March 22, 1942

Had a showdown with the Supervisor. There is nothing like talking frankly. I told him I wanted to know just where I stood. If I am Manager, I want to manage. Otherwise don’t call me manager.

We agreed on these things: (1) That the whole office is under my responsibility. He (Noya) is only an adviser. (2) That he (Noya) will be the chief of the General Service Department. (3) That all decisions of the department chiefs, including those of the Japanese, must be approved by me. (4) That the main objective of the corporation at present is to insure the people’s food supply. Towards this end, we shall presently exert our utmost to save the crop in the fields from spoiling.

Noya revealed that almost all plans of the NARIC have already been approved by the Army. He also stated that the ₱600,000 for this month is forthcoming.

It is clear that I have the responsibility. Shall I have the authority commensurate with it?

Man is not always guided by reason and justice.

March 22, 1942

The “Lull In Bataan” continues on its 28th day but let me continue with more additional details learned from Major Romulo’s office about the dramatic escape of MacArthur from Corregidor eleven days ago. Immediately after Gen. MacArthur’s arrival at Del Monte on March 13, Gen. Sharp gave a briefing about Vis-Min Area and fresh reports say Pres. Quezon is still wavering on whether he will leave the Philippines or not and is hiding somewhere in Negros Oriental about 100 miles north. Alarmed and greatly disturbed by this report MacArthur summoned Lt. John Bulkeley and ordered him to locate and “persuade” Quezon to join them at Del Monte with Lt. Col. Andres Soriano as guide and a few men of Gen. Sharp to assist. Using PT-41 and PT-35, Bulkeley and Soriano were able to locate Quezon hiding in Bais, Negros Oriental.  At first, Quezon refused to budge and it took some “persuasion” by a pirate looking Bulkeley for Quezon and party to finally relent and board PT-41 & PT-35.

On their way  to Cagayan de Oro, PT- 35 went aground and her passengers were transferred, packed like sardines that upset Quezon, to PT-41.  Military Honors was rendered by Gen. Sharp on Quezon upon arrival at Cagayan de Oro Wharf.  MacArthur lost no time placating the hurt feelings of his Compadre and so before midnight of March 16, Quezon and party boarded a B-17 at Del Monte and headed for Australia.  Shortly, thereafter, MacArthur and party boarded another B-17 that took them to Bachelors Field where he declared his famous “I Shall Return” on March 17.

By this time, of the original 6 PTs, only PT-41 of Bulkeley’s PT Squadron remains.  Lt. Bulkeley was left behind and given instructions by MacArthur to reconnoiter the Southern Cotabato Coast for possible Allied landing sites when MacArthur returns as he intended.

March 21, 1942

The Japanese Supervisor asked me to write down the names of the five closest friends of Pagulayan in the office. I refused. He insisted. I told him I did not know. He gave me a veiled threat. I said that if I have to submit names, I would put my name on top of the list. I also told him that if Pagulayan is being detained because of spreading propaganda leaflets, an injustice is being committed. Many people have read, including myself, those leaflets. “We Filipinos,” I stated, “do not necessarily believe everything we read.” The Supervisor was not able to answer.

Spoke to Sanvictores, Alejandro Roces Sr. and Jose Paez regarding the harvest situation in Bulacan.

More complaints against Mr. Inada. He works hard, but he is petulant, inconsiderate to the people. Because of his manners, the people kick against the NARIC.

One man may spoil an organization’s record.

March 21, 1942

Tanco and I toured Bulacan: Marilao, Bigaa, Guiguinto, Malolos, Plaridel and Baliuag.

It is five days since I have written here. I think I’ll stop writing. What do I get by crabbing about my feelings? And supposing the Japanese get a hold of this diary? Oh well, I’m not worried. If they ask me to speak out sincerely, I’ll tell them what I feel. Frankness is better than flattery. I think I’ll continue writing whenever there is time.

Of course, the truth hurts.

March 21, 1942 – Saturday

Today is San Benito, my late father’s feast day. I asked an Philippine Army Chaplain to say mass at Detrick’s hotel. I took Communion.

During the morning I visited the military camp and the buildings destroyed by the aerial bombardment of December 20th.

In the afternoon I visited the Moncado Colony. Quite a sight. At the right of the main entrance there is a concrete boat representing Noah’s Arc with the statue of Mr. Lorenzo Reyes, Moncado’s assistant piloting it. Inside are two animals of each kind, a pig feeding 10 little pigs and a man killing a pig to make the proverbial lechon.

After the main entrance one finds the statue of Moncado in cap and gown and in a cement plate underneath is his biography. It states that Moncado was sent by his father to India at the early age of six years and graduated there at the age of nine with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Kabala. One year later he obtained the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Numerical Science and a little later the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Human Nature. At the age of 14 was appointed Professor in that Indian School. In the walls around the monument are written the speeches delivered by him before the National Convention and other occasions. The people working in the colony do not get any salary and are happy to work free for Moncado. I saw his bedroom and adjoining rooms finely decorated.

I spoke to Mrs. Quezon and asked her advice. I told her I believed my duty was to remain in the Philippines with my men. She disapproved and said the life of President more important.

March 20, 1942 – Friday

Attended Mass at 8 a.m. Breakfast at the house of Senator Ozamis. Left Jimenez at 10 a.m. for Ozamis Misamis Occidental with all the party. Took a small launch and crossed over to Kolambugan. Crossing was quite rough due to strong North-east winds.

Lunched at the house of Mr. & Mrs. Austin, Manager of Kolambugan Lumber. Had a good siesta. We left Kolambugan at 4 p.m. and arrived at Dansalan at 7:30 p.m. I am staying at Dansalan Hotel with Vice-President Osmeña. President and family staying at Detrick’s Hotel which is in the town and away from Camp Keithley.

March 20, 1942

HQ, Bataan, MIS

Impressive meeting of all Bataan generals held in heart of one of the Bataan mountains. Wainwright, Commander-in-Chief of USFIP, presided. (Name of USAFFE has been changed to USFIP –United States Forces in Philippines).

The Commander-in-Chief announced that henceforth Bataan and Corregidor shall be separate commands.

Wainwright will transfer his headquarters to Corregidor. Major General Edward King will be given command of Bataan.

Old General King was silent. Then he stood up and with tears in his eyes said:

“Somebody is angry with me in Washington. I am going to be given the honor of being the first American general to surrender the American flag.”

No one spoke. All the other generals remained silent.

Then the chief Quarter Master Officer spoke. He revealed that we had only so many more sacks of rice left after which there was heaven to pray for rice. So many more tins of sardines and salmon for only a few more weeks. So many more shells for the 1:55’s and 75’s for just so many hours of firing per day. So many more cases of ammunition for infantry troops to last for just so many days.

“Gentlemen,” he said dramatically and coldly, “We are at the end of our rope!”

Nobody could speak. It was defeat staring the generals in the face and their reaction after more than 98 days and nights of ceaseless and courageous fighting against innumerable odds was –silence.

Planes –Japanese planes– filled the sky with their metallic roar but none of the general’s could speak in the face of these dramatic revelations.

Then an old general said: “I am the oldest. Let us take to the dug-outs. It would be a calamity if all the Generals were to die with one bomb.”

The Japs flew on to Corregidor.

March 19, 1942 – Thursday

We arrived at Oroquieta, Misamis at 6:30 a.m. and were docked by 7 a.m. The people of the town thinking we were Japanese ran into the interior, and did not return until they saw the American flag. The Vice-President, Major Cruz and I had breakfast in an Army Officer’s house and then proceeded to Jimenez where the President and family are resting in the house of Senator Ozamis. I am feeling pain in my appendix region and so I went to bed placing an ice cap on the painful region. I am staying in Mr. Borja’s house with Colonel Nieto.

March 18, 1942 – Wednesday

We left Panubigan at 8:30 a.m. Arrived at Bais Sugar Central at 12:30 p.m., tired and sleepy. Slept a good siesta until 3 p.m. When the President sent for me.

Worked decoding some telegrams. At 10:30 p.m. Left Bais Central for Dumaguete arriving at about 11:30 a.m. We waited for Soriano who had gone to Zamboanguita to meet the U.S. Navy torpedo boats. We boarded the torpedo boats at 3:30 a.m. On board were the President and his family, Vice-President Osmeña, Major Soriano, Colonel Nieto, Major Cruz, Captain Ortiz and Miss Labrador. In the hurried embarkation because the Captain of the boat was in a hurry, many members of the party left their suitcases on the dock. We started at 22 knots an hour and soon we were making 30. As we entered the open sea it became rougher and the boat at times hit the water with tremendous force. Suddenly we heard a small explosion followed by a noise of exhaust vapor and the interior of the torpedo boat became impregnated with the smell of burning gun powder. There was a commotion among the crew. Suddenly, the Captain rushed to the place where the noise came from and in a few minutes he had the trouble under control. During the commotion Soriano told the President to come out and breathe fresh air and he refused saying: “No, I want to die next to my wife and children.” When the captain came up to the command tower he told us that the connection to the torpedo had been detached due to the rough sea and it had set the torpedo for explosion. What he did was to shoot the torpedo out, loose, at a cost of $10,000.00. That was a narrow escape. Had the torpedo exploded we would have been blown to pieces.

March 17, 1942 – Tuesday

After breakfast I asked permission to go to Bacolod to buy some things I needed and leave that atmosphere of nerves and shouting. Father Ortiz and I agreed to lunch at Ben Gaston’s house. We met Ben in Bacolod and he drove us to Talisay where the family hacienda is. Delightful served by Ben’s sisters Nieves, Conchita and Maria Luisa and Ben’s mother. I did not enjoy it because of a phone call from the President ordering us to return to Buenos Aires immediately after lunch. When we arrived at Buenos Aires we were told to get ready to leave at 5 p.m. I investigated the reason for his sudden change. The previous night, the President told us that he made up his mind not to run away and let himself be captured by the Japanese in case they attack Negros. He asked me if I wanted to be caught with him or remain and go to the mountains and hide. I replied that as Secretary of National Defense I would stick to him.

I found out that a radiogram had been received from General MacArthur advising the President to proceed to Mindanao. Soon after he received this message, Major A. Soriano arrived from Mindanao and advised him of the same thing.

We left for Panubigan at 6:30 p.m. and arrived there at 10:30 p.m.

March 16, 1942 — Monday

At 1:30 a.m. Colonel Nieto woke me up to show me a telegram informing us that five enemy ships accompanied by a submarine flashing a light were ashore in Gasan, Marinduque. I told him not to awake the President and hold it for this morning. Got up as usual at 6:30 a.m. More telegrams kept on coming informing us that two enemy destroyers were in the Tanon Strait, one holding the southern end and the other inspecting from North to South.

At 9:30 a.m. we left Panubigan for Buenos Aires as the President fears a possible landing. I had luncheon with Colonel Hilsman in his headquarters and we discussed the situation. He was quite alarmed at the apparent coolness of General Chynoweth when he presented to him the serious need for more ammunition and automatic weapons. I ask him where General Chynoweth was and I was informed that he had arrived at Bacolod yesterday and had left for Cebu last night. When I arrived at Buenos Aires the President asked me what information I could give him. I told him the gist of my conference with Colonel Hilsman.

At 5 p.m. I went by car with Colonel Nieto and the District Engineer to see the new road constructed in a few days uniting Buenos Aires to La Castellana without passing Maao and La Carlota.

At 9 a.m. the following message was received from General MacArthur. Quote: “Col. Hilsman, 318 Report desired on the Military Situation at San Carlos and Negros in General stop What steps do you suggest should be taken looking toward safety of Don stop Immediate reply desired MacArthur.”

When I returned from my conference with Hilsman he phoned me that our boat The Princess of Negros had been taken by the Japanese destroyer after shelling the town of San Carlos. The President was very angry and ordered the arrest of Captain Panopio for having deserted his ship.

March 15, 1942

Pres. Quezon left Corregidor 20 days ahead of Gen MacArthur who wanted his Compadre (Quezon) to proceed to Australia per invitation of FDR. But Quezon, still sulking and upset that mother America failed him on reinforcements, debarked in San Jose, Antique. From there, he traveled to different places in Panay Island and later crossed to Negros where he is now. Apparently he does not like to leave his people and I wonder what he will do.

Before Gen. MacArthur departed Corregidor, he relinquished his USAFFE Command quietly to Gen. Wainwright, newly designated C-in-C, US Forces in the Phil (USFIP). Gen. Edward King took over the Bataan command of Wainwright.

March 15, 1942 — Sunday

Attended Mass and received Holy Communion. We received news of destroyers (enemy) moving on the east coast of Cebu. In the afternoon we received a flash that an enemy destroyer was patrolling the channel between Guimaras and Negros. Stopped a while in front of Pulupandan. Vice-President Osmeña suggested we leave early. I tried to delay the departure to obtain more news. Two enemy planes flew twice over our house apparently observation planes trying to examine the coasts for ships. At 6:15 p.m. we left for San Carlos. When we were near Vallehermosa I saw a Philippine Army Lieutenant and two enlisted men looking at the Tanon Channel/Strait. I inquired from them if they had any news. They said that an enemy cruiser had entered the Southern portion of the Tanon strait and had anchored in front of Tampi. Two enemy planes were circling over the ship. Suddenly one of them dove into the sea and disappeared. Probably due to engine trouble.

We proceeded to Vallehermosa and went to the Headquarters of the unit commanded by Colonel Ballesteros. The information given was confirmed. They further told me that our boat the Princess of Negros had left San Carlos and was hiding behind Refugio Island. We proceeded to San Carlos. When we arrived I received two telegrams one from Colonel Hilsman advising us that the trip was not safe, and another from President Quezon ordering us to cancel trip. We saw the Captain Panopio of the boat and he told us that he would try to escape and hide the boat elsewhere.

We returned to Panubigan at 9:30 p.m. Flashes kept on coming, keeping us awake till 1:00 a.m.

March 14, 1942

Presented my resignation verbally to Mr. Noya. Was “asked” to remain. Insistence on my resignation will be considered a hostile act by the Military.

Another Japanese raised his hand to one of the Filipino employees. He caught the Filipino lying.

The auditors of the Accounting Division will be eliminated. The Army will do the auditing.

Pictures in the Tribune of Japanese soldiers carrying Filipino babies and distributing candies to children. That is not the way to attract the Filipino people. They do not believe everything they read in the papers. What happens to them and to their friends is what remains in their hearts.

Rumor (is) that reinforcements have arrived in Bataan. A friend said he heard over the Voice of Freedom the news that the USAFFE has started an offensive. Rumors that the present commander-in-chief may be removed because of his inability to crack Bataan defenses. Several young boys took a banca at Hagonoy and rowed to Bataan. They want to do their part.

These are the youths of Rizal’s dream.

March 14, 1942

Bataan, HQ, MIS

 

The general looks very depressed. He talked to nobody today. He stayed in his tent smoking his pipe silently. He must be brooding about something sad.

I told Fred when I said “Good morning” to the General, the old Fogie did not even answer, damn the impolite bum. (Sometimes I like him; sometimes I detest him.)

Fred said the General talked with him. Said the general: “Fred you talk pessimistically.”

Fred said he was taken aback but he replied: “I always try to take a rational and realistic point of view, sir.”

The General did not reply.

Leonie is down with malaria and dysentery. He is getting very thin. He does not trust the doctor.

No change in general situation. Occasional artillery duels, partial skirmishes.

 

(later)

 

Three U.P. boys are here. They are Angel Baking, Teddy Lansang, and Renato Constantino. They want to join our service. They are sergeants.

Leonie was indifferent about taking them in. “What can these U.P. guys do, anyway?” he asked Fred jokingly because Fred comes from U.P.

The General asked me if the three fellows are O.K. because he does not know them. I told them the three were good writers and editors at one time or another of a paper called Collegian.

The General said: “Ah, they are your rivals.” I replied: “I don’t know them personally. What are we rivals about?”

The General said he liked the Ateneo.

I told the General to take them in and I would answer for them because I believe they are intelligent fellows. “Put them under Leonie or myself.” I wanted to have them under me, confidentially.

I pointed out that maybe we could use them for some mission in Manila.

The General said: “Let’s try them out on little things first.”

It was decided that I should bring them the day after tomorrow to Corregidor and give them instructions on the way.

 

(later)

 

Very dark night. Maybe it is going to rain. If I get wet, my malaria will get worse. Hell!

Spent afternoon reading Tribune. Saw pictures of Manilans biking in boulevard. Noticed that marriage wave continues unabated. I wonder how Morita is.

Leonie looked at advertisements. This and that restaurant selling this and that pastry and cake. This and that show running this and that film. We felt very homesick. Leonie read some parts of “Personals” aloud.

The three U.P. boys are all right. They are regular fellows. I don’t know why there is so much tiff between the Guidon and the Collegian. Its just a case of not knowing each other.

Constantino showed me a diary with a drawing of his girl’s face. He is in love with her. I think she is a niece of Speaker Roxas. Lansang sketched her face. Lansang also likes to write poems.

Will bring them to the Rock tomorrow afternoon at about five o’clock. Told them to eat well. They laughed.

Several raids today. Some AA shrapnel dropped near our toilet.

Three operatives arrived from Manila. One had a letter from Mrs. Osmeña to the Vice President.

Another operative whom we gave up for lost arrived. He claims he was captured by the Japs and allowed to return providing he comes back with information for them, heh, heh. Sometimes Japs are naive.

The general bawled out one of our officers. He was sent to the front to observe conditions and he pretended he went but he really stayed in rear.

March 14, 1942 — Saturday

We have been receiving flashes about movements of enemy warships in the Visayan waters. Kept busy keeping in contact with Colonel Hilsman and other units. Vice President Osmeña arrived and after due conference with the President it was decided that he and I should go to Cebu to study the places where the houses for the President and party should be constructed in case we transfer there.

March 13, 1942

No news about Pagulayan and Unson.

Many complaints from the public and from Filipino employees have been received by me against Mr. Inada, the Japanese who is in charge of the Distribution Department. He is very arrogant. He treats visitors very rudely. Makes them stand before him for hours. How can I call his attention? What is my status? I am a Manager who is not a manager.

The Japanese have a way of saying one thing and doing another. It will take time to understand them.

March 13, 1942

Bataan, MIS, HQ

Went to an artillery battery. Watched them shell Japs. Beautiful sight. Terrific noise. Ground shook like a banca. Felt concussion in my chest. Saw smoke on enemy lines. Like powder puffs at first. Then tall columns of dust rising like thin, high, fountains. Shelling stopped when Jap planes hovered above, so as not to expose positions. Several Jap trucks were hit.

Artillery boys deserve main credit for inflicting main number of casualties on Japs. Without them Bataan would not be Bataan. Japs would have been able to easily penetrate our infantry. But our artillery is wreaking havoc on Japs attempting to push through our lines.

Boys in artillery very nonchalant. They work efficiently. Their morale is high. Jap planes consider them principal target.

Our 1:55’s and 75’s very feared by Japs. Operatives from Manila report that Japs in Manila when referring to Bataan artillery say: “Rupa, turu, kuru!” meaning “the earth boils or sizzles”.

One artillery officer who was sleeping throughout bombardment said:

“Sergeant, when shall we start firing?”

The sergeant replied: “We’ve just fired, sir.”

(later)

Heard story of a Filipino sergeant who escaped from the hospital to continue fighting in the front –very brave fellow. If all were like him.

(later)

Went to Signal Corps unit. Listened to KGEI broadcast from Fairmont Hotel. Looks like the whole world is talking about Bataan.

Told this to Fred. He said: “Hell, why don’t they send us the convoy? A lot of talking won’t do any good.”

Fred described western front. He was there all day yesterday observing Jap movements. He aid Japs fired artillery for six hours without stop. He also said some of our own shells dropped in our lines. Unfortunately, some of our boys were killed and injured until range was corrected.

Must stop writing. I feel the shivers coming. I have no more quinine.

More trouble from Tio Phil.

(later)

Personally received a report that in Nueva Ecija Tio Phil is rumored as a “Pro-Jap”. Told the General to give me some mission beyond the call of duty to make up for this thing. The General said he did not believe the report but nevertheless “I trust and like you.” Thanks, I said.

March 13, 1942 — Friday

Attended mass. After breakfast the President instructed me to proceed to Binalbagan to get first hand information regarding the feared trouble at the Central and find out if Colonel Montilla has placed appropriate Constabulary forces there to protect life and property. The trouble between the laborers and the central will come to a point tomorrow March 14, unless they are paid the three month’s bonuses they have been asking for. Then I went to Bacolod for other matters. Met Governor Lizares to Bacolod. Had luncheon with him in the Sea Breeze Hotel. I returned to Panubigan at 9 p.m. arriving there 11:30 p.m.

March 12, 1942

It is getting harder day by day. No matter what the Japanese say they cannot remove the “victor” complex out of their minds. In their relations with the Filipino employees in the office, they treat the Filipinos as “conquered” people, not as “liberated brothers.”

Paez resigned today. His resignation is effective tomorrow. I wish I could retire too.