment of a common purpose and agreed to assume command of the Mindanao Guerrillas, then going by the name “Mindanao-Visayan Force”. This was on October 1942. In his own words, quoted from a radio message to Gen. MacArthur:

“The unification of the scattered guerrilla forces is made with the end in view of eliminating dangerous friction ‘between them and coordinating their efforts against the enemy x x x.”

Thereafter he concentrated his efforts, time and energy in the reorganization, organization and administration of different guerrilla units in Mindanao, beginning with Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga. All guerrilla groups, one by one, fell in line under the new leader, Col. FERTIG, who was soon to initiate similar plans to unify all scattered guerrilla units on the island under one unified command.

On 12 Nov 1942, the guerrilla units in Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga were formed into the 106th Infantry Regiment, the first regiment to be activated under the command of Col. FERTIG.

WENDELL W. FERTIG, an American mining engineer in the Philippines, was called to active duty with the Corps of Engineers early in 1941; served on Bataan and in March 1942, was flown to Mindanao to continue the construction of airstrips. When the order of general surrender came, he refused to surrender but stayed in Kolambugan, Lanao where, when TATE and MORGAN started the guerrilla resistance movement, he accepted the offer to take command of the organization. A man of vision, Col. FERTIG saw in the movement tremendous possibilities ahead though attendant with multiple hardships, deficiencies and heartaches, but the coming events justified his hopes.

FERTIG’s immediate goal resolved into:

a) Smoothing out rivalry among loose, roving bands of scatter-ed guerrillas to prevent the development into serious, internal conflicts resulting from petty misunderstandings and feelings of distrust between themselves;

b) The unification of all guerrilla groups into one compact command to be more effective in the prosecution of plans against the enemy; and

c) Making definite provisions for the security, protection and maintenance of the fast-expanding troops. The last included the organization of an essential intelligence net to know the strength, movements and plans of the enemy.

Source: History of the Mindanao Guerrillas by the American Guerrillas of Mindanao (AGOM) Unpublished Manuscript

-30-

The Epic Battle of Tagum

10 November 1944

On 10 November 1944, about 3:00 AM, no less than 400 Jap regulars and marines riding in Q-boats, launches and boats, landed at Madaum under cover of darkness.

The men of Cos “G” and “H” deployed along the beach of Madaum discovered the presence and immediately fired at them, inflicting some casualties. The Cal .50 machinegun (MG) sunk one launch and damaged others in the early part of the encounter. The fight along the beach continued until daylight with the enemy still unable to gain a foothold.

The guerrillas centered their fire on the Japs alighting from the boats and those wading the waist-deep water, while the machinegun fired at the launches and Q-boats which were mounted with mor tars and cal .50 MGs.

ENEMY ESTABLISH BEACHHEAD

The stiff and stubborn resistance offered by the guerrillas, prevented the enemy from establishing a beachhead until 7:00 AM when fresh reinforcements from Davao City arrived and the assault was shifted to Galinan beach, two kilometers away penetrating through the sitio of Gogon at Madaum.

Hijo River, Madaum, Tagum City, Davao del Norte

The Japs then occupied Madaum up to Hijo River; after a hotly contested battle. The enemy despite heavy losses in men, continued to advance, and the guerrillas, in danger of being encircled due to numerical inferiority, withdrew from the beach and from Madaum.

While the fight was in progress at Madaum, another Japanese force of about 200 effected a landing at Busaoan, after receiving resistance from the OP of the Combat Co of twelve men under a non-commissioned officer.

GUERRILLA TROOPS RE-POSITIONED

As a result of the occupation of Madaum up to Hijo River, the companies of the 2nd Battalion with the Combat Co were withdrawn in an orderly manner and disposed of as follows: Cos “G” and “H” maintained a line of defense along the Utley-Apokon Road; a portion of the Ha & Ha & Service Co of Co “E” and of Combat Co were deployed at Canukutan bridge; Combat Co and Co “E” from Km 48 junction to Km 50, Bincungan-Magugpo Road; Co “K” at Apokon Road up to Magugpo crossing, while Co “M” was at Bucana.

Late in the afternoon, these companies were withdrawn and disposed of as follows: Cos “HE” and “G” at Magugop crossing; Co “E” deployed along Apokon Road; Co “F” at Magugpo-Pagsabangan Roads; Co “I” from Magugpo crossing to Km 56, Davao-Agusan Road; Combat Co at Km 60 to Km 62, Davao-Agusan Road, Co “K” at Km 57 to Km 60 of the same road, with outguards deployed along possible routes of enemy approach.

11 NOVEMBER 1944

On 11 Nov 1944, the enemy with fresh reinforcements from Davao, was discovered moving along the Bincungan-Magugpo Road to the National Highway. Our men immediately opened fire and killed two Japs. From 1:00 PM until dawn the next day, the fight continued with the guerrillas tenaciously holding their positions.

Early in the morning of the following day, however, the Japs used trench mortars and pushed back the guerrillas who withdrew to Km 59, Davao-Agusan Road. Again the Japs pursued the guerrillas at Km 58, Davao-Agusan Road, and another hot encounter took place in this area.

The guerrillas withdrew to Km 60, and from here.to Km 62; established a strong defensive position which the enemy failed to penetrate. The enemy withdrew and did not advance any further.

During the whole operation for the period from 10 to 13 November 1944, the total number of Jap casualties were undetermined but, definitely over 100, with many wounded, especially at the time of the initial attempts to take beachhead when our troops were in an enviable and excellent firing position. On the guerrilla side, one was missing or killed and three wounded.

Source: History of the Mindanao Guerrillas by the American Guerrillas of Mindanao (AGOM) Unpublished Manuscript

Guerrillas Assault Pagadian Garrison

5 November 1944

The attack on Pagadian was undertaken to disperse the eighty to one hundred Japs entrenched in the heart of the town, who were heavily armed with one 50 cal machinegun, BARs, rifles, cal 25, and one stock mortar.

The attacking guerrilla mobile units had an average strength of fifty men and four officers in the nearest line of approach, and another fifty men as reserve appropriately distributed in the cordon of outposts covering the east, north and west of the town.

These mobile units occupied different houses in strategic places at varying distances from 150 to 500 meters away from the municipal plaza in such a manner that a semi-circle was formed with the enemy literally imprisoned within. Directly south of the town is the Illana Bay.

The mobile unit groups stationed in the different outposts alternated with each other in occupying the organized ground from 100 to 150 meters away around the enemy positions. The tour of duty of each mobile unit was twenty-four hours so that the Japs were kept under continuous watch by the guerrillas.

6 JAPS KILLED

On 5 Nov 1944, at 5:00 AM, “D” Co mobile unit under Capt C.I. CANTOY, Lt L. ASUELO and Lt M. CAMPO rushed unobserved to the concrete municipal building situated at the plaza. Here, the guerrillas entrenched themselves and fired on the radio station building, twenty five to thirty meters away. Three Japs standing at the doorway were easy targets.

Post war photo of the Pagadian City Hall circa 1955.

About 6:30 AM of the same day, a Jap was observed looking out of the house of

a certain CABRALES by name of “BM” Co, He was a direct hit. A few minutes

later, two Japs bringing boards were seen at another nearby house belonging to

FLORENDO. They were fired at, one being hit.

At 8:30 of the same day, two Japs bringing a kettle were seen creeping from the radio station. They were fired at simultaneously by Corp D. RAMOS, Pfc A. ARMADA, and Pvt A MEDINA with 1 BAR and TSMGs killing them outright.

At 9:00 AM, operative BUARON detected a moving object among the bushes, apparently a Jap, but before he could fire, the Jap rushed to the radio station. A Jap peering through a small opening at the window of the station retaliated just missing BUARON’s head.

JAPS COUNTERATTACK

At 8:30 AM, the Jap counterattack began. Their .50 cal MG emplaced at DATOC’s residence about a hundred meters from the radio station riddled the municipal building with bullets, and shelled it three times.

Two were direct hits, splinters of which wounded Pvt ARTEMIO MERIDA. An order of retreat was issued to withdraw to a nearby coconut grove.

GOOD FIRE SUPPORT IN RETREAT

In the meantime, Jap riflemen had advanced to the east side of the municipal building, opened fire on the guerrillas rushing out the back door of the municipal building. But the guerrilla combat men posted north of the plaza, returned the Jap fire, thus supporting the withdrawal of their comrades.

7 November 1944: – Lt MORO LAO, Battalion Executive Officer with S-2 operatives with rifle grenades shelled the various Jap positions as did the combat men with six mortar shells.

8 November 1944: – At 4:30, Lt LAO with S-2 operatives shelled the radio station from behind hitting the roof at the western side destroying it.

About 8:00 PM, same night, Pfc ROLLEN, Pvts BUSTIDA and ACAIN, all of “D” Co approached the radio station and threw three grenades. Damage undetermined.

11 November 1944 – Early morning, rifle grenadiers led by Lt LAO, shelled the Japs sheltered in the houses of HOFILENA, DATOC and the Southern Mindanao Institute School building. The balcony of the school was hit, while the fire directed at DATOC’s hit the trench mortar.

The Combat Co also shelled the Jap garrison at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 12:00 noon with stock mortar.

Post-war Pajares_Avenue, Pagadian City circa 1953

12 November 1944 – In the morning, the Jap positions at CABRALES, FLORENDO and ECUIPADO were shelled by rifle grenades. At night, the guerrillas dug foxholes very close to the radio station. At the same time, the Special Mobile Unit and some enlisted men of Cos “C” and “D” under Capt CANTOY and Lt LAO, shelled the municipal building to attempt to

dislodge the Japs sheltered thereat.

13 November 1944 – By 6:00 AM, the municipal building was abandoned by the Japs and the guerrillas occupied it.

JAPS STUBBORNLY RESIST

At 7:30 AM, the Special Mobile Unit under Lt LAO, launched another attack on the radio station from newly gained positions. The building was badly battered but the Japs held to their position.

14 November 1944: – Again, Lt LAO’s men machinegunned the radio station. Grenadiers likewise did their part but the Japs resisted stubbornly.

15 November 1944: – An all-night operation was launched by Lt LAO’s Special Mobile Unit assisted by Co “A” under Lt N. BUYCO. But the Japs resisted with their stoke mortar and BARs.

16 November 19h: – The guerrillas continued the offensive with more determination. The radio station and DATOC’s house where the enemy was well-entrenched, received the brunt of concentrated fire. But no amount of firing could dislodge them.

JAPS BURN RADIO STATION

At 6:30 PM, the Japs appeared to have withdrawn from the radio station earlier in the afternoon and concentrated their own firing at the municipal building where the guerrillas had garrisoned. Then firing ceased, followed by shouts and suddenly the radio station was aflame. The house west of the Southern Mindanao Institute Building was also aflame. It was strongly believed that the Japs were cremating their dead.

17 November 1944: – At 7:30 AM, guerrillas of “BY” Co near AMOROSO’s house, killed a Jap carrying a piece of board. The rest of his companions who were inside the house scattered for cover to return fire.

18 November 1944: – At 10:00 AM, the Jap position in the town was shelled four times by the mortar squad. In the afternoon, the Japs launched a counterattack on “B” Co sector at Lumbia. The guerrillas resisted but at first with their ammunitions running low, a withdrawal seemed wise. The Japs succeeded in occupying the nearest approach of the guerrillas to the former’s position.

In the evening, “D” Co combat mobile unit and the left flank of “A” Co, advanced to about thirty yards from the Southern Mindanao Institute Building and entrenched themselves in foxholes.

19 November 1944: – The following morning, their newly entrenched positions, the guerrillas continued the attack.

Vintage photo of post-war Pagadian City.

From 7 to 8 AM, the Japs shelled the positions of the Combat Units of “A” and “D” Cos eight times, and that of Cos “C” and “B” three times. Pvt ATILANO CAPOL who went out of his foxhole to get drinking water was hit with shrapnel.

The men of “B” Co taking advantage of the counter offensive, launched by the Japs, re-occupied the line of nearest approach on the Lumbia side.

At 2:30 PM, the Japs taking advantage of the heavy rain crawled from their shelters at CABRALES, EQUIPADO and BALLESTEROS towards the area of Co “C” mobile unit.

SPEEDBOATS AID GUERRILLAS

25 November 1944: – At 5:30 AM, two speedboats which had been unloaded sometime before by US submarines at Tukuran Bay, armed with 20mm cannons, strafed the eastern side of the town. The maneuver was handled by Lt SINCLAIR (NOIC) assigned on duty with the “A” Corps, Western Mindanao, 10th Military District, expending a total of 180 rounds in three

drums with some incendiary and tracer bullets. The Japs retaliated with a few bursts of their .50 caliber machine gun but all their firing was overhead. The guerrillas sought in ground positions, fired also. It was a sight to see the Japs being fired at from all directions.

JAPS DISPERSE – 6 KILLED

At 7:30 AM, soon after the strafing, eight Japs were seen heading towards the east from the town. The guerrillas fired at them killing four.

About the same time, another group of Japs proceeded to FLORENDO’s neighborhood. One went up to a house while the others busied themselves cutting banana fruits. The guerrillas killed both.

The Japs burned the house of SERGIO ANGON, ANTONIO FLORENDO, VENANCIO GEMINTANO, FELIX BALLESTEROS, GREGORIO ABARRA, and CONRAD UBAS.

28 November 1944: – At 5:30 PM, a stocky Jap was seen coming from CABRERA’s

house by Corp BUANAELOR of “A” Co. He fired, felling him.

In this twenty-five day attack, the Japs suffered a total of sixteen dead, and an undetermined number of wounded. None were killed on the guerilla side with one wounded.

Source: History of the Mindanao Guerrillas by the American Guerrillas of Mindanao (AGOM) Unpublished Manuscript

Guerrilla Attack on the Japanese Garrison in Misamis

30 October 1944

Misamis was considered the most strongly fortified garrison of the enemy in the province of Misamis Occidental. Since their wide-scale invasion on Northern Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga on 26 June 1943, they had entrenched themselves and found security in a four hundred year old moss covered Spanish fort situated on a promontory by the sea, appearing like an impregnable landmark that guards the gateway of the town from the Panguil Bay.

Historically known es the COTTA this fort is about five meters thick and five meters high of solid brick and encloses a ground area of one hundred meters square. Records of old say that the Spanish conquerors constructed this stronghold with the use of slave labor, and when finished served as an effective structure of resistance against frequent and daring Moro attacks and depredations.

For two and a half years, the Japanese invaders held this fort until on 10 December 1944 they were attacked by seven US planes in coordination with guerrilla ground troops.

43 DAY SIEGE

Before the arrival of the planes, the siege on Misamis by the guerrilla forces started on 30 October 1944 and continued for a period of forty-three days.

The entire command of the 106th Infantry Regiment participated except the lst Battalion. The following officers coordinated in their respective assignments, namely: Maj MARCELO BONILLA, CO, 106th Infantry Regiment, Capt DONALD WILLS, personal representative of the CO, “A” Corps, Lt T. SINCLAIR, USNR, Capt S. JULIGANGA, Acting CO, 2nd Bn, 106th Inf, and lst Lt PEDRO YLAGAN, CO, 3rd Bn, 106th Infantry Regiment.

2dLt-W.-C.-Olsen-1stLt-W.-S.-Sharpe-demonstrate-the-method-used-to-carry-Major-D.-H.-Wills-AUS-leader-of-Dipolog-guerilla-forces-as-he-directed-Marine-Corsairs.

The strength of the enemy which garrisoned Misamis town proper on the initial day of the attack was estimated to be ninety Japs, all a part of the MoriButai and Takayama Chutai, and armed with two stock mortars, two .30 caliber machine guns, grenades, automatic rifles, and rifles.

On 30 October, the following guerrilla units were disposed according to plans before the attack, as follows: The Combat Co of the Ha Bn on the West; four companies of the 2nd Battalion at the Northwest; and three companies of the 3rd Battalion at the Southwest, in such a manner that the entire town block was covered at the East direction is the sea.

Initial contact with the enemy was made at exactly 5:30 AM with the use of two new US mortars emplaced at Bucagan Hill which had been easily captured by the guerrilla that morning. The attacking force moved slowly forward towards Misamis and by nightfall dug in rather than run unnecessary risk of advancing through open terrain.

PLATOONS WELL PLACED

The next day 30 October, the slow moving but well-planned advance resumed. “F” Co made initial contact with Jap outpost No. 2 stationed at the Misamis Institute Building; “E” Co reached a group of banana plants just two hundred yards from Jap outpost No. 1, with its first platoon some five hundred yards northeast of Jap outpost No. 1, and the second platoon occupying both sides of the Clarin-Misamis Road with Jap outpost No. 1 only a few yards away, and the third platoon about seven hundred yards away from Jap-held Misamis Institute. The soldiers of “H” Co, 2nd Bn Reserve were deployed at the swamp area North of the Cotta.

At 3:30 PM, “I” Co, of the 3rd Bn, watching the southwestern sector, assaulted the enemy guarding Bueszon Hill driving them to town. “L” Co reached Jap outpost No. near a chapel by the road to Tangub town. “K” Co occupied a line on the left of “L” Co and was only a few yards away from the Jap-held Misamis Institute Building.

The guerrilla troops crept slowly through the marshes for it faced direct fire that varied from moderate to intense, as well as fire from enemy snipers.

At dawn of 1 November, the attack raged in earnest. The Combat Co and “G” Co stormed the Misamis Institute Building; “K” and “L” Cos moved in towards Jap outpost No. 4. The Combat outfit of the 3rd Bn and “L” Co dislodged Jap outpost No. 5, while Jap outpost No. 3 was silenced. Along the road to Clarin, Jap outpost No. 1 was set on fire by men of “E” and “F” Cos.

The guerrillas in perfect order pressed the retreating enemy taking quantities of valuable supplies left behind. The attacking force advanced to the premises of the convent, right inside the town, with the Cotta only about half a kilometer away.

At 11:00 AM, an officers’ conference was hurriedly called by Maj BONILLA who was authorized to take the necessary measures in demanding surrender of the enemy who by that time were all inside the Cotta.

OFFER SURRENDER TERMS TO JAPS

Terms of surrender were sent to the Japanese Commander but were denied. So, the besiegers built up a line two hundred meters from the Cotta in the form of an arc extending from the concrete wharf to Catadman beach, thus making the Japs inside virtual prisoners. During lulls, the device of scaling the slippery walls of the Cotta with bamboo ladders was tried but was finally given up as futile.

Then on 10 Dec 1944, seven US Lightning planes hovered about the Cotta machine-gunning the trapped enemy within, and dropping incendiary bombs of death.

When the planes left, the ground troops intensified the siege. The enemy answered with their machine guns and automatic rifles. Lt DOMINGO ABUAN was wounded and two soldiers of “I” Co instantly killed. Dusk came and with it heavier mortar shell fire and rifle fire from the enemy as if making one final desperate effort to fight back. The guerrillas held their front line. Exchange firing lasted until 11:00 PM.

JAPS ESCAPE

Shortly after daybreak, 11 December 1944, the guerrillas fired several times at the Cotta and receiving no reply, rushed inside only to discover that the Japs who withstood the grueling fire succeeded in escaping somehow out of the Cotta under cover of darkness. Only eight dead bodies, one dying soldier, eighty-six burnt rifles, six boxes of ammunition, and ten cavans of corn were all that remained.

The arsenal of the Cotta.

Investigations showed that after the enemy had fired their last mortar shell they escaped through the ladders left by the guerrilla themselves when they attempted to scale the wails.

In their flight, they followed the shoreline back of the Cotta passing Maningeol, Clarin, Sinacaban and on towards Sinonoc, twenty-two kilometers away from Misamis and nearer Jimenez.

SEVEN JAPS SURRENDER

Lt SCFRONIO AVANCENA, CO “E’ Coy upon learning that the escaping Japs had passed his sector (Clarin), led a patrol of fifteen men in pursuit. They overtook the enemy at Sinonoc beach who were pulling off in three bancas.

AVANCENA’S men and those of “I” Co, 107th Inf Regt under Lt Re PENARANDA fired at them. One banca was badly hit and sinking. The Japs in it tried to swim towards the other bancas only to serve as targets to the men on the beach. The second banca, with a load of about twenty seven men, next received the brunt of concentrated fire. In the meantime, Capt HAMID ARACID with ten men grabbed another banca and hurried in pursuit of the fleeing bancas. The third banca with fifteen men was well under way and could not be caught. Seven Japs who could not get into the two fleeing bancas waved a white piece of cloth and were captured by the HAMID group.

Total number of Jap casualties were ten killed and seven captured. On the guerrilla side, two killed, and one wounded.

-30-

Attack on Mt. Blik : A Combined Filipino-American Operation

18 June 1945

Combined American and guerrilla operations in the area of the 106th Division forced the remains of the enemy, as elsewhere, to flee to the mountains. 300 to 400 Jap troops sought refuge in the Mt Blik area, Cotabato (present day Talayan, Maguindanao), but hot on their trail were the combined American and guerrilla forces.

STRATEGY PLANNED

On the night of 17 Jun 1945, Capt DEMPSTER D. DROWLEY of the American Troops of “B” Battery, 222-AAA, S/L Battalion, presided over a conference of officers at the Sibutu Schoolhouse where the disposition of troops, plans of attack and enemy positions were studied, planned and decided upon.

Accordingly, lst Lt MORTON with thirty American troops together with 2nd Lt FORTUNATO CABALES, Inf (PA), 3rd Lt PRIMETIVO TORRES, Inf (PA) and the “F” Co, were assigned

Southeast of Mt Blik to attack the enemy on the right flank.

They started out for their position at 2:00 AM on 1§ Jun 1945, 2nd Lt VICENTE VALDEZ, Inf (PC) with twenty-five enlisted men of “G” Co and ten American troops left Sibutu soon after the conference to occupy their position about 200 yards east of the Mt Blik base from where they were to attack the enemy’s left flank.

Sgt VENANCIO DIMLA, Inf (PC) with ten guerrillas of “C” Co together with Sgt SINGLETON and four other American troops were assigned to the back trails south of the enemy’s positions in the afternoon of 17 Jun 1945, their mission being to pick up enemy stragglers retreating that way. The Combat Co remained in its previous post guarding the Corporan~Litengan-Ranao Pilayan trails to prevent the enemy from going to Ranao Pilayan where food stuffs were plentiful.

Lastly, Capt DEMPSTER with Capt MACARIO CUBALIA, Inf (PC) and 2nd Lt BENJAMIN ENERIO, Inf (PA) together with fifty Americans and ten guerrillas of “G” Co were to carry on the frontal attack. They left Sibuto at h:00 AM on 18 Jun 1945.

Action started at 9:00 AM, 18 Jun 1945, and lasted till 2:00 PM.

The group of Lt VALDEZ attacked the enemy’s left flank and Sgt DIMLA with Sgt SINGLETON ambushed and killed eleven retreating Japs.

But there was a hitch in the plans. Lt MORTON’s group and Lt CABALES’ “F” Co lost their trail which caused them much delay. The enemy occupied three strategic positions of vantage on high ground and they easily gained fire superiority from their entrenchment over our troops.

TWO AMERICANS KILLED – THREE GUERRILLAS WOUNDED

Tao American soldiers were killed, namely: Sgt ALBERT G. MOSIER and Sgt. ROBERT L. MILLER.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, presented with pride the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Robert L. Miller (ASN: 17068190), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Battery B, 222d Anti-Aircraft Battalion (Searchlight Battalion) in the Southwest Pacific Area, on 18 June 1945.

During military operations which culminated in the clearing of Japanese forces from Mindanao, Philippine Islands, friendly troops were advancing on an enemy-held objective when devastating fire emanating from a machine gun nest located on a hill dominating the approach halted the attack. Sergeant Miller volunteered to lead a squad in a diversionary action on the flank of the enemy position in order to facilitate the withdrawal of forces which were pinned to the ground by hostile resistance. He had maneuvered his squad to a position within 50 yards of the stronghold when the enemy opened fire with such intensity that further progress became impossible.

Armed with only a carbine, Sergeant Miller, completely disregarding his own safety, crept through the brush and cogon grass to within 20 yards of the emplacement. Leaping to his feet in full view of the enemy, he charged the position, deliberately exposing himself to draw the enemy’s fire so that his squad could assault the objective. He was struck immediately and mortally wounded, but, still attempting to advance, he fell to the ground within a few yards of the stronghold. His heroic action distracted the enemy long enough for his squad to eliminate the machine gun nest, thus relieving hostile pressure and enabling a withdrawal to a more favorable location from which to resume the attack.

Through his indomitable fighting spirit and unremitting determination in the face of overwhelming odds, Sergeant Miller made possible the successful completion of an important mission and his brilliant performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Two others were missing for a number of days, namely: Corp CARROL F. JONES and T/ METRO A SCHURESKO. These two showed up during the last week of June 1945 at Dalican, haggard, ragged and hungry after wandering in the jungles of Mt. Blik. A native Tiruray found and guided them home and they were hospitalized in Cotabato.

Of the 119th Inf unit, three enlisted men from “C” Co, 2nd Bn, were casualties, namely: Pvts MELCHOR SALVADOR and CARLOS MODOC, wounded; while Corp ALFREDO CAOILI sustained a right knee dislocation from a bad jump during the confused retreat. There were also four civilian bearers (native Tiruray cargadors) wounded who were given medical treatment at Cotabato, while six were missing.

On the enemy’s side, twenty one were verified killed and an undetermined number of wounded.

The enemy’s arms consisted of one 90mm mortar, machine guns, BARs, 25 cal rifles and hand grenades. The American and guerrilla weapons consisted of two 60 mm mortar, six bazookas, BARs, TSMCs, carbines and a good number of  old Enfield rifles.

Source: History of the Mindanao Guerrillas by the American Guerrillas of Mindanao (AGOM) Unpublished Manuscript

The Siege of Kabacan, Cotabato

25 October 1942

Kabacan, in the heart of Cotabato, was garrisoned by the Japanese in 1942, and the government run by puppet officials. When the Rio Grande Rubber Estate was sold by the Filipino Incorporators to the Japanese Imperial Government, it became the site for the provisional municipal government with Cenon Doctolero as the appointed mayor.

The guerrilla movement all over Cotabato was at fever pitch and the enemy garrison at Kabacan must be taken at all cost.

By Mike Gonzalez (TheCoffee), Hellerick, Hariboneagle927, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=156000623

The siege started on 25 October 1942. Ali the puppet policemen including the Chief of Police and puppet Mayor surrendered en masse after due warning. They gave up all of their arms and ammunition, and they then volunteered to support with the guerrillas.

68 JAPS KILLED OUT OF 76

Early in the morning, the Japs coming out of the Kabacan garrison were ambushed. Twelve of them were killed including one Jap officer and one Filipino BC officer – Lt BALANAG by name.

The siege continued for fourteen days, carried on night and day. On 7 Nov 1942, another twelve Jap soldiers and one Filipino BC were killed. Maj BUYAO, Lt RAYMONDO F. FLORES, and Sgt MENEDSEN KAMBANG on the guerrilla side were wounded slightly by hand grenades.

The guerrilla force, a strength of one company, was commanded by Maj UDTOG MATALAM and Maj BUYAO.

Major Udtog Matalam.

Out of the seventy-six Japanese soldiers in the garrison, sixty-eight were verified definitely killed. The garrison was about to fall when a reinforcement of 250 Japanese troops arrived. Our troops were forced to retreat due to diminishing supply of ammunition, the constant complaint of all guerrilla units due to lack of means of getting ample supplies into enemy-occupied territory.

The guerilla force, a strength of one company, was commanded by Maj UDTOG MATALAM and Maj BUYAO.

Source: History of the Mindanao Guerrillas by the American Guerrillas of Mindanao (AGOM) (Unpublished Manuscript)

The Battle of Ising

1 May 1945

The 130th Regiment, 107th Division, under the command of Major Saturnino R. Silva Sr., with a strength of eighty-nine officers 4nd 1,292 enlisted men, aided by the 111th Provisional Battalion (Bn), launched the Ising, Davao (present day Carmen, Davao del Norte) offensive on 1 May 1945 following orders from Col. Wendell W. Fertig, Commanding Officer, 10th Military District, as instructed by Maj. Gen. Franklin C. Sibert, Commanding General, 10th Corps.

The mission was to dislodge the enemy from Ising proper and clear the National Highway of this isolated garrison – the only Jap unit between Km 30 and the guerrilla troops. The entire operation lasted for twenty nine days and proved costly to the Japs which were driven back to Nanyo and away from the highway.

DEPLOYMENT OF TROOPS

Combat Cos, “G”, “I”, “K” and “M” of the 130th Inf Regt crossed the Tagum River to establish positions between that and the Ising Rivers. “L” Co was ordered to Busaon vicinity for rear and left flank security.

Major Saturnino Silva (sitting on the left in uniform) on the occasion of his awarding by the Philippine Legion of Honor for his role in the Battle of Ising. His daughter Marie Silva Vallejo is in the shadows inside the red curve. (Source the MWF Newsletter)

Movement began at 1400 hours on 2 May 1945, supported by an 8lmm mortar from rear positions to cut enemy reinforcements from Km 36. An enemy outpost was contacted about 2500 in advance of new positions by friendly scouts and this outpost opened up with a .50 cal machinegun (MG).

Cos “M” and “I” formed the left flank and made an advance across the Ising River, “A” and “K” Cos formed the right flank and established positions on the north bank of Ising River. At 1700 hours, the 1st Battalion made first contact with the enemy.

HEAVY FIRING

Combat Co and “G” Co also became engaged with the enemy about the same time, at Km 36 and two of our troops were killed, and six wounded in the encounter.

This was on 3 May. On 4 May, Combat Co and “G” Co, contacted a larger force at same location which had approached from Panabo. Co “E” and GSS (General Service School) Bn, which acted as reserve, contacted the enemy at 0630, with heavy exchange of fire towards the evening. One KIA, three WIA and one MIA our side.

5 May, firing began very early in the morning, at 0230 hours. Cos “C” and “D” advanced from their positions, with “D” Co outflanking the Japs and attacking from the rear in hand to hand fighting. One .50 cal MG was captured by the Japs from our troops but it had first been put out of action. This battle lasted until 0430 hours with the enemy pouring in reinforcements and our troops withdrawing.

AMERICAN PLANE SUPPORT

An airstrike by American planes on 5 May, forced the enemy to withdraw to their main line of resistance. Heavy fire was changed after the air strike, with one KIA, three WIA and two MIA. The regiment then changed disposition of troops to counter-attack enemy attempting to push through our lines. Combat Co was recalled to establish its position to left of “H” Co – this was 6 May 1945.

On the 7th air support again helped but with stiff resistance by Japs, one was KIA and five WIA, On 8 May, all fronts closed in on enemy positions, with all heavy weapons in action. The 3rd Battalion with Combat Co was able to cross the Ising River. The lst Battalion affected another crossing at Lucutan River, and both flanks moved forward. The Japs stubbornly held their positions and our units were forced to withdraw to their previous positions – this time due to lack of ammunition.  In this encounter, two were KIA and five WIA, as yet no estimate of enemy casualties from the Ising operation.

On 9 May, Japs took offensive and crossed the Ising River but were driven back to their positions.

ENEMY ON OFFENSIVE

13 May, the Japs broke through the left flank of our troops and actually affected encirclement, but the unit was able to break thru to a new defense line along the north bank of Taganay River. Cos “A”, “K” and “M” were newly established on this same river bank. Other units crossed the Tagum River for a third line of defense – should the enemy succeed in crossing the Tuganay River.

The book The Battle of Ising, The Untold Story of the 130th Infantry Regiment in the Liberation of Mindanao and the Philippines (1942-1945) by Marie Silva Vallejo

On 14 May, the lst Battalion moved to new position along the Tuganay-Anibongan BR with “M” Co going to Km 41. Other units remained on north bank Tagum River and along the road leading from it. The enemy attempted to cross the Taganay River at 1800 hours but were repulsed.

AMERICAN UNITS BRING SUPPORT

For the next several days, guerrilla troops merely held their positions, repulsing every enemy attempt to dislodge the units. Ammunition was low and the food supply inadequate and it was not practical to launch offensives against the Japs at this period.

The 2nd Battalion, 19th Inf Regt of the 2th Division, USA, was in the meantime pushing steadily forward along the highway from Sasa, thus forcing the Japs to make some decision regarding their troops or be cut off from reinforcements.

At this time another airstrike assisted in the operation and the enemy began its withdrawal, offering only a few delaying actions before moving to the west towards Nanyo. A combat patrol joined forces with the American troops, one kilometer south of Ising – and the operation was ended.

MANY CASUALTIES

Our casualties had been rather high for this operation, much more than any previous encounter since the first action against the Japanese in the Davao area in September 1942, The final count was as follows: sixteen KIA; thirty-nine WIA; two MIA; eight IIA and one DIA.

Three Japanese PW were taken in the operation. It would however be impossible to accurately determine the enemy casualties. A great many were wounded and many more killed as a result of the frequent Japanese offensives.

Source: History of the Mindanao Guerrillas by the American Guerrillas of Mindanao (AGOM) Unpublished Manuscript

The Nasipit Operations

18 APRIL 1945

The Combat Battalion (Bn), 113th Infantry Regiment, 110th Division, stationed at Butuan, Agusan, with a total strength of 363 officers and men, aided by the 3rd Battalion (Bn), 113th Inf Regt and supported by Navy Task Group No. 70.4, two LCIs Nos. 363 and 249 escorted by two LC’s Nos. 9 and 10, conducted an amphibious operation in Nasipit as per authority from Col. Wendell W. Fertig, CO, Tenth Military District, on a mission to eliminate the Japanese garrison at Nasipit, Agusan (now Agusan del Norte).

ENEMY POSITIONS SHELLED

On 18 April 1945 at 0300 hours, the Combat Battalion, a special unit organized to operate against Nasipit from the sea, left its embarkation point, Tinigbasan, just across Butuan Bay, for its objective. Two LCIs, Nos 363 and 249, escorted by two US gunboats Nos. 9 and 10 were utilized to bring the unit to its destination.

The crew of LCS (L) 10 fires white phosphorous shells on Japanese positions with their 81 mm trench mortar. (NARA)

According to the account of this action by the of Commander Task Group 70.4 Lt. Albert C. Eldridge included in the summary report of thirteen missions to supply guerrilla forces on various enemy held islands in the Philippine area by units of task group 70.4 with participating vessels LCI(L) 361, LCI(L) 363, LCS 9, LCS 10, LCI 429 (temporary), the Nasipit Operation was part of its Mission No. 10 which started from the port of destination at Iligan, Lanao.

The LCI 361 split her shaft off the tip of Leyte island and had to be towed back to port by LCS 9, but before returning transferred part of her cargo to the LCI 363. The LCS 10 and LCI 363 then proceeded to Iligan and discharged part of her cargo and proceeded to Gingoog where the remainder of her cargo was discharged.

At Gingoog the LCS 10 and LCI 363 rendezvoused with the LCS 9 returning with the LCI 429 discharged part of her cargo at Gingoog in order to take on 220 of guerrilla Division Special Troops. The LCS 9 and LCI 429 then left and disembarked the troops at Diwata Point, Mindanao, to move southward and prevent Jap movements to the west from Nasipit.

The LCS 9 and LCI 429 took on 200 troops at Tinigbasan and waited for the LCS 10 and LCI 363 which were bringing the division chief of staff to command the landing guerrillas. The LCI 363 upon arriving at Tinigbasan, embarked 100 guerrillas and the four ships proceeded to Nasipit, arriving before dawn.

LCI(L) 363 brings supplies to the Philippines. (USS Landing Craft Infantry National Association)

On the pre-dawn darkness of 18 April 1945, when the targets were visible, the gunboats No. 9 and 10 shelled Nasipit, particularly Punta and Talisay areas, the designated place of debarkation. The shelling was terrific. Shells and rockets were hurled into the enemy positions, with intense machinegun (MG) fire.

The task group bombarded the town from within and without the harbor for approximately one hour after which the LCIs bearing the troops then headed for the beaches with barking guns. Finally at 0730 hours, 18 April 1945, the troops landed, wading through sea water to the beach.

RESISTANCE LIGHT

“A” Co supported by “C” Co, landed at Punta. A beachhead was immediately established and “A” Co under the command of 1st Lieut JUAN CALO, swept the whole area to Kinabjangan bridge on the National Highway from the beach killing fourteen Nips on the way. At 0900 hours, Kinabjangan bridge and vicinity were in the hands of the invading forces.

The bombardment killed eight Japs and the guerrillas killed 54 Japs between the town and Buenavista, five miles east of Nasipit. The holding force previously put ashore at Diwata Point prevented the Japs from retreating westward. Only three Japs retreated in this direction and all were killed.

While “A” Co and “C” were establishing a beachhead at Punta on the North side of Nasipit, “B” Co under the command of 2nd Lieut ALEJANDRO MONTILLA effected a landing at Talisay of Nasipit proper from CCI No. 363. Immediately upon gaining the beachhead, “B” Co operated towards the junction of Nasipit-Carmen road, portion of the National Highway.

The 1st and 2nd platoons operating West of Nasipit proper met slight resistance which was immediately crushed. The 3rd platoon followed the National Highway to Nasipit proper. At O800 hours, Nasipit proper fell and the 3rd platoon continued its movement towards the road junction to the rest of the company at 0830 hours when the road junction fell, after clearing the place of Jap snipers. “A” and “B” Cos made junction at Kinabjangan bridge.

“C” Co immediately took over and occupied Punta, Nasipit proper and Talisay areas and mopped up the area for stragglers and supplies. The objective was gained and taken, and ground was organized from Kinabjangan area to road junction Nasipit-Carmen on the National Highway for any counter-attack.

From the 19th until the morning of the 20th, the Japanese launched a heavy counter attack which was repulsed. The remnants of the Nips garrison at Nasipit were killed in the mopping up operation although a few succeeded in reaching Kiagta, another Jap garrison in Buenavista. Guerrilla forces killed twenty-four Japs in this operation.

Considerable Jap equipment and supplies were captured at Nasipit, including 3 machine guns, 20 rifles, 2 class A barges, ammunition, 20 drums of gasoline, food and fuel oil. The ammunition loot amounted to the largest yet found on the north coast and consisted of 105 mm and 70 mm howitzer shells, 60 mm projectiles and fuses, 37 mm anti-tank shells and .25 and .30 caliber rifle rounds. Also captured were one truck and one sedan in fair condition. The Navy machinist mates attached to the group had them repaired and transporting captured ammunition in the afternoon.

The LCS 9 and LCI 363 then stayed behind to furnish fire power if needed to prevent the Japs from returning to the town. The LCS 10 and LCI 429 discharged cargo at lligan the following morning and returned to Leyte. The LCS 9 and LCI 363 proceeded to Gingoog on the following day where the LCI 363 became stranded on the beach and had to wait until high tide to depart and return to Leyte.

Source: History of the Mindanao Guerrillas by the American Guerrillas of Mindanao (AGOM) Unpublished Manuscript, and Summary report of thirteen missions to supply guerrilla forces on various enemy held islands in the Philippine area by units of Task Group 70.4 under command of Lt. Albert C. Eldridge, Commander Task Group 70.4.