February 19, 1942

Everybody in the office is in a state of high nervous tension. Unson was taken to Fort Santiago. Why was he taken? What will they do to him? Nobody knows. Nobody dares ask. Who will be next? Many are planning to leave the office. They will hide. I may be taken any time. They may hold me responsible for my men. Reign of terror. Sullenly Noya said: “Sympathizers should beware. They too will be investigated.” In Fort Santiago, torture is part of the investigation. Shall I help Unson? Shall I appeal for him? What can I do, anyway? I might even be suspected. Life under the Rising Sun is not sunny but dark. Very dark.

Worked till nine p.m. Closed contracts on sacks at thirty centavos. Tried to buy everything possible. Established policy as to purchases of palay. Buy palay at ₱2.50, if without sack and freight. Purchase rice at ₱5.10, if without sack and freight. Secure truck permits for Syquia, Loewinsohn, Zarragoza, Quisumbing. Trucks are very needed to transport palay and rice. There are plans to commandeer more trucks. Ask Mr. Mori, owner of Mizuno Athletic Supply, for my car, Buick-250. He was the one who commandeered it.

Personnel of the National Trading Corporation must be reduced to minimum, according to the Japanese. The corporation must be closed and liquidated.

The Civilian Emergency Administration has been dissolved. Will ask for the retention of useful men. The rest will be dismissed. Talked to Mr. Noya before leaving the office for home, regarding my resignation. His exact words: “Please, some other time, doctor. Just now you have to lead your boys.”

Had better sleep now. Am very tired. I wonder how Unson is. I hope he is not being manhandled. Today is Mrs. Quezon’s birthday. Can still recall the parties at Malacañan. When will those days return? The past has vanished like a dream.

February 19, 1942 – Thursday

I spoke with the President and asked him for permissions to go to Bataan. At 1 p.m. Major Velasquez and I, on the launch of the Apo, went to San Jose, Mariveles. Captain Lee Stevens and Mr. Boquer took advantage of our boat to return to Bataan. We arrived at San Jose. Lee, Boquer and Major Velasquez proceeded North. I waited for General de Jesus. In the meanwhile, I inspected Captain Bautista and Major Turingan’s coast defenses. I saw the Bautista family of Malolos who were near Captain Bautista’s place.

When General de Jesus arrived I went to visit Mrs. Segundo, and Mrs. P. Martelino and Mrs. A. Martelino who are camped near the U.S. Cavalry camp inside of the forest Km 167. From there I went to the Philippine Army Ordinance Depot to inspect. Neat, well kept. Men doing good work, however, I am worried about all the Enfield rifles that are stored there, in case the enemy brakes through our lines.

Then I went to the Command Post of General McBride where we discussed the situation of the civilian population and the morale of the troops. He is very understanding of the Filipino psychology and our needs.

At 4:15 p.m. I returned to San Jose. I wanted to return early to be in Corregidor for dinner. We celebrated Mrs. Quezon’s birthday we ordered a cake.

When I arrived I found that all the baggage was ready to leave. I rushed home to get my things ready, packed rapidly and saw that my things were sent to the dock. Then I went to the dock with Colonel Nieto.

As we were leaving the tunnel, the truck that was to carry important boxes arrived with the guards. The officer in charge told me that the enemy was shelling the dock. We waited l/2 hour and then we proceeded. We supervised the loading of all baggage, rice and other cargo on the barge which pulled out at 11 p.m. for the SS Don Esteban. All the members and personnel of the Presidential party with the exception of President, his family, his war cabinet & Colonel Nieto left at midnight, en route for an undisclosed destination. The captain was given sealed orders.

February 17-18, 1942

Finally arrangements for our departure were completed.

February 18, 1942

Too tired to write.

February 17, 1942

Received regards from Mary. She is in Cabiao. Those who evacuated to the provinces had a harder time than those who stayed in Manila. The city was the safest place.

Mr. Takamia, Japanese agriculturist, co-worker of Mr. Abe at Mrs. Quezon’s farm in Arayat, was sent by the Japanese authorities to Legaspi and Naga together with three of our own men to handle rice sales and perhaps the purchase of palay. Mr. Takamia informed me that only part of Mrs. Quezon’s harvest was stolen. Called Mr. Nakashima’s attention to the great number of our personnel. He ordered that we continue with the personnel until further orders from the Army. Railroad traffic between San Fernando and Manila has been reopened today. That means Manila’s supply of rice will be increased. Since the Occupation to the present date, Manilans have been fed on the rice stocks in our bodegas. The rations may not have been enough, but at least it was equitably distributed. And still there are people who are angry at me for [not?] having thrown open the doors of our bodegas before the Japanese entered the city!

People are talking about the fall of Singapore. It was most unexpected. Many believed it would hold longer than Corregidor. How long will our own boys stand? Maybe if they receive reinforcements, if the convoy…  It’s all ‘if.’

Life is a big IF.

February 16, 1942 – Monday

General MacArthur reported that all was O.K. The submarine would be arriving Thursday.

The Japanese are still shelling us but they hit the water.

We dined on the SS Legaspi. We had just finished when two shells, fell on the dock near the boat. All the laborers ran away. We had to leave the boat and go to the tunnel.

February 16, 1942

Martial law is severe, ruthless. It knows no leniency. Three British internees were made to dig three graves and then they were executed in the Santo Tomas concentration camp as an example to all other internees. The Britishers tried to escape.

It is hard to argue with the Japanese. This morning’s Tribune carries a news item from the Manila Defense Command advising civilians of Manila to cooperate with the sentries and approach them in a friendly manner. “The advice,” says the Tribune, “has been given because civilians run away when sentries approach them.” Everything has been twisted. Now it is the civilians at fault. Black has become white.

Reminded Supervisor Noya of the suggestion I made at the Rice Growers Meeting last Saturday that out of the 1 1/2% milling tax paid by producers and merchants which is equivalent to .0975 if rice costs 6.50, 3 centavos be set aside for the operation of the NARIC. Mr. Noya will take the matter up with the Japanese High Command as he believes the proposition will further help to stabilize the finances of the corporation.

The British forces in Singapore have unconditionally surrendered. It must have been a bitter, humiliating experience for the Britishers. Is this the end of British imperialism?

Saw a Japanese officer and a white girl enter a side door. He was old; she was young. Such is life.

February 15, 1942 – Sunday

Attended mass at 6:30 a.m. At 9 a.m. the President called a meeting of his war cabinet. The matter of our possible exit from the rock was discussed. It was shown that the President could be of more help to General MacArthur and the general situation outside of the rock. The President conferred after with General MacArthur. He readily saw our point of view, to which was added my frequent report regarding the physical condition of the President. General MacArthur promised to radio asking for a submarine.

The Japanese are shelling Corregidor from the Cavite coast, probably Ternate. Killed one American Soldier and wounded five.

February 15, 1942

I did not think it prudent to divulge earlier that a few days after the bombing of Letran, through a third person, Mrs. Aurora Quezon sent from her hideout in Corregidor a letter of sympathy to the Father Provincial who never had any means of replying.

The First Lady seemed to be very much worried. It was not surprising if she was. A week before they left, they called up the Father Provincial to come and console the First Lady at their Marikina residence. We were suspecting that during those days, the President and his small retinue were still in Corregidor. There were a lot of rumors about their whereabouts. The President had spoken over the radio twice or thrice last month, according to those who heard him. What would be his fate in case the USAFFE had to surrender Corregidor?

February 15, 1942

Today is my birthday. Worked as usual. No party at home. These are not days for celebration. It is outrageous to amuse oneself, while the country is at war.

Must eliminate inefficient employees. This is not the kind of work one wants to do on his birthday. It is very unpleasant.

Our stock of Burma rice No. 2 will be exhausted by Tuesday, February 17th. This pertained to our prewar stock. If Burma No. 1 or Macan No. 2 will be issued, prices should be revised. Current price is ₱6.50 per sack.

The trucks of the Batangas line are not available. The Japanese intend to commandeer other trucks.

Arrived home rather late. Was very tired. Had a good supper and before going to bed, the children sang: “Happy Birthday to you!”

There is no place like home.

February 14, 1942 – Saturday

6:30 a.m. left Corregidor for Bataan on a Q boat. The sea was very rough and it could not make any speed.

I arrived at 7:30 a.m. at Cabcaben. Colonel Hill and General de Jesus were waiting for me. I gave some instructions to General de Jesus and then left with Colonel Hill in a command car for the Command Post of General Lough. It was a hard trip through newly constructed trails in the mountains. The dust was terrible. We reached a place in the mountain where the trail ended. Then we had to hike up-hill. We reached the Command Post of General Lough at 10:45 a.m. There I met General Lough and his staff, General Lim and his aide, Lieutenant Santos, General Capinpin, Captain Angel Tuason. I had a letter for Bubby Tuason from Loling, that had been smuggled out of Manila by someone. As soon as he received the note he began to cry. I patted him on the shoulder and told him to cheer up. I talked to General Capinpin and General Lim regarding the morale of the officers and men. At 11 a.m. while I was talking to them we heard the roar of airplane engines. I was told that there were 12 bombers and four pursuits. They encircled around again and again. They flew so low that we could distinctly hear the characteristic whistle that the bombers have. General Lough ordered that everyone stand near the entrance of the dug outs. Suddenly we heard the explosions caused by the bombs dropped towards our left probably some artillery placements. At 11:30 p.m. when we realized that the danger had passed we hiked back to our car and proceeded to the Command Post of Colonel Catalin Commanding Officer of 21st F.A. He was waiting for me on the road together with Major Villarreal and Lieutenant Aquino.

He showed me his post. I inspected his Command Post and discussed with him the phases of military situation and the morale of the officers and men.

Left his Command Post for the offshore patrol base at Lamao. Major Villarreal offered to go with me to show me the new place, as Captain Jurado, had transferred his Post to another place, as his former place had been bombed by enemy planes.

When I arrived there I found Lee Stevens waiting for me. He is a captain Q.M.C. USAFFE. We talked for a while and ate a luncheon prepared impromptu by Captain Jurado. He served Carabao meat. It was not bad. Before I left Lee gave me a letter to be opened only in case of his death. Lee is the Commanding Officer of a motor pool. His place was recently bombed.

From this place I rushed to the Philippine Army Hospital at Km. 172 to inspect. The conditions not as good as I would like them to be. The ward tents are dark and give the impression of poor ventilation. The general arrangement is poor. I instructed Colonel Luna to discuss the matter with Colonel Janairo, Chief enginner.

I left the Philippine Army hospital with Colonel Hill & Major Cruz for the Command Post of General Marshall. Washed up and had dinner with him. Proceeded afterwards to Cabcaben to take the Q boat which was waiting to take me to the rock. Colonel Browley of the Staff of General Moore asked to be allowed to come with me. I was happy to authorize him to do so.

On the way from General Marshall’s Command Post to Cabcaben, Colonel Browley told me that he had just inspected Anti-Aircraft batteries in Mariveles and praised the Philippine Army unit. He said that the two outstanding batteries or Anti-Aircraft units there was one American (Colonel National Guard) and one Philippine Army composed of our trainees from Fort Windt 90% and Scout Filipino N.C.O. 10%. The American unit has 14 planes to its credit; the Philippine Army unit 12 planes. The previous day two Japanese planes who were apparently on a bombing mission to Mariveles make a dive to attack our unit. Our boys received them with a heavy barrage and brought the two planes down with only 40 rounds of ammunition consumed.

When we arrived at Cabcaben, the sea was very rough, and the Captain of the Q boat had difficulty in docking it. Finally he was successful. We arrived at Corregidor at 6:30 p.m. I saw the President to report my trip and then went home for supper.

February 14, 1942

Asked an old man of eighty years which regime he prefers: Spanish, American or Japanese?

The old man thought for a moment. Then he answered and there was a sparkle in his eyes: “The best regime is our own regime. A Filipino regime!”

There is much wisdom in the old man’s answer. A foreign regime, no matter how benevolent, cannot be preferred. A master is always a master. Spain may have given us Christianity; America, democracy; and Japan, racial dignity. But only we can give ourselves national sovereignty. It is useless to await the fulfillment of promises of independence. Independence is not given. It is always there, sometimes completely suppressed, sometimes partly chained. And it is up to the people to declare themselves independent and to make that independence a reality. Words do not make it. Only actions.

Meeting of rice-producers at the Bureau of Plant Industry. Present were Sanvictores, Silayan, Juan and Jose Cojuangco, Alzate, Mrs. Rustia, Mrs. de Leon, Belmonte, Cajucom, Alfredo Santos, L. de Leon, Virgilio Rodriguez, Quisumbing, Balmaceda, Gabaldon and myself. Supervisor Noya presented the plan of the NARIC regarding the purchase of the harvest. The producers were told how much they would be paid for their rice. While their opinion was sounded, the final decision rested on the NARIC. The price fixed by the NARIC took into account both the ability of the consumers to pay and a reasonable profit for the producers. The NARIC is the neutral body standing between consumers and producers. If someday the producers control the rice industry and they are the ones to dictate the price of rice, the industry will collapse because the balance maintained presently by the NARIC will be removed. The determination of the price of rice must always be placed in the hands of a disinterested body.

Two Japanese soldiers were knocking at the door of my friend’s house. Since they were asleep, because it was midnight, they were not able to open the door immediately. When they finally opened the door, the Japanese were very angry. They slapped my friend and threatened him with Fort Santiago. He came to me this morning complaining. He wants to know how he can obtain redress for grievances.

“In these days,” I told him, “patience is better.”

Fire can be extinguished by water.

February 14, 1942

Manila

 

Many Jap atrocities. Saw several tied to posts in front of Jap garrisons. Many brought to Fort Santiago dungeons where they are tortured and chained. Pagulayan of Naric locked in Santiago. Taken from his house at midnight. Many houses raided by Jap and Military Police. Japs executing those who have guns and gasoline hidden in houses.

Heard the daughter of a high official was almost abused by Japs. They went to her house one night. The father of girl was slapped for standing on the way of Jap officer trying to embrace daughter. Fortunately one of the girl’s brother was able to call for help from Jap M.P. Some say when M.P. arrived Jap and girl were in the room while other Jap soldiers were holding brother and father at point of bayonets. Others say, lust did not have a holiday.

Japs voice ferociously blabbering about Singapore victory. Newspapers speak of victories in all fronts. But very, very silent about Bataan, heh, heh.

Tomorrow is dad’s birthday. Before leaving for Bataan, I shall send them a letter, a long one. Will pray extra for dad.

 

(later)

 

Must leave tonight for Bataan. Received order. Prayed two rosaries.

February 13, 1942 — Friday

Nothing unusual. I took my tetanus injection, first dose, and ordered my dog tags prepared, to be ready for duty on the front.

February 13, 1942

Very sad news in the Tribune on Bataan. The Japanese offensive has been intensified. The U.S. War Department said that “the outlook for the forces in the Philippines is very dark. We have very dim hopes of holding our positions in the face of a superior and overwhelming enemy with a great number of soldiers and an abundance of war supplies.”

Bataan is a battle between veteran soldiers and young recruits. The mystery so far is how the USAFFE boys have been able to stop the advance of the Japanese forces. Every day of delay is a great loss to the Japanese. I can imagine the bloody carnage that will take place when and if the USAFFE lines break. When a dam is shattered, the destruction is great. I hope the Lord protects my son.

Mr. Kobatake of the Purchasing Division requested an investigation of all owners of flour warehouses to determine the available stock. Assigned Baldemor for this work.

Mr. Kobatake also wanted to know the stocks of corn or corn-rice in Manila. Told Kobatake that outside of the NARIC, no one else has corn, because this is not the corn season. Of course, in the south like Cebu, they have corn.

Col. Uzaki, Supervisor Noya and Mr. Tanco left for Pampanga to survey conditions. Tanco gets along fine with the Japanese.

Another clerk slapped. This is an abuse and must be stopped or I’ll order the Filipinos to slap them back. I am ready to answer for the consequences. Rizal was right: “There are no tyrants where there are no slaves.”

February 12, 1942 – Thursday

The President had a long conference with General MacArthur. Afterwards he sent for me. He asked me: “If I should decide to leave Corregidor what do you want to do?” “I want to remain with my troops at the front that is my duty” I replied. He stretched his hand and shook my hand “That is a manly decision; I am proud of you” he added and I could see tear in his eyes. “Call General MacArthur” he ordered “I want to inform him of your decision.” I called General MacArthur. While they conferred, I went to USAFFE Headquarters tunnel to confer with General Sutherland. When General MacArthur returned he stretched his hand and shook hands with me and said “I am proud of you Basilio, that is a soldier’s decision.”

When I returned to the room of the President, he was with Mrs. Quezon. She stood up and kissed me, and then cried. The affection shown to me by the President & Mrs. Quezon touched me deeply. Then he sent for Manolo Nieto and in our presence, the President told Mrs. Quezon with reference to Manolo, “I am deciding it; I am not leaving it to him. I need him. He has been with me in my most critical moments. When I needed someone to accompany my family to the States, I asked him to do it. When I had to be operated I took him with me; now that need him more then ever, I am a sick man. I made him an officer to make him my aide. He is not like Basilio, a military man by career. Basilio is different, I forced him to accept the position he now had; his duty is with his troops”. Then he asked for Whisky and Gin and asked us to drink. Colonel Roxas and Lieutenant Clemente came in. We drank to his health. He made a toast: “To the Filipino Soldier the pride of our country”, and he could not continue as he began to cry.

In the afternoon, I had my blood typed. I am type “O”.

February 12, 1942

The impregnable fortress of Singapore, bastion of British imperialism in the Orient, has fallen. According to Domei, the flag of the Rising Sun was hoisted over Singapore at eight o’clock yesterday morning. This is a turning point in the history of mankind. Singapore is not merely a naval base. It is a symbol of the White Man’s superiority. It is the thickest chain around the neck of Asia. Singapore may in the future be recaptured by the British. One can never tell how the war will end. But even if the British reconquer it, even if they make it ten times more formidable, the myth of the White Man’s superiority, the aura of his invincibility, has forever been crushed. He may rise from the staggering blow, but he shall not have the same dignity before Oriental eyes. One thing this war has done has been to awaken the one billion peoples of Asia. The fire and iron and steel that have been dropped on their homes have entered their hearts and they have become strong.

Ask Pedro Sabido for hemp bags. Sacks are a big problem. He ought to be able to give suggestions.

Rice situation in the city is quite satisfactory, thank God. So far prices have been maintained at a level within the reach of the average man.

It seems that the sale and distribution of sugar and wheat flour will be undertaken shortly by a government-sponsored distribution agency with the approval of the Military Administration. Under a controlled distribution system, the movement of these commodities can be done properly and in conformity with the price-fixing measure. Similarly, with the other prime necessities. These commodities will be sold to the public without the intervention of unnecessary middlemen. It is expected that an announcement will be made shortly on the plan to sell sugar and wheat flour to the public at reasonable prices.

My Japanese neighbors are dancing and drinking. They are celebrating the fall of Singapore. I can hear one of the hostesses singing: “My Melancholy Baby.”

Gave some pocket money to the wife of an American friend. She was very thin because of lack of sleep and food. She did not know how to thank me. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Tears are more eloquent than words.

February 12, 1942

Manila

 

Singapore falls. This is bad news. Singapore Naval base was very necessary for refueling of convoy. They will be very depressed in Bataan.

Japs have executed four men for violation of military law. Condemned men are first made to dig graves in Cementerio del Norte and then they are shot in the back.

“Domingo Diesto and two others” according to Tribune “were shot for inflicting physical injuries on person of Jap soldier.”

Pepe Laurel III married Betty Castillo. I wonder what his troops in Bataan will say when they hear this.

Japs in Manila celebrating Singapore’s fall. Saw many drunks, soldiers singing in streets. They have reason to rejoice.

Shows in town opened. Bing Crosby showing in Capitol. Sun Valley Serenade in Avenue. Texas Cowboy in Life.

Saw dad in small car driving to Naric. He looked thin. I feel like crying. Homesick. Very tempted to sneak into the house.

Did not go to high official I was supposed to interview. Nobody could assure me of his inside feeling. Did not want to take a chance. Will tell this to general.

Carrier pigeons of Alabang stockfarm not there anymore. Nobody knows where they are.

 

(later)

 

105 gave interesting reports on Gen. Maeda of Jap Military Administration. She’s cold-blooded, flirtatious skirt. She called me “Highhat.”

Somehow I don’t trust her. She knows it.

 

(later)

 

Impressed at the calm indifference of Manilans to Jap Occupation. This is due to their confidence that the USAFFE will soon return and kick out the Japs.

February 11, 1942 — Wednesday

Had a Cabinet Meeting. The reply of President Roosevelt to President Quezon’s radio was received. No, was the reply. It also allowed General MacArthur to surrender Philippine Islands if necessary. General MacArthur said he could not do it. The President said that he would resign in favor of Osmeña. There was no use to dissuade him then. We agreed to work slowly to convince him that this step would not be appropriate.

He dined at the house. He feels better. Morale is better. Went home at 4 a.m. (to the tunnel)

February 11, 1942

The NARIC will purchase rice in Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Pampanga. I am worried about the unsettled conditions, the lack of peace and order, the dislocation of transportation, (the) shortage of fuel and the spirit of non-cooperation. But we have to succeed; otherwise, there will be no rice for Manilans.

The Army has reduced the 25 trucks requested by the office to 20, five run by alcohol and fifteen by gasoline. Only 60 tins of gasoline will be issued per week. This is the basis of the Army’s calculation: for trucks, one liter for every three kilometers; for cars, one liter for every five or six kilometers. In war, gasoline is like blood.

On or after February 18th, the Army will allow the NARIC to transport 200 tons of rice by freight cars. Two hundred tons is equivalent to about 3,600 bags of rice or 6 NBB cars and 1 J car. So far, the railroad is strictly for Army use.

Must make plans according to stations: what mills, what towns, (what) quantities of palay or rice, beginning February 18th. There must be no hitches, no delays. The use of the railroad will be a great help. We must make the most out of the privilege.

The Japanese supervisor said that we must have ready daily 3,600 cavans of rice or palay, preferably rice, to be loaded in freight cars. If we cannot fill the cars, the Army must be notified two or three days in advance. Every available space must be utilized. The Army does not want to waste even one inch of baggage or cargo space.

At present, the Army alone can procure the rice and palay in Nueva Ecija and Tarlac. They take 3,000 sacks daily. We are trying to negotiate whether we can take the rest after the Army has taken its quota. We are not sure whether the Army will agree. In war, it is always “Army first!”

The Japanese Army will be a major cause of the food shortage. At present, this fact is not yet felt. But as the months pass by, there will be less food on every table. In some, there will be no food at all. Then people will ask: “Where is the food going?” And they will know that it goes to the Army.

Can’t speak of these things publicly nowadays. It is strange, but the meaning of freedom can only be understood when one no longer has it.