February 26, 1942

Purchasing campaign in the provinces is meeting with great difficulties. Not all mayors are cooperating. Some are aloof, haughty. Others are looking for personal gain. Many are indifferent.

Warehouses must be prepared to receive palay.

We need more sacks.

Scales are also lacking.

Transportation is a big problem. Must secure spare parts for trucks. Fuel is very limited.

My head aches. Too much worry. Must carry on with the rice purchases. Our men are at the mercy of bandits. They are not even armed. But we must get the rice. Our present stocks are depleting. We must have an adequate reserve.

We are battling against starvation.

February 26, 1942

Corregidor

Malinta

 

Had a nice luncheon with Mr. Roxas, Romulo, Razon, Baby Vargas, and Manny de Leon. We “swiped” some of the chickens in Mac’s house and fried it. We ate at the chalet beside Mac’s bungalow which is being used by Mr. Roxas and Romulo as sleeping quarters.

It was so warm and there is very little shade in the Rock that we took off our unifoms and ate with undershirts.

Everybody was happy as Manny who is quite a good cook made culinary wonders with Mac’s chicken.

Romulo and Roxas were talking about the fighting in Bataan and Roxas said that after the war, a big national shrine should be constructed in Mt. Samat to honor all the heroes that have died and are now dying in this battle.

Roxas was talking about the shipping of supplies from the Visayas to Corregidor to improve the rations of the boys. Romulo cracked that it was hard to fight on an empty stomach.

I told Mr. Romulo that one of our operatives had contacted his secretary and that he should stop worrying about his family because they are all right and hiding in Pagsanjan.

Roxas asked me to bring a bottle of whiskey for Jake Zobel who was in Lim’s division and some cigarettes for him.

Romulo said that the President was now in the Visayas and that the weather there would be much healthier for him than the damp air of the tunnel.

After the fried chicken, Manny surprised us with ice cream made out of dri-mix and the ice he was able to get from the Chinese boys in Malinta.

I had myself insured and Baby Vargas who is in the Finance Division fixed up my papers.

Roxas and Romulo then talked of a broadcast over Voice of Freedom which was very hard on “Quislings collaborating with Japs while their sons were fighting in Bataan.” Romulo said that this broadcast was written by Gen. MacArthur. Roxas regretted that it was written because he stated those in Manila. “We don’t know,” he said, “how much pressure of torture was being exerted by the Japs.”

Our happy luncheon was interrupted during the ice cream because of the air raid alarm. We were too full to run to the tunnel so we decided to stick it out in our shack. Fortunately the bombers dropped their bombs on the Cavite side. When we returned to the table, our ice cream had melted.

 

(later)

 

Barracks is top-hill bombed. Oil dumps hit. Damage slight, according to Vic Osias.

Talked with Norman Reyes and Vic Osias. Both fellows were full of wisecracks. Norman is one of the announcers of the Voice of Freedom. Osias is attached to air corps unit in Corregidor.

Discussion on prostitution popped up again. Some officers think it is a bad necessity. Two U.S. marines joined discussion. They claim the French are the best prostitutes.

Played Ping Pong with Manny de Leon before taking dinner.

Norman Reyes had a fight with an American soldier. “I don’t like guys with racial prejudices,” he said.

 

February 25, 1942 — Wednesday

1 a.m. The Princes of Negros started for Bacolod. We arrived in Bacolod 6 a.m. Proceeded to the Bachelor Officer’s quarters where breakfast was served. From there we went to the Hacienda Rosario of Mr. & Mrs. Manuel del Rosario. We were very comfortably installed in their home. The President conferred with several government officials. I was kept busy until 2 a.m. investigating a Swiss national.

February 25, 1942

The American mainland has been shelled by a Japanese submarine. This will spur America. This is the kick she needed. The U-boat fired 20 shells, according to the British radio. The attack occurred shortly after President Roosevelt’s nationwide address.

My Japanese neighbors are celebrating. This is Japan’s greatest hour.

In downtown Manila, the people were happy. “This will wake America,” they said.

Perhaps in America they will also rejoice. But it will not end there. I can see America smarting from a slap, buckling down to work, determined to even up the score.

There is nothing as fierce as a wounded lion.

February 25, 1942

All Quiet continue in all fronts. Major Sidney Huff summoned me to USAFFE HQ and his purpose is to “borrow” the inflatable rubber raft of Q-112 to serve as sample for additional such rafts he will order. I learned that my raft is the only one still usable among the Torpedo Boats and so I left it at Malinta Tunnel.

I also learned from Maj. Huff that USS Swordfish that took Pres. Quezon and party from Corregidor four nights ago, for reasons unknown to me, unloaded her passengers at San Jose, Antique, returned to Corregidor, picked up U.S. High Commissioner Francis B. Sayre and party and quietly departed last night presumably for Australia. It was my presumption also that when Pres. Quezon and party left, they were headed for Australia. It seems his desire not to abandon his countrymen is still paramount in his mind so he is still in the Visayas.

While our troops apparently appear to have good morale, the non-arrival of expected reinforcements — that imagined miles and miles of convoy of ships — plus the food shortages, difficulties in the Bataan jungles with its fierce mosquitos, all these contribute to doubts and apprehensions.  Due to lack of food, the Cavalry horses were all eaten by this time and many edible items are being discovered in Bataan forests.  A group of  young American soldiers calling themselves “Battling Bastards of Bataan” even composed a song  which goes something like this:    “We’re the Battling Bastards of Bataan. No Mama, No Papa, No Uncle Sam. No Aunts, No Uncles, No Cousins, No Nieces. No, Pills, No Planes, No Artillery Pieces. . . . . And Nobody Gives a Damn.”

Now that Q-111 main engines are being overhauled to take advantage of the lull, Q-112 and Q-113 will alternate in the nightly patrols of Manila Bay.  The officers and men of USS Canopus well-camouflaged to blend with Gorda Point west of Sisiman Cove are of invaluable assistance keeping our torpedoes charged and their shops ready to help us anytime. We, from OSP, are very grateful to them.

February 25, 1942

Corregidor

Malinta Tunnel

 

Helluva trip. Thought it was the end of the courier boat, passengers and –me.

I was telling an American officer who was on deck that it was a very lovely afternoon. The sun was beginning to set and the sea was very calm. If you could manage to forget the men in the front in Bataan and the fellows in the batteries of Corregidor, you could get the feeling that it was a pleasure cruise over Manila Bay.

Then the captain suddenly shouted an order which I did not hear. The boat stopped. I began to wonder because we were already very near the Rock. The streets girding the side of the fortress could be seen clearly from our distance.

The captain was silent and he was looking at the sky. Somebody muttered “planes”. In a while, we could hear the metallic desynchronized engine of Jap bombers.

The nurses on deck started to lie flat. Others sat between iron bars. The American officer and I stood beside the railing not knowing whether to jump into the shark-infested water or to take a chance on the poor bombing of the Japs. Then the captain ordered lifebelts. I began to pray.

Then bombs started to fall on the water around us. The water would sprout up like a geyser and part of the deck would be wet. We zigzagged all around the Bay, sometimes going towards Bataan, then to Cavite, then to Pampanga, then to Corregidor. It was dark when the bombers left. We could see their plane-lights like little stars among the clouds. Nobody jumped in the water. The officers in the boat were nervous but they kept their nerves under control.

It was a relief when we got near the docks of the Rock. Never was I so happy. When I walked down the gangplank, the American officer remarked:

“Quite a pleasure cruise, lieutenant!”

February 24, 1942 — Tuesday

Busy attending to Army work and buying some things.

Took boat Princess of Negros at 9:30 p.m. Left Iloilo at 11:30 p.m. for Guimaras. Picked up the President & his family who spent the day in Dr. Evangelista’s house. I had dinner with Tito & Rosario. I ordered that Tito be called to active duty, in order that he may assist in the patrol of the waters near Iloilo.

February 24, 1942

Colonel Uzaki visited the office today. The colonel said: “NARIC must start to buy actively. Begin with Baliuag.”

Purchases will be made through municipal mayors. Producers must go to the provinces. Passes will be given by the Military Police.

Distribution depends on procurement. There will be nothing to distribute to the people, if nothing is procured. The procurement campaign must succeed.

Roosevelt will speak at 11 a.m. today. Must hear him. Millions of hearts will probably listen to him. It is during times of stress that one can see the mettle of a leader.

In a storm you can judge the good navigator.

February 24, 1942

HQ, Bataan

 

Bert Misa and Saturn Velasco were here a few minutes ago. Touching sight. They looked like lost souls: thin, haggard, dirty, hungry, sunburnt. They joined as buck privates and they have to swallow everything their sergeant tells them. A private’s life is a dog’s life. Their sector is Limay beach. The poor fellows are being subjected to bombing and strafing every morning and afternoon and they only rest at night. They said: “We live underground most of the time.”

They said that Torre and Gregg are with them. Both fellows are also from Ateneo. Bert asked for a “little bit of sugar.” They complained that their daily food is nothing but salmon and lugao.

The other day Saturn found an egg. Everybody was happy but it was not enough for all of them. So they decided nobody was going to eat it.

Bert said that they pray the rosary every night. They gather all the fellows from school and those that care to join and then they pray the rosary. Gives them strength.

“After a bombardment,” Saturn said, “each one calls out for the name of the others, just to see if all are still alive.”

School-mates become more attached to each other here.

 

(later)

 

In staff meeting after dinner, the General said Japs are attempting to break through eastern sector. He stated that Japs emplaced cannons on barges pulled by motor boats and started shelling eastern shore.

Four raids this morning and three raids this afternoon. Right now there are planes flying but no bombs have been dropped yet. Our AA guns are still silent. Maybe waiting for them to fly lower.

Fred and Leonie are discussing about race prejudice. Some Americans here are too damned cocky.

 

(later)

 

Am officer of the night. Must post the sentinels.

Tried to write an article on Bataan. Couldn’t even get started.

Norman now speaking over Voice of Freedom. He reads the pep talk.

Leonie writing a radio drama. Romulo wants Vero Perfecto, Leoni, Norman and I to take part in a script depicting Bataan life in front.

Will write a script for Voice of Freedom. Will ask Leonie to fix it up.

Feeling hungry. Will pay P1,000 for a tenderloin steak. I don’t know why but I always think of steaks. Would love a cheese sandwich too.

Fred is calling Leonie and I. He says he was able to swipe a can of Condensed Milk from Major Panopio’s private supply. This will be a party, hooray.

February 23, 1942 — Monday

Had luncheon at the Ajuy-Sara Sugar Central of Elizalde & Company. At 4 p.m. we returned to Mariano Cacho’s house in Iloilo. Met Tito & Rosario. Tito had gone back to Buenavista to pick her up. We were not able to leave Iloilo as the light in the buoy number 4 was not lighted.

February 23, 1942

Proud of our boys in Bataan. They are still holding the line. KGEI reports “heavy exchange of artillery in the Bataan peninsula.” We’re doing better than Singapore. Filipinos are good soldiers.

Messrs. Noya, Kobatake and Evangelista returned from Bulacan. They report confusion and misunderstanding in purchase arrangements between Major Kurumatani and Supervisor Noya.

Posadas reported inability to handle tremendous amount of detail work in connection with the handling of confiscated rice.

Bank meeting this morning. Didn’t agree with the Board. Binalbagan has a credit line of ₱1,000,000 which was being increased to ₱1,500,000 favorably. On the other hand, Nasugbu and Roxas firms were requesting a credit line of ₱100,000 each for 160,000 piculs of sugar and this was denied. It was my opinion that under the circumstances, Binalbagan’s request should have also been denied. Carmona argued that Binalbagan belonged to the bank. I said that that should give greater weight to my contention. Then Chairman Vargas revealed that ₱350,000 of the requested increase had already been given. This was given without the Board’s knowledge nor consent and I called the Board’s attention to this. Chairman Vargas demanded a categorical answer: “Do you approve—Yes or no?” I remained silent. The credit line was passed.

After the meeting. Vargas called me. In the presence of President Carmona, Vargas apologized, giving as excuse his state of high nervous tension.

Later in the morning, as I had no time to go to the bank, I told Carmona over the telephone that under the circumstances, I did not want any longer to be a board member and I leave it to him to present my resignation as bank director at the opportune time. Carmona asked me not to resign. “Just forget the matter, Vic,” he said.

Those present in the board meeting were Carmona, Sison, Rodriguez, Gomez, Avanceña and Vargas.

I submitted my resignation, verbally anyway. A man must stick to his principles.

February 22, 1942 — Sunday

We arrived in Iloilo 7 a.m. Had breakfast in the house of Colonel Powell. I went with Quimbo to his house to take a bath and change clothes. Had luncheon in the beach home of Mr. Lopez and spent the evening in Mariano Cacho’s house. Met Tito, my brother, whom I called for.

February 22, 1942

Stayed home. I think I need a rest. All work and no play makes John a dull boy.

February 22, 1942

HQ, Bataan

 

Busy checking reports from outposts all day.

 

(later)

 

Aglaloma Battle our greatest victory.

Japs landed in rear under cover of darkness. By stealth and surprise, they succeeded in getting a foothold in Aglaloma pt.

But our troops gave them stiff opposition. Even air corps men in rear shouldered guns and attacked Jap landing parties till a “pocket” was formed.

Many hand-to-hand combats. Here were no trenches, no lines, no positions. This was a sort of free-for-all. Japs mixed in our rear lines and men turned around and gave them hell.

Japs received supplies from planes. Some fell in our lines. Boys ate up supplies. Battle lasted for a week.

Then P.C. and scouts came and riddle forest with withering infantry line. Not a tree, bush, twig, remained in face of thickness of fire. A lizard would not have been able to live in midst of such deadly firing.

Our boys could hear Jap officers shouting commands. Distance between our boys and Japs were only a few meters in some sections.

Many received citations in this battle. Americans literally ran over the top leading troops, dying in a blaze of glory.

Col. Castañeda received a distinguished service cross.

He led troops in attack against Japs that hid inside a cave, about 500 of them.

Paulino of Ateneo died. His friends say that night before attack, Paulino was fingering a grenade and saying: “This will get a Jap.” Paulino’s head was blasted by a grenade, in an attack following day.

Johnnie Setzer of Ateneo also died. He was shot by an mg bullet as he was manning an air corps mg. His father who is also in the army buried the son. Many of Johnnie’s friends stood around grave and said a prayer for him. Somebody made a wreath, out of leaves. No flowers.

Cirus Pansalcola of Ateneo died in hospital. He was buried in cemetery near HPA. I still remember Cirus in his last speech at our Oratory class in Ateneo saying: “Very few of those who say ’tis sweet to die for one’s country have every done it.” And I kidded him with remark: “You haven’t done it yourself.”

Heard Manoling Ojeda also died but there are no details.

Samson Solis of Ateneo A.B. also believed dead.

February 21, 1942 – Saturday

I awoke at 5 a.m. I had 4 hours of fairly good rest although I woke up several times because my hip bones were protesting at the hardness of my improvised bed. I washed and received Holy Communion.

At 6 a.m. Captain Smith (Commander) of the Submarine came to inform us that 6:20 a.m. (daylight saving time) the hour of sun risem, he would submerge the submarine. At the announced time we noticed the maneuver. The tower of the submarine was 38 ft. below the surface, the keel 64 ft. We did not notice any untoward symptom until about 2 hours later when it began to get quite warm. The temperature kept on rising until it reached 94 degrees Fahrenheit by noon, but what made it so uncomfortable was the tremendous, humidity of 92%. I had a small towel to wipe my continuous perspiration. The officers and crew wore short pants and went naked from waist up. The President and Mrs. Quezon kept on sponging themselves with ice water. At 1 p.m. there was no more ice, and the refrigerator was working at full blast. Commander Smith informed us that at 6:20 p.m. he would come to the surface. From that time, I kept on looking at my watch. The hours seemed centuries, and the minutes exceedingly long. Finally the long awaited moment arrived. What a relief! It was wonderful to feel again the caress of fresh air on our faces. Unfortunately, however our happiness was short lived, because the wind became strong, the sea rough and the submarine danced and rolled. Mrs. Quezon, the girls, Nonong, the Chief Justice, Colonel Nieto and Father Ortiz were extremely sea sick. I would also have been sea sick had I not rushed to the command tower and there stood under the stairway where a strong gust of fresh wind blew continuously. At 8 p.m. they called me for dinner. I went, but it was useless. I had taken two spoons of soup then I rushed out for some fresh air. At 10 p.m. we had reached the coast of Panay and the sea was calmer. I was able to have something to eat. I tried to have some sleep on the command tower but impossible. It had to sit on the floor and lean on the wall as the place was very small. All lights were out and as a result I was stepped on three times and I decided to go down to the cabins.

We arrived at San Jose de Buenavista, Antique at 2:30 a.m. Fifteen minutes later we were advised that the launch that was supposed to meet us was approaching. We stopped one mile from the coast.

In the launch were General J. C. Quimbo and Colonel Powell. We left the submarine after bidding good-bye to the Commander and the other officers and left on the launch for the dock. Cars were waiting for us and we proceeded to Iloilo city. The SS Don Esteban arrived a little later and proceeded to a hiding place during the day.

February 21, 1942

No news of Unson. Many employees want to quit. Some have fled to the mountains. They are afraid of the Japanese. I cannot prevail upon them to remain. If they get into trouble, they might blame me. The Japanese must reform, if he wants to attract the Filipinos. The iron fist will not win many to his side. A policy of fire, backfires.

You can accomplish more with sugar than with vinegar.

February 21, 1942

Finally, a composite unit from the PC, 26th Cavalry, 71st Div, PAAC and even Ateneo ROTC Volunteers annihilated the remaining enemy forces at Silaim-Anyasan Pts. thus ending the so-called Battle of the Points in West Bataan two days ago. And so, Alas and Alackay, I can now say “All’s Quiet in All Bataan Fronts.” Have not seen any enemy plane whole day.

At Malinta Tunnel where I saw Maj. Huff, he informed me that Pres. Quezon and party left last night aboard submarine USS Swordfish headed presumably to Australia. He also told me cooler heads (Osmeña, Roxas, Abad Santos) convinced him to leave Corregidor. He did not like the idea of leaving which he felt was abandoning his loyal people. Among those I presumed with that party aside from the Quezon family, are VP Osmeña, CJ Abad Santos, Maj. Manuel Nieto, Maj. Jaime Velasquez and Virginia Bewley.

At Major Romulo’s Lateral Office, I learned from Lt. F. Isidoro that the M/V Don Isidro under Capt. Rafael Cisneros OSP (Res)  that left Manila last Dec. 15, broke through the enemy blockade, managed to reach Brisbane, Australia mid January. Capt. Cisneros volunteered to return with his ship to the Philippines. She was fully loaded with supplies for the starving USAFFE troops and left Brisbane Feb. 15 headed for the Philippines. Four days later, enemy planes found and attacked her near Weasel Island where she was sunk Feb. 19.  Nothing is reported about casualties but I hope Capt. Cisneros is safe.

February 20, 1942

Heavy fighting in Bataan. The Japanese are intensifying their attack. KGEI said the situation “is very grave.” Right now, I can hear the roar of planes.

Never thought the war would overrun this country. What is happening is almost unbelievable. Who would have imagined that in less than three months the USAFFE would be swept out of all Luzon except for the small peninsula of Bataan?

Some say the convoy will arrive any time now. I have stopped believing in rumors. I will just pray. Prayers give strength.

Even kings pray. Only the devil does not pray.

February 20, 1942

Bataan HQ, MIS

 

President Quezon and family, Gen. Valdes, Vice-President Osmeña and Col. Nieto have left for Visayas. The General said “not to tell anyone.” Not even Leonie and Fred know but I shall tell Leonie to get his opinion.

The General disagrees with my report on Group in northern road. He thinks they give good messages. I told him I am convinced they are either guessing or bluffing. The general is hard headed. Anyway he will have group-leader recalled.

The General said I have a letter from Mrs. Quezon.

 

(later)

 

Accompanied General to Mariveles. Was present in his conference with Col. Roxas. Javallera also attended meeting.

Roxas although colonel was easily the dominant personality of the meeting. He is a fluent, interesting and brilliant speaker.

Roxas explained military situation in Bataan. He said the convoy cannot be expected these days. He pointed out that Jap Navy controls Pacific waters. He stated that very few planes can be placed in Mariveles and Cabcaben airfields, certainly not enough to gain aerial superiority. “And,” he pointed out, “we don’t have fuel here, no ground crews, no spare parts!”

Roxas said Bataan troops must hold out as long as possible to give America, time to recover from initial gains of Japs who will attack Australia after Bataan.

Roxas said that Corregidor questions a lot of our reports.

Roxas said that evacuees are a big problem. They are thousands and they must be fed and they are in a miserable pitiful condition. He is thinking of sending them to Mindoro by boat that wil bring food here from Visayas.

Roxas revealed that thousands of sacks of rice good for a couple of days were brought to Corregidor by Legaspi  from Cavite.

February 20, 1942 – Friday

I was informed this morning that the Don Esteban cleared the mine zone at 2:30 a.m. The President informed me that we would leave the tunnel at 10:30 p.m. I was kept busy all day attending to important correspondence and matters that needed special attention. The President was in excellent spirits. I was depressed and sad. I did not want to leave; I do not want to go. I feel that it is my duty to stay with my troops and suffer the same suffering and the same end. But General MacArthur objected to my remaining either in Corregidor or in Bataan. He told the President in my presence that it is his opinion that my presence in Visayas or Mindanao was of greater importance.

At 7 p.m. General Sutherland came to see me to give the citations for General MacArthur, General Sutherland, General Marshall, Lieutenant Colonel Huff, and Colonel Hill for the Commonwealth Distinguished Service Star. I could bear it no longer. I told General Sutherland that they had been very unfair with me, by sending me far from my troops in the field. I was not able to control my feelings and I cried. I told him that I would refuse to leave unless I got a written order from the President. An hour later he brought me an order signed by the President. Being a soldier I have no other alternative but to obey.

General MacArthur with General Sutherland arrived at 10:25 p.m. As per schedule we left the tunnel in three cars at 10:30 p.m. Car N-1 carried the Vice-President, The Chief Justice and Colonel Huff. Car N-2 carried Baby and Nini Quezon and myself. Car N-3 carried General MacArthur, General Sutherland, the President, Mrs. Quezon and Nonong. We went to the dock and boarded a launch that took us to the Submarine Swordfish, one of the large ones the U.S Navy has. We left Mariveles at about 11:30 p.m. I read and talked until 1 a.m. when I went to sleep on top of the dining table.