Impact of Japanese Occupation to the Chinese in the Philippines

Dr. Ricardo Trota Jose Professor

Ansam Lee KAS 230 student

Acknowledgement

To our professor Dr. Ricardo Jose for his patience and considerations and to my wife Evelyn for her assistance and encouragement.

Table of Contents

I. Overture ----------------------------------------------------------- 4
Mukden Incident and the Second Sino-Japanese War ------------- 4 United Front --------------------------------------------------------------- 6

II. Commonwealth Period ---------------------------------------- 7 III. Japanese Invasion and Occupation ------------------------- 9 Chinese Response -------------------------------------------- 11
- Peaceful Collaboration --------------------------------------------- 12 - Chinese Resistance ------------------------------------------------- 12 Chinese Guerilla Groups ------------------------------------- 13 IV. Towards Wars End --------------------------------------------------------- 20 - Liberation ---------------------------------------------------------- 20 - Issues on Collaboration ----------------------------------------- 21 - Fallout of the United Front ------------------------------------- 23 V. Conclusion -------------------------------------------------------------------- 24 VI. Bibliography ---------------------------------------------------------------- 26 VII. Photos ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 27 VIII. Partial Transcript (Interview) ----------------------------------------- 31

Impact of Japanese Occupation to the Chinese in the Philippines

I. The Overture

The sudden invasion of Japanese forces at Mukden and its successive incursion in China had become a catalyst to the Chinese consciousness. The sense of nationalism and the patriotic duty of every Chinese to drive off the Japanese aggressors was the mood at that time. Resulting into an uneasy alliance between the Kuomintang or the KMT and the Communist in a united front against the Japanese aggressors. 1 This sense of patriotism was ever clear most especially on the overseas Chinese. 2

Mukden Incident and the Second Sino-Japanese War

Manchuria Incident or Mukden Incident started out with the explosion that damaged the tracks of the South Manchurian Railway, north of the Chinese city of Mukden, on the night of September 18, 1931.3 With the destruction of the tracks

Chinese Civil War (1927-1949), retrieved from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/prc-civil.htm on March 24, 12 at 2:09 pm. Antonio S. Tan, The Chinese in the Philippines during the Japanese Occupation 1942-1945 (Quezon City: University of the Philippine Press, 1981), 19.
2

Antonio S. Tan, The Chinese in the Philippines during the Japanese Occupation 1942-1945 (Quezon City: University of the Philippine Press, 1981), 1, 5. Hereinafter, this source shall be known as Tan. 3 Ibid., 1. Mukden Incident, retrieved from http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1507.html on March 24, 2012 at 4:47pm. Hereinafter, this source shall be known as Mukden.

owned by a Japanese corporation, Japanese military were quick to pass the blame on the Chinese nationalists. Thereafter, Japanese troops dispatched under the guise of protecting the railroad tracks systematically occupied territories deeper into Manchuria. Mukden and Changchun fell and by 21st of September, the whole region of Jilin was under Japanese control.4

The Marco Polo Bridge Incident was also known as the Second Sino-Japanese War. This incident began with the Japanese military field exercises near the Marco Polo Bridge, outside of Beijing.5 But when a Japanese soldier had gone missing, the commander, suspecting that the Chinese nationalist did it, demanded entry into the city to search for his missing personnel. And when the request was denied, the Japanese military retaliated with bombardment and mobilization of troops.6 A heavy encounter ensued between both parties, resulting to a temporary victory for the Chinese Nationalist government.7 This incident led directly to a full-scale conflict with the Japanese Imperial Army.

4 5

Mukden. The Marco Polo Bridge incident of 1937,Retrieved from http://www.chinapost.com.tw/editorial/taiwan-issues/2009/07/07/215168/The-Marco.htm on March 24, 2012 at 7:00 pm. Hereinafter, this source shall be known as Marco Polo. 6 Ibid. Marco Polo Bridge Incident, Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Polo_Bridge_Incident on March 24, 2012 at 8:00 pm. Hereinafter, this source shall be known as Incident. Tan, 20. 7 Incident.

A United Front

Chiang Kai Shek adhered to a policy of uniting a nation first, then strengthening it. This policy for him, would involve appeasing of Japan, so as his government could be free of international entanglement that might hamper his plan of attaining his primary objective, that was unification of China and the liquidation of his mortal enemy, the communists.8 Because he was convinced that armed resistance against Japan could not be won without a united front. Unfortunately, not everyone was in agreement with him, which resulted to his kidnapping by his mutinous subordinate Chang Hsueh-Liang at Sian, Shensi Province, on December 21, 1936. Chang Hsueh-Liang refused to follow the orders of Chiang Kai Shek when he was ordered to concentrate his forces against the communists; but rather Chang Hsueh-Liang wanted Chiang Kai Shek to lead the whole nation on an armed resistance against the Japanese invading forces.9 This would mean a change in policy of which Chiang Kai Shek was certainly unwilling to do. Tensions mounted up to a point of executing Chiang Kai Shek, when a communist emissary by the name of Chou En Lai, intervened and talked Chang Hsueh-Liang out of killing Chiang Kai Shek. Negotiations were made, and civil war was called off, as well as cooperation between KMT (Kuomintang) and the communists were resumed.10 Thus a united

8 9

Tan, 18-19. Ibid., 19. (See, The Philippine-Chinese Resistance Movement: 1942-1945 1998) (Purcell 1965) (Liang and Cai 1998) 10 Ibid., 19

front was formed. Chiang Kai Shek was set free on the 25th of December, with his popularity not only intact, but this time more popular than ever.

Philippine Chinese upon hearing of the news gave expressions to their rejoicing. On the day Chiang Kai Shek was freed, much preparation was made. And in the evening, sounds of exploding firecrackers were heard on the streets of Manila.11

II. Commonwealth Period

The Marco Polo Bridge Incident that occurred on July 7, 1937 became the turning point of Chinese nationalism. From mainland to the overseas, Chinese resistance against Japan in all kinds and forms began to be visible; from boycotting of Japanese products, donating funds for the cause, to volunteering for the cause. 12 When this incident reached the Philippines, much patriotic and anti-Japanese sentiments were aroused, and this nationalistic feeling even echoed throughout the archipelago, when Chiang Kai Shek decided to fight the Japanese aggressor to the bitter end. This resulted into a unified alliance between the KMT and the communists in the Philippines.

11 12

Ibid., 20. Li Yuk-Wai, The Chinese Resistance Movement in the Philippines During the Japanese Occupation, Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 23, no. 2 (September 1992): 309. Hereinafter, this source shall be known as Asian Studies.

Even during the Manchuria Incident, there were already series of mass campaigns and formation of salvation societies like the A Federation of Philippine Chinese National Salvation Association.13 But Chiang Kai Sheks decision to fight an all out war with Japan and most especially the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, resulted in a heightened feelings of nationalism among Philippine Chinese. Various more of these anti-Japanese associations were organized, like the movement for the salvation of China, which was, organized by the local KMT branch, Philippine Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, various cultural and school associations, trade and business groups, as well as the social and civic groups.14

Philippine Chinese made every effort at supporting the war cause in China, through donations, supplies, together with giving aid to wounded soldiers and war refugees. The Philippine Chinese Womens Association was created for such purpose, especially in the collection of provisions, like food, clothing and medicines, which were distributed for the displaced and suffering war victims. 15 Other Philippine Chinese collaborated with Chinese in Southeast Asia to come up with the amount to fund Chinas air force.16

Even though collecting of donations or contributions were voluntary, some Philippine Chinese go to the extent of being overly enthusiastic in collecting
13

Li Yuk-Wai, The Huaqiao Warriors, Chinese Resistance Movement in the Philippines 1942-1945 (Loyola Heights, Quezon City: Ateneo De Manila Printing Press, 1996), 22. Hereinafter, this source shall be known as Hua Chiao. 14 Tan, 21. 15 Ibid., 25. 16 Ibid., 24.

donations, through the use of intimidation to those who were hesitant to donate.17 Such was the case of the La Fortuna Distillery that was threatened by the Tong Societies when they failed to come up with the pledged amount. It was revealed that the Tong Societies were formerly five different societies that united under a common cause. While the Chinese consulate downplayed the incident as the men responsible were well-intentioned individuals who were swayed by their feelings of patriotism18

Aside from donations, Philippine Chinese also conducted mass propaganda towards boycotting of Japanese products.19 The public mood of the Philippine Chinese towards excessive patriotism, along with the news of Japanese aggression of China and that of the looming Japanese invasion, would later lead to a racial hatred towards the Japanese.20

III. Japanese Invasion and Occupation

By 8th of December 1941, after Japans surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Filipinos and Chinese alike were awaken with the grim reality of a Japanese invasion. While the Chunking Government made instructions for the Chinese nationals to cooperate with the American and Commonwealth authorities against

17 18

Ibid., 25. Ibid., 25-26. 19 Ibid., 27 Huaqiao, 104. 20 Ibid.

Japan.21 The Chinese in Davao, in an atmosphere of apprehension, made haste in disposing whatever merchandise remained in preparation to the Japanese invasion and landings at Davao.22 Other Chinese who volunteered for civil defense before the war, were now mobilized into military units.

With the successive Japanese attack on the Philippines, prominent Chinese of the anti-Japanese associations met on an almost daily basis, to try to size up the critical situation they were under. And by the second week of December, Japanese forces had already landed in Luzon and on their way towards Manila.23 An issue of great importance came to the mind of Chinese in Manila, whether to stay or to leave the city. The Chinese leaders of the anti-Japanese associations made deliberations from 18 to the 30th of December.24 Because of the large number of Chinese residents to be transported, it was decided that each Chinese, especially the anti-Japanese members were to work separately for their own preservation. However, majority of the anti-Japanese association leaders decided to stay and face the oncoming Japanese occupational forces.25

Upon Japanese entry in Manila, the first order of their business was the rounding up of the anti-Japanese groups. No sooner had they settled into the city than the Kempei-tai that made lists and proceeded with the rounding up of selected
21 22

ibid., 32-33. Ibid., 32. 23 Ibid., 33. 24 Ibid. 25 Ibid.

10

individuals.26 Individuals selected were usually active members of anti-Japanese associations, along with supporters and financiers of the war cause against Japan. But for the Japanese army, they regarded the Chinese and anti-Japanese Chinese not only as a threat, but also as an impeccable enemy. This was clear with their intention of placing all Chinese in concentration camps.27 But three major factors may have blocked them from facilitating the plan.28 The first, was the problem of accommodating and feeding large numbers of Chinese, the second, they were in wholesale and retail business that catered to the daily needs of the Filipinos, and by eliminating them, would have a devastating effect to the countrys economy; thereby putting the burden of problems upon the shoulder of the occupational authorities. And lastly, they could use the cooperative or willing Chinese to watch over the Chinese community.

Chinese Response

With the establishment of the Japanese authorities, there were mixed reactions in the Chinese community. Some continued to have anti-Japanese sentiments, while others, as they claimed, under duress, preferred to collaborate with the Japanese authorities.

26 27

Ibid., 35. Ibid., 40. 28 Ibid.

11

A. Peaceful Collaboration

The Japanese authorities made use of the collaborating Chinese in order to implement their policies to the Chinese communities in their occupied territories. And the Japanese sponsored Chinese associations became the venue and tool to put into effect their policies. 29 At the same time, these Chinese associations became an instrument of putting all Chinese activities under Japanese surveillance.30 The Japanese Military Administration, with its intention of having conciliatory terms with the Chinese, made use of Dr. Tee Han Kee, vice-president of the Japanese sponsored association, to broadcast the intended policy of the Japanese Army General Staff. The policy of which was that Chinese who renounced their allegiance with the Chiang Kai Shek government and cooperate with Japan would be treated gently.31

B. Chinese Resistance

Although some Chinese cooperated with the Japanese authorities, the Japanese policies and the atrocities committed by the army and Kempei-tai, did little to win the support of most Chinese and Filipinos. In actuality, most Chinese had
29 30

ibid., 48. Ibid., 53. 31 Ibid., 47-48..

12

tendencies of supporting the underground activities of various anti-Japanese movements, by various Chinese resistance groups and Chinese guerillas. Chinese Guerilla Groups

Chinese guerilla groups were mostly urban-based, while some of them were forced to retreat and establish their bases at the rural areas. Guerilla activities ranged from simple intelligence gathering and propaganda, procurement of supplies and funds, to ambushing and sabotage of Japanese personnel and installations.
32

COWHM

The Chinese Overseas Wartime Hsuehkan Militia, abbreviated as the COWHM was created by a group of Philippine Chinese youths who went to Nanping, Fujian, and had received military training under Kuomintang (KMT) in China, before the Pacific War broke out.33 Primarily, the COWHM activities were divided into two, the underground activities within Manila and the military activities. The underground activities lasted all throughout the Japanese occupation. But the greatest achievement of COWHM was their underground work on propaganda, through the published weekly newspaper, Daohuoxian (Fuse).34 While military activities started late in 1944 by sending small groups of their units to be attached into the Fil32

Teresita Ang See,, The Philippine-Chinese Resistance Movement: 1942-1945, Philippine Studies, 46, no. 4 (Quezon City: Ateneo De Manila University, 1998): 516-517. 33 Asian Studies, 315. Huaqiao, 117. 34 Huaqiao, 120. Asian Studies, 316.

13

American guerilla forces.35The COWHM units took an active part in participating in (Li, The Huaqiao Warriors: Chinese Resistance Movement in the Philippines 19421945 1996) (Quesada n.d., Lee n.d.) (Marco Polo Bridge Incident 2012) (Marco Polo Bridge Incident of 1937 2012) (Mukden Incident 2012)the liberation and the mopping up operations. It was also the unit with most distinguished awards and decorations for gallantry in action.36

The Pekek Squadron

Originally the 6th Squadron of the COWHM under Chen Peide, the members of which were mostly store employees. But the group broke away due to the passiveness in attitude of the COWHM towards implementation of the resistance activities.37 The organization operated until October 0f 1944, when the Japanese authorities destroyed it. And by November of the same year, Chen Peide and 12 of his comrades were on the run and had to escape the Japanese manhunt. Facing with such dilemma, they decided to join the Wah Zhi (Wa Chi) of Central Luzon.38

CVP

35

Ibid., 121. Ibid. Tan., 83. 36 Ibid., 83. 37 Ibid., 126. Ibid., 316-317. 38 Ibid. ibid.

14

The Chinese Volunteers in the Philippines (Feilubin Huaqiao Yiyonfjun), was established after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. It was organized by the members of the Chinese community, led by the local Kuomintang in forming the CVP. 39 During the Japanese invasion, Chinese volunteers participated in the civilian defense, side by side with the Civil Administration of the Philippine Government. 40

After the outbreak of the war, Col. Shi Yisheng, was appointed by the Chinese Military Council in the Philippines to coordinate with the CVP and assume its command. 41 Shortly before the fall of Manila, Col. Shi Yisheng was verbally authorized by Gen. Douglas MacArthur to mobilize CVP into armed guerilla units,; and with the fall of Manila, CVP went underground.42

During the Japanese occupation CVP guerillas while still operating in Manila, conducted sabotage operations on Japanese installations and intelligence work. After being harassed by Japanese through out Manila, CVP guerillas transferred their base of operation to Pampanga on February 2, 1942, and again to Nueva Vizcaya on August of 1943.43 Later, CVP units underwent extensive training to be placed under the 6th Army, participating in campaigns at Antipolo at the Battle of Ipo Dam and New Boso-Boso River valley, along with the fighting at Angat Dam, Wawa, Papaya
39 40

Tan, 84. Ibid. 41 Asian Studies, 319. Tan., 84. Huaqiao, 135. 42 Tan., 84 Huaqiao, 135. 43 Tan, 85.

15

and Montalban side by side with the Filipino-American guerillas, their comrades in arms. 44

US-CVP

On December 8, 1941, Col. James A. Green, USAFFE, gave instructions via PC provincial commander of La Union, Maj. Maximo Nocete, for Lee Pak Chay, christened Vicente Lopez to form a temporary company of Chinese volunteers. Vicente Lopez was appointed as its commander with a rank of captain.45 Two days later, the Chinese volunteers were inducted into the USAFFE by Maj. Nocete; the unit was given the name United States-Chinese Volunteers in the Philippines or USCVP.46 Initially, the unit was assigned for patrol duty, but upon Japanese occupation of La Union, they went into hiding at the mountains and fought as guerilla units. From early months of 1942 to 1944, US-CVP members kept growing, even to the extent that some Chinese guerilla units affiliated with it. The unit also participated in the liberation campaign as an attached unit of a US Army Division.47

PHIL-CHI YOUTH

The Philippine Chinese Youth Wartime Special Service Corps was an extension of the Philippine Branch, San Min Chu I Youth Corps, with Lin Tso Mei as
Ibid.,86. Ibid., 92. 46 Ibid. 47 ibid., 93.
44 45

16

its president. On the day after the fall of Bataan, San Min Chu I Youth Corps members held an emergency meeting at Manila. And it was decided that the San Min Chu I Youth Corps be converted into guerilla outfit and be known as the Philippine Chinese Youth Wartime Special Service Corps (PYWSSC), with Lin Tso Mei as its commander.48 The purpose of this corps was more of a support unit by supplying intelligence, peace and order and supply of needed monetary and material provisions.49

The PYWSSC unit followed strict guidelines in the recruitment of its members. Prospective members must believe in Dr. Sun Yat Sens three principles of the people, must be patriotic, honest, healthy and free from vices, loyal, this was just to mention a few of the requirements. 50 Its activities during Japanese occupation were mainly on propaganda, intelligence work, obtaining of materials for other guerillas and assassinating the collaborators.51

The Chinese Youth Corps in Dagupan City made contact with Maj. Jesus Soriano, Chief of Intelligence Unit of the East Central Luzon Guerilla Area (ECLGA), and its members were subsequently trained in the arts of detecting enemy

48

Asian Studies, 318. Tan, 90. Huaqiao, 129-130. 49 Tan, 90. 50 Tan, 90. Huaqiao, 130-131.
51

Huaqiao, 132.

17

movement, along with the preparation of map and sketches of Japanese installations.52 PCYWSSC activities were mostly limited to underground movements in Manila. When the American liberation forces landed at Lingayen Gulf, some PCYWSSC units joined the 37th U.S. Division aka Yellow Ball Regiment and were assigned to the Bridge Security Unit in Tarlac and also participated in assaulting the Japanese position at Bamban hills. The PCYWSSC corps attached themselves to the 37th U.S. Division at Polo, Bulacan and entered Manila. 53 They also partook in the liberation of Santo Tomas prison camp, and offered relied aid to the needs of civilian victims. The PCYWSSC formally disbanded on May 21, 1945. 54

WHA CHI

The Hukbalahap was based in Central Luzon under the leadership of Luis Taruc. When Chinese members joined the Hukbalahap, they were at first assigned in squadrons of seven or eight man team. But due to difficulty in communication, it was decided that a separate Chinese cadre be formed.55 And on May 19, 1942, at Mt. Arayat, the Wha Chi Squadron aka 48th Squadron was inaugurated. The designation

52

Tan, 91. Huaqiao, 132-133. 53 Tan, 91-92. Huaqiao, 133-134. 54 Tan, 92. Huaqiao, 134. 55 Huaqiao, 81.

18

of 48th Squadron was in honor of the 8th Route Army and the New 4th Route Army of the Chinese Communist Force in China.56

In March of 1943, the Japanese intensified their campaigns against the guerillas in Central Luzon. In the face of indomitable foe, the Wha Chi had no choice but to withdraw. And this was the beginning of what the Wha Chi termed as The Long March which started on May 9, 1943.57 With great persistence, the Wha Chi guerillas endured the cold and hunger as they trek the mountain ranges of Sierra Madre, to reach their destination, the Southern Tagalog region.58

The Wha Chi took an active participation in a coordinated effort with the Huks in liberating Sta. Cruz, Laguna. And on February 23, 1945, the Wha Chi, in collaboration with other guerilla units and the U.S. 11th Airborne Division, liberated the American Internees at Los Baos. 59 During the mopping up operations, hundreds of Wa Chi were attached to the U.S. 11th Airborne Division.

56

Tan, 87-88. Huaqiao, 81. 57 Tan,88. Liang Shang Wan and Cai Jian Hua, The Wa Chi Memoirs, trans. Joaquin Sy (Manila: Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran Inc., 1998), 27. Hereinafter this source shall be known as Wa Chi. 58 Tan, 88. Wa Chi, 27-28. 59 Tan, 89. Wa Chi, 75.

19

MARKINGS AMPAO UNIT

According to Ret. Col. Frank B. Quesada of the PMA class of 1944, the Ampao unit was a part of the Markings Fil-American Guerilla, with its base of operation in Rizal and Laguna provinces. The Ampao unit was a highly trained and disciplined intelligence squadron. Its leader was Col. Chua Sy Tiao aka Tomas, who was a reserved captain of the KMT Nationalist Army, and their initial base of operation was at Antipolo, Rizal.60 Through out its intelligence work operations, the operatives would disguise themselves as puff rice or ampao vendors. They were highly effective in intelligence work that the Japanese authorities were puzzled on how their secrets were leaked despite strict measures implemented by the Kempei-tai. When the Allied liberation forces arrived in January of 1945, the Ampao unit was attached to the U.S. 43rd Infantry Division.61

IV. Towards the Wars End

Liberation

Japanese savagery was in its climax during the liberation of Manila. Burning and wanton killing of helpless civilians could be seen throughout the city as the

60

Ret. Col. Frank B. Quesada, Balitang Beterano: Fil-Chinese Guerilla in WW2 in RP, Retrieved: http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/hl/hl100564.htm on February 3, 2012 at 10:36pm. Hereinafter, this source shall be known as Ampao.
61

Ibid.

20

Japanese troops retreated.62 Else where outside Manila, other cities were not spared of the holocaust that Manila had experienced. An interview with the authors mother Lina Lee aka Gaw Sio Chu, revealed that in San Pablo, Laguna where she hailed, the Japanese troops had a system of picking out and in eliminating prospective Chinese to be massacred. Along with it was how the guerillas assisted them in their plight towards Manila. And how she as a young girl, personally witnessed the bravery of Chinese and Filipino guerillas, by being the first of the combined liberation forces to enter Manila City.63

Issues on Collaboration

During the liberation period, issues regarding those who cooperated with the Japanese had been the focal point at that time. Apparently, it was also a time of reprisals against those who collaborated. And the guerillas were no less than willing to deliver the hands of justice to these traitors, by creating special courts and conducting trials, and executions.64

By May 30th of 1945, the Philippine Anti-Japanese and Anti-Puppet League (Kong Fan) under the patronage of local Chinese Community formed a Philippine Anti-Collaboration Commission that began the trial on the 11th of June, against

62 63

Tan, 94. Lina Lee, Personal Interview, 100_1518.MOV: 11:27, transcript: 4-7. 64 Tan, 96.

21

prominent Chinese who were accused of being collaborators.65 However, during pursuance of its investigations which were held either in public or private assemblies., the accused were either not present or permitted a chance to defend themselves. In view of such situation, the CIC (Counter-Intelligence Corps of the United States) intervened and put a stop on the trials on September 1945.66 This was decided upon by the CIC on the basis that it was done without the due process of the law and that unauthorized group held the trial proceedings.

On February of 1945, Go Tian Sek was arrested by the CIC, turned over to the Commonwealth Government and was taken into custody by the Bureau of Prison as a political prisoner for actively collaborating. While a batch of 15 more Chinese with records of collaboration were detained at the Bureau of Immigration, who were marked as undesirable aliens with a possibility of deportation.67 The batch included Co Chi Pak, Lim Sieng, Chuy Lim, Chu Sui Ong, and Giok See.

Co Chi Pak was charged with giving of material and financial aid to the enemy, fraternizing with high-ranking Japanese officers, and service in the Japanese intelligence; however he was acquitted due to lack of evidence.68 Lim Sieng was charged with spying for the enemy, took part in the arrest and torture of Peter Sy and Alejandro Santos. Chuy Lim was charged with pro-Japanese activities. Chu Sui

65 66

Ibid. Ibid., 97 67Ibid., 99-100. 68 Ibid., 100.

22

Ong was charged with acting as Kempei-tai informant. Giok See was charged with acting as interpreter for the Kempe-tai stationed at Fort Santiago.69

On the other hand, the local Chinese communists were intent on taking the law into their own hands by forming the Hing Han Chu Chien (Punish Traitors and Liquidate Collaborators League). Issues of collaboration were settled swiftly by the league or court, through liquidation of the accused. Some of them were Chan Chin, Chua Yat Lun, Alfonso Angliongto, Go Tao, Lim Tian Teng.70

Fallout of the United Front

The two Chinese Factions, the KMT and the Communists, were united in their efforts in carrying out underground and guerilla activities during the Japanese Occupation. They were also united in assisting the American liberating forces in the battle to free Manila.71

After liberation of Manila, both KMT and Communist parties started to establish their headquarters. The militant communists immediately took over the campus of Philippine Chinese High School and designated it as the headquarters of

69 70

Ibid. ibid., 101. Victor Purcell, The Chinese in Southeast Asia, 2nd ed., (Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 1965), 553. 71 Victor Purcell, The Chinese in Southeast Asia, 2nd ed., (Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 1965), 552. Hereinafter this source shall be known as Purcell. Tan, 102.

23

the League of the Philippine Chinese Anti-Japanese Anti-Puppets, and placed all affiliated associations under their control and published their own paper, The Chinese Guide (Hua Chao Tao Pao).72 Soon both parties would be engaged in a bitter and bloody political supremacy within the local Chinese community. Thus ends the united front between the rightist KMT and the leftist Communists.

V. Conclusion

The Pacific War and subsequent Japanese invasion and occupation of the Philippines had brought about great significance in the awareness of nationalism in the local Chinese community. And while Japanese atrocities were rampant during the Japanese Occupation, the surge of patriotism prevented the Philippine Chinese from giving in. Hand-in-hand the Chinese guerillas worked together with their Filipino-American guerilla counterparts in implementing underground activities. During the liberation, they contributed much to the Allied Liberation Forces functioning as guides, support units, and security forces on liberated areas just to mention a few. The Philippine Chinese resistance group were truly valiant heroes who earned their place in the pages of our history.

On the other hand, the Chinese quislings had earned the enmity not only of the Filipino people, but also of the local Chinese community. Retributions were made to those who collaborated. And despite the predicament of those who
72

Purcell,552-553. Tan,102.

24

cooperated to protect their family and community, they were judged to be guilty as well by the society that misconstrued their pure intentions. But the rise of the communistic idealism, apparently paved the way, in slowly healing the wounds brought about by the Japanese Occupation.

25

Bibliography
Lee, Lina, interview by Ansam Lee. Personal Interview Manila. Li, Yuk-Wai. "The Chinese Resistance Movement in the Philippines During the Japanese Occupation." Journal of Southeast Asian Studies 23, no. 2 (September 1992). Li, Yuk-Wai. The Huaqiao Warriors: Chinese Resistance Movement in the Philippines 1942-1945. Quezon City: Ateneo De Manila University Press, 1996. Liang, Shang Wan, and Jian Hua Cai. The Wa Chi Memoirs. Translated by Joaquin Sy. Manila: Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran Inc., 1998. Marco Polo Bridge Incident of 1937. . March 24, 2012. http://www.chinapost.com.tw/editorial/taiwan-issues/2009/07/07/ 215168/The-Marco.htm. Marco Polo Bridge Incident. March 24, 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Polo_Bridge_Incident. Mukden Incident. March 24, 2012. http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1507.html. Purcell, Victor. The Chinese in Southeast Asia. 2nd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1965. Quesada, Ret. Col. Frank B. "Balitang Beterano: Fil-Chinese Guerilla in WW2 in RP." http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/hl/hl100564.htm (accessed February 03, 2012). See, Teresita Ang, and Bon Juan Go. Heritage: A Pictorial History of the Chinese in the Philippines. Manila: Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran, Inc., 1987. See, Teresita Ang. "The Philippine-Chinese Resistance Movement: 1942-1945." Philippine Studies (Ateneo De Manila University) 46, no. 4 (1998). Tan, Antonio S. The Chinese in the Philippines during the Japanese Occupation 19421945. Quezon City: University of the Philippine Press, 1981.

26

PHOTOS
COWHM EMBLEM AND FLAG

27

Chinese Veteran Xu Liang Yun

Chinese Veteran 48th Squadron

Monument for Overseas Chinese soldiers 28

Chinese Guerillas source: Heritage

29

Chinese Guerillas source: Heritage

30

Note: This was the partial transcript of the full interview:

Lina: The problem was that. Well life was just like that. There was Japanese order that there will be a meeting at the church, and for all we know those who would attend would be killed. (Allegedly happened during the American Liberation and the Japanese retreat). The meeting was no more than a guise of the Japanese army to decimate the town populace. That time there were fifteen adult members and relatives of the family, they were at the sala discussing on which of the members of the family would attend the meeting. And out of idiotic act, a cousin of mine opened the closed window, and that was when the passing Japanese soldiers noticed us, all were summoned to come out of the house. We the children who are about seven years old were spared together with my father who was then advanced in his age, while my eldest brother due to previous accident in soap making, had have the doctor amputate his toes, and was transported to the church on the far side of the town where a priest could attended on his wound, which was prior to the Japanese summon incident, that is why eldest brother was also spared. So all in all fifteen people including my second brother (Husband of Tiya Auring and father of Chito our cousin) and my bachelor third brother (mothers favorite) were summoned. All except three of the fifteen who were gathered met their untimely demise. One of the survivors was my uncle, who was my mothers second brother, who survived the stabbing of Japanese bayonets that barely hit his vital organs, like the stomach and the liver, the other one was his brother-in-law, who was decapitated by the Japanese officer, survived death with a few strands of major veins still connected on his head. Truly it was a miracle that they survived. And the other survivor was that cousin

31

who opened the window, although later on, he died of tuberculosis. (As mother reminisces, she hoped that second and third uncle were the ones who survived that fate.) Lina: The three survivors were later rescued by the guerillas and were brought into the mountains where they were medicated. The guerillas also sent word to our family that our three relatives were then out of danger and in safe hands, so that we need not have to worry about them. Lina: After the execution, we were ordered to evacuate to the open area into the field, where we fled for safety, after which the Japanese army burnt the entire town to the ground. Lina: During that time, there came American planes scouting the area. It flew past by us and into the Japanese position near the town, where the planes may have engaged with the Japanese forces. Amid this chaos, and with the closing presence of the Japanese troops, my father was unwilling to leave the place (allegedly due to the feeling of being sentimentally attached to the place). So, with our convincing, and with the help of the guerillas, father was carried of using a hammock and together with us children who were placed in a basket on each side of the donkey travelled into the safety of the mountains. Lina: Once evacuated into the mountains, we converged in an area near the river crossing. The river was beautiful and the water was clear. But if we were not careful enough, we could have encountered Japanese patrols and would have been gunned down by machine guns. So what we did was hid among tall grasses while evacuating. Then came the guerillas in sloops (bancas) and boarded us across the river and into

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the guerilla controlled territory. Upon reaching the place, we got message that Japanese forces were coming to the area, so again, we had to evacuate to a safer place. Lina: We could have either evacuated back to the town or from the other side of the open field. Upon learning of the burnt town condition, we decided to move to the open field. Again from that point, we were assisted by the friendly guerillas that even chipped in and shared with us some of their supplies; they even assisted us in our travelling destination to Manila via the Cavite area as the route. We had to pay the rowers for the use of small boat-like canoes (bancas) to cross the river and into the Cavite area. Elder brother (around twenty seven years old that time) and his wife were the first ones to travel to Cavite area and into Manila, where they collected money and donations to pay for the bancas that went across the river and brought us to Cavite, as well as for the transportation fee that carried us off to Manila. It was a good thing that elder brother was able to contact a few of our friends and relatives in Manila, that we were able to collect enough money to bring our batch of evacuees across the river. Lina: I remember that the banca that we were in had a leak, and while the rowers rowed the boat, we used cans to scoop the water off the boat. It was a tiring although I could say a miraculous journey for us. If the Japanese soldiers had spotted us, machine gun fires would have sunk the entire boat. After we landed to Cavite, we were able to hire a vehicle truck that would transport us into Manila. Lina: In Manila, we moved into a more bustling district of Santo Cristo. Me: During this time was it still Liberation?

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Lina: .. Japanese were already defeated (Perhaps after her family settled in Santo Cristo, it did not take long before the Japanese forces in Manila had surrendered.) That was why the Japanese soldiers were killing civilians they met along the way while they were retreating. I even heard that in Pagsanjan, the Japanese troops ripped open a pregnant womans womb and tossed the unborn child into the air, and stabbing it using their bayonets. While in our place they used the guise of meeting then stabbing with bayonets and using machine gun fires for the finishing touch (Previously discussed on the fate of the fifteen family members and relatives). Then they burnt the town before retreating. Lina: They lost their grip hold in Manila because Chinese guerillas were the first troop to enter that is why Japanese army were angry at them, then the Filipino guerillas, they were very cooperative. Then after a time when we were already settled in Manila, came the US troops, the black GIs Along with the US army are the relief goods that were distributed to us. The distribution was so orderly that they still had to assign an elite or perhaps a respected member of a district to act as the leader, to do the census, as well as to distribute the goods, such as milk, sardines, rice, clothes, etc. which was done every week.

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