kas 230 - impact of japanese occupation on the chinese in the philppines-with...

7/28/2019 KAS 230 - Impact of Japanese Occupation on the Chinese in the Philppines-with transcripts-partial.docx

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Impact of Japanese Occupation to the

Chinese in the Philippines

Dr. Ricardo Trota Jose

Professor

Ansam LeeKAS 230 student


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Acknowledgement

To our professor Dr. Ricardo Jose for his patience and

considerations and to my wife Evelyn for her assistance and

encouragement.


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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


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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

1Chinese Civil War (1927-1949), retrieved fromhttp://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/prc-civil.htmon 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 (QuezonCity: University of the Philippine Press, 1981), 1, 5. Hereinafter, this source shall be known as Tan.3Ibid., 1.

Mukden Incident, retrieved fromhttp://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1507.htmlon March 24,

2012 at 4:47pm. Hereinafter, this source shall be known as Mukden.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/prc-civil.htmhttp://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/prc-civil.htmhttp://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1507.htmlhttp://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1507.htmlhttp://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1507.htmlhttp://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1507.htmlhttp://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/prc-civil.htm


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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.

4Mukden.5The Marco Polo Bridge incident of 1937,Retrieved fromhttp://www.chinapost.com.tw/editorial/taiwan-issues/2009/07/07/215168/The-Marco.htmonMarch 24, 2012 at 7:00 pm. Hereinafter, this source shall be known as Marco Polo. 6Ibid.

Marco Polo Bridge Incident, Retrieved from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Polo_Bridge_Incidenton March 24, 2012 at 8:00 pm.

Hereinafter, this source shall be known as Incident.

Tan, 20.7Incident.
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/editorial/taiwan-issues/2009/07/07/215168/The-Marco.htmhttp://www.chinapost.com.tw/editorial/taiwan-issues/2009/07/07/215168/The-Marco.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Polo_Bridge_Incidenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Polo_Bridge_Incidenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Polo_Bridge_Incidenthttp://www.chinapost.com.tw/editorial/taiwan-issues/2009/07/07/215168/The-Marco.htm


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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

8Tan, 18-19.9 Ibid., 19. (See, The Philippine-Chinese Resistance Movement: 1942-1945 1998) (Purcell 1965)(Liang and Cai 1998)10Ibid., 19


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front was formed. Chiang Kai Shek was set free on the 25 th 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.

11Ibid., 20.12Li Yuk-Wai, The Chinese Resistance Movement in the Philippines During the JapaneseOccupation, Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, 23, no. 2 (September 1992): 309. Hereinafter, this

source shall be known as Asian Studies.


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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.13But 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

13Li 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.14Tan, 21.15 Ibid., 25.16Ibid., 24.


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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

17Ibid., 25.18Ibid., 25-26.19Ibid., 27

Huaqiao, 104.20Ibid.


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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

21ibid., 32-33.22Ibid., 32.23Ibid., 33.24Ibid.25Ibid.


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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.

26Ibid., 35.27Ibid., 40.28Ibid.


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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

29ibid., 48.30Ibid., 53.31Ibid., 47-48..


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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 Fil-

32Teresita Ang See,, The Philippine-Chinese Resistance Movement: 1942-1945, Philippine Studies,46, no. 4 (Quezon City: Ateneo De Manila University, 1998): 516-517.33Asian Studies, 315.

Huaqiao, 117.34Huaqiao, 120.

Asian Studies, 316.


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American guerilla forces.35The COWHM units took an active part in participating in

(Li, The Huaqiao Warriors: Chinese Resistance Movement in the Philippines 1942-

1945 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

35Ibid., 121.Ibid.

Tan., 83.36Ibid., 83.37Ibid., 126.

Ibid., 316-317.38Ibid.

ibid.


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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

39Tan, 84.40Ibid.41Asian Studies, 319.

Tan., 84.

Huaqiao, 135.42Tan., 84

Huaqiao, 135.43 Tan, 85.


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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 US-

CVP.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

44Ibid.,86.45Ibid., 92.46Ibid.47ibid., 93.


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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

48Asian Studies, 318.Tan, 90.

Huaqiao, 129-130.49Tan, 90.50Tan, 90.

Huaqiao, 130-131.

51Huaqiao, 132.


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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

52Tan, 91.Huaqiao, 132-133.

53Tan, 91-92.Huaqiao, 133-134.

54Tan, 92.Huaqiao, 134.

55Huaqiao, 81.


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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. 11 th 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.

56Tan, 87-88.Huaqiao, 81.

57Tan,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. 58Tan, 88.

Wa Chi, 27-28.59Tan, 89.

Wa Chi, 75.


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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

60Ret. 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.

61Ibid.
http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/hl/hl100564.htmhttp://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/hl/hl100564.htm


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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

62Tan, 94.63Lina Lee, Personal Interview, 100_1518.MOV: 11:27, transcript: 4-7.64Tan, 96.


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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

65Ibid.66Ibid., 9767Ibid., 99-100.68Ibid., 100.


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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

69Ibid.70ibid., 101.

Victor Purcell, The Chinese in Southeast Asia, 2nd ed., (Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 1965),

553.71Victor 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.


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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

72Purcell,552-553.Tan,102.


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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.


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Bibliography

Lee, Lina, interview by Ansam Lee. Personal InterviewManila.

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 1942-

1945. Quezon City: University of the Philippine Press, 1981.


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PHOTOS

COWHM EMBLEM AND FLAG


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Chinese Veteran Xu Liang Yun

Chinese Veteran 48th Squadron

Monument for Overseas Chinese soldiers


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Chinese Guerillas source: Heritage


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Chinese Guerillas source: Heritage


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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


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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.

kas 230 - impact of japanese occupation on the chinese in the philppines-with...

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