Topic 11: Japanese in the Philippines

• Occupation to Surrender
• Bataan and Corregidor had fallen ---“Death March”
Members:
1. Carlos Lynnard Gervacio Mercolino
2. Christopher Arcellas
3. Kendrick Leyson

Outline:

Laurel, Jose P. 1962. "Memorandum" in War Memoirs of Dr. Jose P. Laurel. (September 15
- November 16, 1945) Manila: Laurel Foundation. pp. 1-21.

Jose P. Laurel was known as a supreme court justice and as a politician. And in 1925, he was elected
to the Philippine Senate and once again elected as delegate to the 1935 Constitutional Convention.
He was also the Secretary of Justice when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and assumed presidency in
1943.
Laurel was arrested after Japan’s surrender in 1945 because of treason but he was never tried.
Because the Americans did not allow Laurel to have a writing paper, he wrote the memoirs across a
book named The World in 2030 AD in the Sugamo Prison in Tokyo and was published by the Jose P.
Laurel Memorial Foundation after his death in November 6, 1959.

Memorandum 1
Before the Pacific War, Laurel was the Associate Justice of the Supreme court of the Philippines and
was recommended for appointment to the Supreme Bench by the Filipino and American Bar
Associations, he was then appointed in February 1936.
Memorandum 2
Laurel wrote a letter to Marshal MacArthur and also the military adviser to the Commonwealth
Government offering his services. And MacArthur though Laurel would be useful in the Judge
Advocate Department.
Memorandum 3
Around September or October of 1941, President Quezon invited him to breakfast and requested to
be his Secretary of Justice wherein he was hesitant because he was through with politics and he
wanted to make a name in the juridical field. In the end, he became a member of the President’s
War Cabinet
Memorandum 4
After Laurel’s induction into the Secretary of Justice, he attended the meetings of the War Cabinet
and prepared two radio speeches for President Quezon.
Memorandum 5
The cabinet of President Quezon met with Laurel twice a day up to the time wherein he personally
accompanied Quezon and family to the Presidential landing at the Luneta.
Memorandum 6
During one of the hectic days of December 1941, General MacArthur accompanied by Lieut-Col.
Roxas arrived at Marikina while the war cabinet was in session, this day was also the anniversary of
the marriage of President and Mrs. Quezon.
Memorandum 7
The call of Gen. MacArthur on President Quezon and the radio speech made by him took place on
December 8,1941 when Baguio, where the President was, and other places of the Philippines were
bombed by the Japanese.
Memorandum 8
The frequent meetings of the members of the Cabinet in Manila continued until President Quezon
was advised to move to Corregidor that he deemed was some sort of abandonment of his people,
and so he refused the suggestion of Gen..MacArthur. The suggestion of the members of the Cabinet
was that the President should go because the capture of the President would mean the
overthrowing of the government. He expressed that Vice President Osmena should be with him in
case anything happened, Osmena could take his place, along with other members. He also wanted to
take Laurel to the Corregidor to prepare papers and documents there where Laurel agreed upon.
He went home and told his sick wife and children on the eleventh hour that he would be leaving.
Memorandum 9
Another meeting was held in Marikina, the President, Vice President and Laurel was present, this
meeting was about all the people he would bring to the Corregidor. Laurel then raised an important
question about going back to the mountains in cases where the Japanese forces them to do things
that are inimical to the government. Quezon was able to talk with General MacArthur and only
prohibited them from doing one thing, and that was pledging their allegiance to the Japanese
government.
Memorandum 10
December 24, 1991, Laurel accompanied Quezon and his family to the Presidential Landing at
Luneta who, along with many was waiting to see the President.
Memorandum 11
President Quezon reorganized and simplified the government set up and gave instructions to Laurel
to remain in manila to help Mr. Vargas (Mayor of Greater Manila) in protecting the civilian
population before Quezon left for Corregidor.
Memorandum 12
Since Dec.24, there was no contact between Laurel and Quezon. But Vargas was able to
communicate with Quezon before the entry of the Japanese forces in Manila on January 2, 1942.
Memorandum 13
After Pres. Quezon’s departure, Mr. Vargas became the head and representative of the
Commonwealth Government with Laurel helping him all the way.
Memorandum 14
On December 31, 1941, news that the advance of the unit of the Japanese forces were nearing
Manila, Vargas called Laurel into his office to be a representative of the Commonwealth government
to go with the Japanese Consul General, Jitaro Kihara and meet the zones coming from the south.
Laurel was unable to go, but Kihara and his assistant went as far as Laguna to meet the Japanese
invading forces.
Memorandum 15
There was confusion, excitement and general consternation when the Japanese unit entered Manila
in the afternoon of Jan. 2, 1942. Because before this, Manila, Cavite, and many other places were
bombed with many casualties, buildings were destroyed and looting was rampant.
Memorandum 16
Lt.-Col. Maeda and Maj. Gen. Hayashi were the first high ranking officials to enter Manila and
Japanese forces began contact with prominent Filipinos in Manila such as Mr. Vargas. They were
told forthwith to organize themselves into a central administration organ for the peace and order of
the consequent military occupation of certain places by Japanese forces.
Memorandum 17
Mr. Vargas suggested a meeting at the call of Speaker Yulo which was the resident of the
Nacionalista party. This was done for two weeks. The Japanese forces Vargas to sever connections
with the Americans, this was rejected because the Commonwealth was a creation on the United
States. They were made to understand that failure to organize in the manner that the Japanese
indicated would be deemed a hostile act, that the Japanese would establish military administration
themselves or other Filipinos.
Memorandum 18
The high command of the Japanese army selected who were to become members of the Executive
Commission, Mr. Jorge B. Vargas became chairman, Benigno Aquino, Commissioner of the Interior.
Antonio de las Alas, Commissioner of Finance, Jose P. Laurel, Commissioner of Justice, Rafael
Alunan, Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, Claro M. Redo, Commissioner of Education and
Public Welfare, Quintin Paredes. Commissioner of Public Works and Communications, and Teafilo
Sison, Auditor General and Director of the Budget. Laurel asked to stay in the Supreme Court but
this was rejected as the Japanese Army has already decided.
Memorandum 19
Laurel was surrounded by a group of military advisers who were incompetent with the progress of
the juridical science, and the military police would appear before courts and judges to dismiss cases
who were being tried to show their dominance to the Filipino people.
Memorandum 20
Mr. Vargas became the Chairman of the Council of State and of the Executive Commission, the
government was reorganized from the city to municipal administrations, as what the Japanese
authorities wanted had to be done. Laurel and others protested and demonstrated but to no avail.
Perhaps the only consoling this is that they were allowed to file petitions for war prisoners for their
release.
Memorandum 21
The Executive Commission covers a period from Jan. 23, 1942 to October 14, 1943—about 1 year
and 8 months announced that the policy with respect to the Philippines was to give her
independence as early as possible upon tangible evidence of collaboration with Japan in the
establishment of the Co-prosperity sphere, but there was doubt as to what kind of independence it
was gong to be. Because of what happened to other countries such as China, and Korea. High
ranking officials became convinced that the granting of independence to the Philippines seas part of
the general plan of Japanese political propaganda "to emancipate the peoples of Greater East Asia"
and could not be deterred.
Memorandum 22
As early as January 21, 1941 December, 1942 the Kalibapi (Kapisanan sa Paglilingkod sa Bagong
Pilipinas) was organized. The idea behind it was the abolition of all political parties and the
integration of all the Filipinos for purposes of an effective totalitarian government. Mr. Aquino was
transferred to the Kalibapi and Laurel became the Commissioner of the Interior. The military
authorities offered all facilities, including financial, and a separate central office established in
Manila with ramifications in the provinces and municipalities which were under Japanese control.
Memorandum 24
Peace conditions were very bad, and Mr. Vargas assigned Laurel to be the head of the pacification
campaign, which was a requirement by the Japanese military administration if something had to be
done to minimize the killings. The Japanese forced the idea that the Filipinos dying were a result of
Filipinos fighting each other. General MacArthur told the guerillas to lie low until the opportunity
arose. Major Batongmalaque who was the senior inspector of Constabulary in Davao, were in
contact with guerilla leaders who assumed the obligation to protect the people outside the cities
and towns.
Memorandum 27
As the Commissioner of the interior, Laurel also had the supervision over games and amusements,
and because this was in a separate division, he was able to take care of many released prisoners of
war.
Memorandum 26
In June 5, 1943, while Laurel was playing golf at the Wack Wack Country Club in Mandaluyong, he
was shot from behind just about 12 or 15 yards, and with the help of Dr. Jacinto, Dean Monson and
Pres. Reyes, was delivered to the Philippine General Hospital where he stayed for two months.
Memorandum 27
There was a lot of discussion as to why he was attacked because the general idea of the people was
that he was pro Japanese. But he though he was attacked because he was anti-Japanese, after all, he
was in the government against his wishes, but another reason might stem rom the act that he had
personal enemies, but this was disregarded as he had none. Because of the position he was in, the
Japanese military police arrested and killed several people for alleged attempt of killing Laurel, but
Laurel then told the Military Police that none of the ones presented were the authors of the crime. A
certain Little Joe who had great physical similarity to the man who had assaulted at the Wack Wack
gold course was executed without consulting Laurel, and this act of kindness reached the
knowledge of some people.
Memorandum 28
Whatever the motive of the assault, Laurel gained public attention, and even more so, the Japanese
administrators. And because of this, Laurel was head of the list of the Filipinos who were to
integrate the Preparatory Commission for Philippine Independence. Laurel then became the
chairman of the Preparatory Commission while being confined in the hospital. Other members then
proceeded to organize to prepare a constitution for the Philippine Republic.
Memorandum 29
After the approval of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, the National Assembly had
to be organized. Hon. Benigno Aquino was unanimously elected speaker and Laurel to be the
National Assembly President of the newly established Republic of the Philippines and Chairman
Vargas participated as President of the Kalibapi.
Memorandum 30
After the election of Aquino and Laurel, both were invited to go to Tokyo to pay respects and to
report to Mr. Vargas who was the retiring chairman of the Executive Commission. Both remained in
Tokyo for 7 days and had to pay respect to His Majesty, the Emperor and registered their names as
visitors of other members of the Imperial Family. Among others that were discussed, Premier Tojo
asked Laurel, Vargas and Aquino to declare was against the United States and Britain. They were all
shocked, after which Laurel politely refused this request by saying the Filipino people would not
approve of it, and that it would not be decent to declare war against the United States. The
unprepared reply seemed to have impressed Messers.Vargas and Aquino and congratulated Laurel
afterwards. Laurel the reported confidentially all that transpired to the Cabinet and Council of State.
After this incidence he realized that he was in the most difficult situation because he hated the
Japanese but he was holding a high power in leadership. In September 30,1943, the Japanese asked
high ranking officials of the Philippines to declare war against the United States and Britain in
exchange for independence, in the language of Tojo, it was either extermination or freedom, they
could no longer back out.
Memorandum 31
At the 14th of October, an appropriate ceremony was conducted for the inauguration of the
Republic of the Philippines. At the same day, A pact of alliance was established which includes
arrangements in political, economic and military aspects.
Memorandum 32
All the inhumane actions done by the Japanese made Laurel realize that the country, and its
citizens are doomed under their power. Thus, he asked assistance, advise and gave orders to
military police and ex-service men.
Memorandum 33
Laurel expressed his personal hardships in these times and how he, and all people in the
palace had to share and feel the suffering of the people.
Memorandum 34
He expressed how busy the days of a president is, especially in this time. Still, he gave time
to visits institutions stating how deeply he sympathize to them.
Memorandum 35
Laurel announced his national policy, political ideology and moral philosophy to the
country.
LOPEZ, SALVADOR P. “BATAAN HAS FALLEN” PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
“Bataan has Fallen”, the surrender announcement of Filipino and American soldiers against
the Japanese force during World War II. It was written by then Captain Salvador P. Lopez and was
broadcasted in the evening of April 2, 1942.
RADIO BROADCAST MESSAGE, AS WRITTEN BY CAPTAIN SALVADOR P. LOPEZ, DELIVERED BY
THIRD LIEUTENANT NORMANDO IDLEFONSO “NORMAN” REYES ON THE “VOICE OF FREEDOM”
RADIO BROADCAST OF APRIL 9, 1942 FROM MALINTA TUNNEL, CORREGIDOR:
In this day, the very day we celebrate easter Sunday or the day of resurrection, Filipinos and
Americans declares their defeat over the superior force of the enemy. Despite all the courage and
hardships hey endured, their bodies are not made of steel. However, their hearts and faith are as
strong as steel. They have yield for now but they know time will come that they shall rise, just like
what happened in the day of resurrection.
RECTO, CLARO M. THREE YEARS OF ENEMY OCCUPATION, THE ISSUE OF POLITICAL
COLLABORATION IN THE PHILIPPINES. MANILA: PEOPLE’S PUBLISHERS.1946
Claro M. Recto, became the commissioner on Education, Health and Public Welfare and
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. He was arrested and tried for collaboration after the war.
During these, he wrote a defense and explanation of his stand, Three Years of Enemy Occupation
which shows different point of views of Americans and Filipinos.
Differences in points of new between Americans and Filipinos on the question of collaboration
 This view highlights the fact that the one to be called as “heroes” and had the right position
to pass correct judgment are those of the countrymen who stayed and endured all the struggles
within the country and remained faith. The common people are the heroes, not those who fled
outside the country living in comfort and returned after the war claiming to be heroes and patriots.
The American point of view
While Americans live in security at their homes in war, Filipinos suffered everything. The
country became the battlefield. Americans also revealed that it is not their primary duty to protect
and retake Philippines, despite having troops inside, they labeled it as so weak and that it must be
sacrificed.
The Filipino point of view
Under the attacks of Japanese, Filipino leaders were left behind to deal with the
government. Despite their effort, it is useless as we are far inferior. The only hope is to rely on
Americans, which by their own admission, were unprepared for this. Japanese now even distrust
and continuously grows suspicions to the Filipino leaders as they are 95% pro-American and 5%
liars.
What would the Americans have done?
This point of view shows what might happen had this war happened in the territory of
America itself, like Hawaii or American mainland. Philippines, on the other hand, was just caught in
this war as it is under the sovereignty of America and Japan saw it as a way to free Philippines
because they are its oriental brother.
“EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 40: INITIATING A NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR THE CULTIVATION OF IDLE
LANDS TO PRODUCE FOOD CORPS.” PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM AND LIBRARY.
Joe B. Vargas, executive secretary of President Laurel issued this order to enforce local officials to
produce food in idle land in the midst of food shortage brought by the war.
This orders a nationwide campaign of cultivating rice, corn, camote, cassava and other short
time food crops.
It is the duty of the mayors to distribute uncultivated land to people for them to grow crops,
without paying any rent. All of these will overseen by the provincial governors and any who fails to
do so are punished at the discretion of the court.

Annual Report of the United States High Commissioner to the Philippine Islands Commissioner to
the Philippine Islands Covering the Calendar Year 1941
The report contains a detailed plan of response whenever the occurrence of the Second World War
reaches the Pacific. The report was written by the US High Commissioner to the Philippines. Along
with wartime preparations, the report specifically indicated adequate responses to invasion
attacks. The report highlighted the following:
a) FIRST-AID UNITS
b) RESCUE UNITS
 c) DEMOLITION AND REPAIR UNITS
d) DECONTAMINATION UNITS

Reports of Jorge Vargas to the Imperial Japanese Forces

As the designated executive secretary of President Laurel, Vargas was tasked to create annual
reports to the Imperial Japanese forces. Reports include the following:
a) Activities of the Philippine Government
b) Propaganda of Imperial Vision of Japan

Letter of President Quezon to Douglas MacArthur, February 20, 1942

During this time President Manuel L. Quezon executed his responsibilities and duties as a president
while situated in the US. He then wrote a letter General Douglas MacArthur whom was the Head of
the United States Army Forces in the Far East at that time.

Message of General MacArthur to the Filipino people, January 1, 1946

General Douglas MacArthur wrote an inspirational letter to the Philippines at the start of the year
after he fulfilled his pledge to the Filipino people.

Message of President Osmeña to the Filipino people on V-J Day, September 2, 1945
The message of President Osmeña mark the Victory over Japanese Day or V-J Day after the
surrender of the Japanese Empire to the Allied Forces.

Instrument of Surrender
Tomoyuki Yamashita, a Japanese general issued “Instrument of Surrender” US Major General
Edmond H. Leavy to formally surrender to the US Forces. The document contained eight (8) orders
of the Japanese general to the remaining Japanese forces.
Analysis

My analysis after reading the memorandums from Laurel was that he was living a very two-sided
life. For the betterment of the Filipinos, he acted as an ally to the Japanese forces when in reality, he
wasn’t. He was true to his intention of protecting the Filipino civilians from the harsh and barbaric
actions of the Japanese.

While the Japanese tried to convince the high-ranking Filipinos to cooperate with the Japanese by
severing ties with the Unites States in exchange for independence, this was highly doubt by high-
ranking officials, which was reasonable given the harsh ruling of the Japanese; this showed the true
colors of the Japanese administration to the Filipinos-they were not willing to give full
independence to the Philippines, instead they just wanted to increase their Empire by intimidation,
and killing of people who was opposed to their ideologies.

Based on the documents sent from the US Commissioners to the Philippines particularly the reports
on wartime preparedness and response, it is being shown that the Philippines is inevitably one of
the countries that may suffer on the upcoming war at that time. This shows that the US realized this
and the only thing they could help is to send documents prior from the war to prepare the
Philippines whenever the war would reach the country.

On the other hand, we had realized that Philippines was just caught up in this war. As we are under
American sovereign, our faith is bound to them. However, Japanese sees it differently. To them, we
are a weak oriental country that needs to be freed from the western. Different sides, different takes.
But it is clear that amidst different stands in war, Filipinos are the one who suffers the most.

What I learned from reading the scriptures is that we should be thankful for the officials who did
everything in their power to protect the Filipino civilians, even when they were being branded as a
traitor to his country. Also, we should honor the Filipino people during those times. It is
unimaginable for us today how the suffered and endured yet still kept their faith that one day we
will rise again, and we did.