WesWorld

The Manila Times, Friday, 1 January 1943

Today in the naval shipyard at Cavite, the keel was laid for the light cruiser Biliran, the fifth vessel of the successful Surigao class and the first of two cruisers authorized under the Emergency Fleet Augmentation Act of 1942. It is expected that she will be completed sometime in the middle of next year.


The Philippine Herald, Saturday, 2 January 1943

The vessels of the Chilean Task Force Montilla sailed homewards today, accompanied by the cruiser Sarangani; she will sail with the Chilean vessels via Fiji, carrying a technical mission and a contingent of naval personnel set to attend advanced training courses in Chilean naval schools.


The Daily Guardian (Iloilo), Wednesday, 6 January 1943

A spokesman for the Philippine Constabulary announced that the personnel of the 11th Mobile Security Company had staged raid on a bandit camp in the jungles of the island of Sulu, killing four of the perpetrators of the Patikul Massacre, taking a further two prisoner and recovering a cache of arms and incriminating documents. Operations are continuing to capture additional bandits who managed to escape from the camp.

The Philippine Sea, Friday, 8 January 1943

The Sarangani cruised through the easy swells having left the Surigao Strait behind the day before. In company with the Chilean destroyer leaders of Task Force Montilla she would soon pass south of Palau on her voyage to Fiji – seas in which no Philippine naval vessel had sailed in living memory. Captain Alejandro Borromeo sat in his day cabin bringing his journal up to date; he mused on the fickleness of fate. He had been rather perturbed when he had been given orders to take command of the Sarangani having seen her sister Surigao through her trials, and then see the Surigao and her consorts make a glorious voyage across the South China Sea. He understood the need to give his first command to a more senior officer, and the Sarangani was a good ship; but still, it had rankled – if only for a short while. Now the prospects before him widened – to command the first Philippine vessel to show the flag of the Republic in South American waters! Yes, his mission involved carrying personnel who would study in Chile, but to be the first!

Borromeo had been among the first serving naval officers to recognize that the reduction in the bloated size of the fleet was in fact a good thing; it allowed many officers who had obtained their commands through political influence to be beached, while the older vessels taken to the scrap yards were no loss. Certainly it hurt to see ships sold abroad, but the Sarangani and her sisters could not have otherwise been built; and the new ships were better, and more fitted to the current needs of the nation.

“A new page will be written, filled with honor” he concluded.


The Manila Times, Monday, 11 January 1943

The Office of the Minister of Defense has announced the selection of the French Schneider 100mm Mle1943 heavy antiaircraft gun to meet the Philippine Army’s requirement for a new high-altitude air defense weapon. Details of the contract have not been released pending finalization of terms and conditions.

Quoted

Originally posted by BruceDuncan
The Manila Times, Monday, 11 January 1943
The Office of the Minister of Defense has announced the selection of the French Schneider 100mm Mle1943 heavy antiaircraft gun to meet the Philippine Army’s requirement for a new high-altitude air defense weapon. Details of the contract have not been released pending finalization of terms and conditions.

Oh, huzzah! Schneider thanks the Philippine Army for their choice and gets to work at once.

The Mindanao Post, Wednesday, 13 January 1943

The Daily Guardian (Iloilo), Sunday, 17 January 1943

The annual report of the National Land Settlement Administration showed significant progress in the development of unpopulated lands in the western provinces of Mindanao. While some difficulties have been encountered, these will be addressed through the new Strategic Hamlets initiative.


The Manila Chronicle, Wednesday, 20 January 1943

The landing ship Dasay was completed today in the shipyards at Cavite and has embarked on her builders’ trials. The second of four such vessels building for the Navy, the Dasay and her sisters will permit the rapid transfer of troops and equipment throughout the nation’s interior waters.

Philippine Submarine Delfin, off Tai-pei, Saturday, 23 January 1943

The most recent patrol of the Delfin had thus far been routine, save for the occasional sighting of Chinese warships coming into or out of the naval base. While Chinese activity had taken an up-tick, there was nothing to suggest anything aggressive. If anything, it seemed to Lieutenant Commander Rodolfo “Rudy” Escoda, the Delfin’s commander, as if the Chinese were busy training personnel. Intelligence reports indicated that China was busily acquiring ships second-hand where ever they could be obtained; such rapid expansion could only strain the permanent cadre of the fleet and demand much activity to give new officers and new sailors some level of experience at sea.

“Captain to the conning tower,” came the word passed by a yeoman. Lying doggo during the daylight hours meant eschewing use of the boat’s intercom.

Escoda quickly made his way to the conning tower. “Hydrophone contact sir, multiple screws, bearing one-two-zero relative,” said the watch officer.

The captain nodded. “Let’s see what we’ve got. Up scope.”

The Delfin’s periscope slowly made its way to the surface and peeked above the water. Escoda swung it towards the bearing indicated and peered though the eyepiece.

“Ah,” he said quietly. “Our old friend, the Palk Bay, with a couple of escorts, heading in to Tai-pei.”

The Delfin was well off the Chinese port, and the aviation ship was silhouetted between the Delfin and the shore. The Chinese had acquired her from Bharat and refitted her; undergoing her trials Escoda had logged her sailing several days before, and now she was headed home. She was making speed, and her escorts seemed to be keeping good station. “Not too shabby,” Escoda thought. “They seem to be learning.”

He watched the Chinese vessels pass out of sight over the horizon. “Down scope” he ordered. It was one more small piece of the jigsaw puzzle that indicated the tempo and progress of Chinese naval affairs; one more entry in the patrol report. When the Delfin moved closer at nightfall though, he would have to be more careful.


The Philippine Gazette, Wednesday, 27 January 1943

The Senate has voted an increase in the strength of the Philippine Constabulary in response to increased bandit activity in western Mindanao. The Constabulary has been authorized an increase of twenty four officers, forty-eight non-commissioned officers and nine-hundred eighty troopers, raising its total strength to more than seven-thousand five hundred officers and men.

The South Pacific, Thursday, 28 January 1943

The Southern Cross blazed in the night sky as the cruiser Sarangani continued her voyage towards the coast of Chile. Captain Alejandro Borromeo stood on her starboard bridge wing, deep in thought. Thus far his ship had done credit to the service, with no significant blots upon her record. Their stay in the French possession of Fiji was notable for the opportunity he and his officers had to visit the French flagship, Nouvelle-Calédonie ; the French were most gracious hosts. The daily exercises with the Chilean vessels of Task Force Montilla had honed the ship-handling skills of his crew far better than he had expected; the competition engendered by being in company with foreign vessels was, perhaps, a healthy thing if kept in limits.

“Yes,” he thought, “we will make port in a few days. The men will be ready; but the ship?” He made a mental inventory of the things to be checked before making port. In the morning he would set his men to assure that the Sarangani looked smart; he would not mind if she looked a bit weathered from her voyage, but she would not enter Talcahuano in a slovenly state.


The Freeman (Cebu), Sunday, 31 January 1943

Recent bandit attacks on the island of Sulu have provoked prompt response from the Philippine Constabulary. In a series of raids on bandit camps the Constabulary has captured the remaining perpetrators of the Patikul Massacre, as well as others responsible for the kidnapping and murder of several prominent businessmen. The trial of those responsible for the Patikul Massacre will commence next month in the Zamboanga Criminal Court.

Manila, Tuesday, 2 February 1943 – Intramuros

The Cardinal’s private secretary closed the door as he left, leaving Gabriel Reyes, Archbishop of Manila and Andres Soriano, President of the Senate, alone.

“Your Eminence,” Soriano, “the news from the south is unsettling.”

“Most certainly it is,” replied the prelate. “I am certain that the Constabulary is doing all in its power to protect the new settlers.”

“Of course,” Soriano confirmed. “Their measures appear to be effective thus far. The bandits are not organized in any serious manner.”

“Bandits, you say,” said Reyes. “Terrorists!”

“The Government, for good reason, prefers the term bandit.” Soriano knew he had to tread carefully. “One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom-fighter. By their actions these men have transgressed the law; characterizing them as bandits obviates any claim to political legitimacy they might one day put forward.”

“To burn schools, and murder innocents; surely this is the work of outlaws,” concluded Reyes, shaking his head. “I have already written a letter to be sent to churches throughout the southern provinces, calling on the faithful to cooperate with the authorities in rooting out these bandits.”

“No doubt the Constabulary will appreciate any assistance given them; information is the greatest weapon against the bandits,” added Soriano.


Talcahuano, Chile, Friday, 5 February 1943

The Sarangani slowly cruised up the channel into the port of Talcahuano, Chile’s principal naval base. The first set of salutes were exchanged with the batteries at Isla Quiraquina, and then, as they came abreast, to the Chilean fleet flagship Capitan Prat. The crew of the Philippine cruiser manned the side in silence until the order was passed for a mighty cheer, which was returned by the Chileans assembled on their vessels. The Sarangani was directed to berth just astern of the ironclad Huascar; a signal honor given the high regard the Chileans accorded the vessel. Her anchor was let go and her engines stopped; the last wisps of smoke cleared the harbor and the summer sun shone brightly.

Alejandro Borromeo looked about the Sarangani’s bridge and found his own pride reflected in the faces of his officers and crew. His ship had made a voyage no Philippine warship had made before, without incident and with credit to her builders and her crew.

“Launch coming along side sir,” remarked the officer of the deck.

“Make ready to receive visitors Mister,” replied Captain Borromeo.

A youthful looking Chilean naval lieutenant made his way up the Sarangani’s gangway, saluting the ship’s colors and then the officer in charge of the side party. As Borromeo waited upon the bridge the visitor was conducted thence.

“Lieutenant Buenaventura Sanchez,” said the Chilean officer by way of introduction. “Admiral Foxley presents his compliments on the successful conclusion of your voyage sir.”

Borromeo accepted the compliment with grace. “Thank you” he replied. “With Admiral Foxley’s permission I would like to pay my respects to him in person.”

“Of course Captain,” said Sanchez. “Admiral Foxley will be happy to receive you aboard the Capitan Prat in an hour’s time, if that is sufficient for your preparations.”

“That will be quite sufficient Lieutenant. My thanks to Admiral Foxley and I look forward to our meeting.”

The Mindanao Examiner, Tuesday, 9 February 1943

The destroyers Banahaw and Bulisan were launched today in the naval shipyards at Butuan. It is expected that they will completed later in the summer. Their launch marks one more step forward in the renaissance of the Philippine Navy.


Talcahuano, Chile, Wednesday, 10 February 1943

The cruiser Sarangani slipped down the channel towards the open sea, departing Talcahuano to the sound of salutes and cheers; she was to head north, to Valparaiso, where she would spend several more days before returning across the Pacific to her home port. The supernumerary ratings who were to attend specialist schools in Chile had been sent on their way; the technical commission would depart at Valparaiso.

Captain Borromeo reflected on the brief time they had spent in port as the highlight of the voyage; yes, in Valparaiso his ship would be open to visitors of all nations as a gesture of good will; yes, there would be official calls and receptions arranged by the Embassy. But in Talcahuano he had the opportunity to meet with officers whose exploits he had come to admire in the pages of the naval press.

Following the official calls, Admiral Foxley had arranged a reception for the Sarangani’s officers in the exclusive Club Naval de Campo Tumbes. There he had the opportunity to exchange thoughts and views with the likes of Vicealmirante Germán Arrau, commander of the Flota de Alta Mar, Contraalmirante Horatio Tilgher, who commanded the Chilean battle force and Contraalmirante Rodrigo Solovera, commander of Chilean carrier force. Their conversations had revolved around each other’s battle experiences – the Chileans in their war with Peru some years ago, his in the recent conflict with China. Borromeo was touched by the presentation to him and to each of his officers a corvo atacameño, a traditional Chilean weapon – but these were not simple presentation pieces, but hand-forged from the gun-liner of a Chilean 152mm gun – a fighting weapon.

Borromeo had the opportunity to host Admiral Foxley and his staff on a tour of the Sarangani – she was far smaller than the latest generation of Chilean light cruisers – but the Chileans were generous enough to appreciate that she was built for a different tactical environment. In return he and his officers had the opportunity to visit the recently completed Blanco Encalada, the pride of the Chilean Navy. The powerful battlecruiser was glorious to behold, and in his dreams Borromeo wished commanded a vessel like her in battle against the Itu Aba Express; even the new armored cruisers of the Visayas class paled along side the Chilean vessel.

Perhaps the most moving moment was the visit paid to the preserved ironclad Huascar. Here the Chileans had created a shrine to both their own Capitan Prat and his opponent, the Peruvian Almirante Grau.

Borromeo sighed inwardly. He had upheld the honor of the Navy; he had upheld the honor of his ship. He was happy, though his exterior demeanor gave no clue.

Philippine Minesweeper Zambales, off Basilan Island, Sunday, 14 February 1943

Lieutenant Ramon Rosario, newly-frocked captain of his first command, did not expect much to happen on a Sunday. His mission, and that of his ship, was to check coastal traffic that could be involved with the worrying growth of banditry on the islands nearby. In the last week, his ship had examined the papers of at least two dozen small craft and boats and found nothing; in a few days they would return to Zamboanga; and then what – refuel, reprovision, and go back out to do nothing again.

The lookout shouted, “Boat bearing two-two zero”.

Rosario checked the bearing and ordered an intercept course. She was an oversized banca, not much more than a big canoe. Her sail flapped in the light breeze – she was not making much headway and the Zambales would soon overtake her. As they neared the craft the Zambales’ boatswain shouted a laconic. “Heave to for inspection!”

Rosario thought it somewhat odd that there was no one at the banca’s helm. It wasn’t quite right. “Chief,” he said, “Prepare a boarding party.”

The Zambales had approached to nearly twenty metres when Rosario saw movement on the banca, and suddenly heard the whine of bullets overhead. Someone aboard the craft was shooting at them!

The gunner manning the portside 15mm mount was jittery, and as bullets started to ping off the Zambales’ superstructure he put a burst into the craft without waiting for orders. This only provoked more fire from the banca, and Rosario could recognize the rhythmic “daka-daka-daka” of a Lewis light machinegun.

Rosario ordered the 35mm mount to engage, and the gun crew pumped four rounds down-range, of which one struck the banca with deadly results. A huge explosion consumed it, littering the sea and the Zambales’ deck with debris. Rosario ordered a search but there were no bodies to be found.

“What the hell?” he wondered.

Tubigan, Basilan Island, Tuesday, 16 February 1943

Ali Haji Muhammad and his loyal fighters crouched at the edge of the forest, peering towards the new settlement that lay before them. Huts were laid out in neat rows, and fields sown with new crops. The rays of the rising sun reflected off the bell that hung in the tower of the church – the symbol of the infidel northerners who had come to his ancestral lands.

His task was daunting. This was one of the new ‘strategic hamlets’ the Government had begun to construct, and it would have a detachment of Constabulary troopers, with sentries posted; and half his men were armed only with a kris or bolo. The boat that was to have brought them more weapons had not arrived, and he could hold his men no longer.

“Allahu Akbar!” he cried, and the Moros sprang to the attack, shouting ancient war cries and loosing off rifle shots in the general direction of the village.

This, unfortunately, proved to be a tactical mistake. In close quarters such tactics might have inspired panic but the open fields between the first huts and the forest verge gave the inhabitants time to react. Shots rang out from the village as sentries responded to the attack. Nevertheless the Moros reached the outermost huts and began to set them afire, and cut down their inhabitants as they sought to flee. The church bell began to ring in alarm, and soon the platoon of the Philippine Constabulary stationed in the town joined the fire-fight.

Their arrival was pivotal; far better armed than the Moros they quickly drove them back to the forest, with heavy loss. The officer in charge would later report a body count of eleven dead bandits, and bloodstains indicating that a number of wounded had managed to escape. He would also report that seventy settlers had been killed or wounded, and a dozen huts destroyed. A fighting patrol was sent out to track the bandits while the trail was fresh.

Philippine Cruiser Sarangani, off Valparaiso, Chile, Wednesday, 17 February 1943

Alejandro Borromeo paced the quarterdeck of the Sarangani and watched the Chilean shore recede into the distance. His ship had represented his country well. Upon arrival in Valparaiso he had made the official calls on the Chilean naval authorities, and received their visits in return. For four days his ship had been opened to visitors both official and unofficial, and he had received a number of compliments on the ship from naval attaches of several foreign nations who had come down from Santiago to visit. On Sunday he had had to endure a formal diplomatic reception staged by the ambassador, but had been mollified by the opportunity to meet, for a brief moment, Almirante Moore, retired commander of the Chilean Navy and an officer held in high regard throughout the naval community.

Now the bow of the Sarangani faced west, toward the setting sun. Whereas she had sailed eastward in company, she sailed home alone. Her course would take her back to Fiji, where she would refuel and reprovision. He looked eastward, where the distant mountains now turned purple in the gathering dusk. The first stars peaked from the heavens.


Basilan Island, Thursday, 18 February 1943

Sergeant Gregorio Lim of the Philippine Constabulary had led his patrol after the bandits that had attacked Tubigan for two days now; he was down to six men including himself, having lost one trooper dead and two lightly wounded, but their dogged pursuit had been rewarded by the death of at least eight bandits in firefights with their rearguard. The chase had taken them deep into the interior of the island.

“Sergeant,” said Trooper Ramirez, “I really think we’ve bitten off more than we can chew.”

Lim looked at the trail ahead, which led out of the forest across a patch of open ground and up another ridge. “You may be right,” he acknowledged. To follow the bandits at this point would invite an ambush. “We’ll pull back to that last ravine and bivouac on the other side; it was good ground and if they try to rush us, we’ll be ready.”

The Constabulary troopers carefully retraced their steps, found a good position, and rested.

Ali Haji Muhammad waited, hoping that the infidel soldiers would be so foolish as to cross the open ground where his remaining fighters could take them unawares. Only six of his fifteen men had rifles, and those had but a few cartridges. He had expected that in raiding Tubigan he could capture weapons from the infidels, but that had proved a weak straw. The pain of the wound in his shoulder reminded him that to survive he would have to take greater care in the future.

The Manila Chronicle, Friday, 19 February 1943

Our Defense Correspondent reports that the Philippine Air Force has activated the 3rd Fighter Squadron at Bautista Air Force Base, Palawan. This unit is equipped with the American-built Lockheed P-38 twin-engine long-range interceptor. The new unit serves alongside the 2nd Fighter Squadron as part of the Fourth Composite Wing, responsible for air defense of Palawan and Mindoro. In other defense news, the 11th Fighter Squadron of the First Fighter Wing at Villamor Air Force Base has taken charge of its first North American P-51 fighters, strengthening the aerial protection of the capital.


The Freeman (Cebu), Saturday, 20 February 1943

The destroyers Iraya and Sembrano have completed their working-up, and have formally taken their places as part of Destroyer Squadron Seven, attached to the Northern Fleet. The shipyards of the nation continue to pour forth fine warships to take their part in the defense of the nation against possible aggressors.


Philippine Minesweeper Zambales, off Zamboanga City, Sunday, 21 February 1943

Lieutenant Ramon Rosario could still feel the sting of his flotilla commander’s review of his action in attempting to board the apparent smugglers’ banca a few days previously. The CO wanted prisoners who could be questioned, not floating debris. Yet Rosario had kept his command, and been sent out to continue monitoring shipping movements. He had done so far more carefully and thus far had no further incident.

The small dradis screen showed a contact some four kilometers distant on a bearing of zero-four-five relative. Rosario swung his glasses in that direction but saw nothing, as night cloaked the vessel from sight. “No running lights,” he thought. “This is definitely suspicious.”

He ordered a course change to intercept, and sent his hands to alert stations. “Do not fire unless I give the order,” he said, with as much authority in his voice as he could muster. Standing over the shoulder of the dradis operator, he watched the range close.

At five hundred meters Rosario went out onto the bridge of the Zambales and peered into the darkness. He thought he could make out the shape of a darkened vessel heading southwest, for Jolo perhaps. This was no banca, but a small inter-island freighter of perhaps three hundred tons.

“Chief, prepare a boarding and inspection party. On my order, illuminate the vessel and order her to heave to.”

“Target is increasing speed,” cried the dradis operator. “Estimate target speed is now eight knots sir.”

Obviously a lookout on the unknown vessel had seen the Zambales’ lights, and her captain had decided to make a run for it. Undaunted Rosario ordered the Zambales to increase speed to overhaul the fleeing merchantman.

“Illuminate!” he ordered as the range came down to one hundred meters. The powerful searchlights on the Zambales focused on the cargo craft, holding her in a cone of brightness. “Heave to immediately!” he shouted at the unknown vessel. He was relieved when the unknown complied; in a few moments, a boarding party was away to inspect the vessels papers and manifest.

Two hours later the Zambales was headed back towards Zamboanga, with the cargo vessel, now identified as the Philippine-flagged Dona Maria, under her careful watch. While her manifest had shown the Dona Maria laden with a mixed cargo consigned to merchants in Tarakan and Balikpapan, inspection had found crate after crate of cigarettes hidden beneath sacks of rice and sago.

While the Dona Maria was a mere smuggler, who was he to say that her activities were not related to the upsurge in bandit activity in the region? Rosario would let the authorities on shore figure that out, but the capture of the smuggler would offset some of the opprobrium he had gathered in the incident of Basilan.


The Davao Herald, Monday, 22 February 1943

The destroyers Balatukan and Kabuyao were completed today in the naval shipyards at Butuan, and have embarked upon their builders’ trials.

Manila, Thursday, 25 February 1943, mid-afternoon

The heavy cruiser Indochine, bearing Paul Theisman, President of the Republic of France, slowly made its way up channel, exchanging salutes with the assembled Philippine fleet as it did so. On the dockside to greet him were the members of the Council of Ministers, a large delegation from the Senate and practically the entire diplomatic corps in serried ranks. It took some minutes for the cruiser to dock and to make ready her gangway.

The gangway was maneuvered into position and aboard the Indochine the side party appeared, suggesting that President Theisman would be following momentarily. As Theisman walked down the gangway four ruffles and flourishes from the band of the Philippine Marine Corps announced his formal arrival, and struck up the first stirring bars of La Marseillaise.

Brief welcoming speeches were made, and a motorcade saw the official parties whisked off to the Malacañang Palace for more lengthy speechifying. The press corps was allowed a field day, and the evening editions of the Manila dailies were filled with stories about the great friendship between France and the Philippines.


Manila, Sunday, 28 February 1943

The visit of the French President to Manila was not, in itself, filled with particular outcomes; but then, that was not its intention. Paul Theisman had come to the Far East primarily to deal with the question of Indochina, where discussions with the leaders of the local political parties had hammered out a plan for the plebiscite required by the Indochina Protocol. As a signatory power, the Philippines did have an interest in the eventual outcome; however, the discussions turned more upon the recent decision of China to leave the League of Nations, and what this might mean for the peace of Asia. For their own reasons, both nations are concerned by the growing recklessness of China, its expanding military power and its seeming willingness to use that power to further its political ends. Further cooperative moves were explored, but no definitive decisions were made.

The formal departure of President Theisman aboard the Indochine was attended with the same ceremony as his arrival, and the French cruiser slipped down the channel past Corregidor to the thunder of guns.

The Daily Guardian (Iloilo), Monday, 1 March 1943

The recently formed Philippine Coffee Company introduced its first all-domestic product, christened Blend 45, for sale throughout the Visayas region. Company spokesmen believe that their new product will make significant inroads in the market for prepared coffee and compete with the imports of such American and European giants as Maxwell House and Nescafe.


The Mindanao Post, Wednesday, 3 March 1943

The chartered steamer Anakan arrived in Jolo Monday, bearing three hundred families who will be settled on vacant public land under the Government’s Strategic Hamlets program. Accompanying them was the steamer Bactan, bearing two hundred fifty officers and men of the Philippine Constabulary, who will join efforts to suppress the recent upsurge in banditry on the island.

Manila, The Malacañang Palace, Friday, 5 March 1943

Minister of Civil Affairs Don Alfredo Montelibano looked up from the report; “Dogs?” he said with more than a hint of sarcasm in his voice. “We should deploy dogs to help combat the bandits in the southern provinces?”

Colonel Nicanor Mendes of the Philippine Constabulary did his best to look non-plussed. “Minister, the dogs in question would be used to track bandits in the forest, so that we might find their lairs and base camps; they would also warn of potential ambushes; as part of the hamlets program, they would add to the ability of sentries to detect and foil bandit attacks.”

Montelibano went back to reading the report, only slightly less skeptical. The French, it seemed, had developed a useful war dog program; that gave him pause. “These animals have proven themselves useful?” he asked.

“In Morocco,” Mendes admitted. “But they French have introduced them on a wide scale throughout their army. They even have a school for training the animals and their human handlers in Indochina.”

“And they would allow us to send Constabulary personnel there for training?” Montelibano was warming to the idea; the upsurge in bandit activity needed any and all tools for its suppression.

“Yes, in fact, they would.” Mendes assured him. “A member of President Theisman’s staff brought the subject to my attention during their recent visit.”

Montelibano paused, and stoked his chin. “I will consult with the Foreign Minister and with Don Roberto at Defense; a small experimental program might show whether this concept is worth further effort. And if the French are willing to offer assistance, who am I to refuse a helping hand?”

The Philippine Gazette, Friday, 12 March 1943

Speaking before the Manila Press Club today Foreign Minister Carlos Rómulo was quoted as saying, “The Philippine Government looks quite favorably upon the recent negotiations between the representatives of the Indochinese people and the Republic of France, and is of the opinion that the Tourane Convention adequately addresses the stipulations of Item I-D of the Indochina Protocol. President Theisman and Governor-General Bao are to be commended on the difficult but amicable negotiations that have taken place to reach such an even-handed agreement. As a signatory of the Protocol, the Philippine Government looks forward to the outcome of the planned plebiscite.”


The Mindanao Post, Wednesday, 17 March 1943

In ceremonies today at the naval shipyard at Butuan, the minesweepers Batanes and La Union will be launched. These ships represent yet another step in the renovation of the nation’s naval strength, are will be completed later this spring. It is expected that additional vessels of this type will follow.

The Manila Times, Friday, 19 March 1943

The Ministry of Defense has announced the formation of the First Parachute Regiment, the first airborne element of the Philippine Army. The new unit will be stationed at Cabanatuan, and Major Juan Pajota nominated to command.


Philippine Cruiser Sarangani, Butuan, Monday, 22 March 1943

Their long voyage behind them the crew of the cruiser Sarangani lined the rails as she steamed into the harbor at Butuan. Days ago they had left Valparaiso behind them, and had only stopped at Suva in French Fiji to refuel. Every man aboard her was proud of their accomplishments, none more so than her captain, Alejandro Borromeo. Salutes were exchanged with the batteries guarding the harbor, and the pilots conned the ship to her assigned anchorage. As the anchor dropped and the ships’ engines stopped a cheer arose and echoed across the bay.

“We are home,” thought Borromeo. “We are home; in a few days we will sail north to Manila but the greatest challenges are behind us.”

“No,” he said aloud, though no one stood on the bridge wing to hear him. “Our greatest challenges lie ahead; for tomorrow will bring new challenges.”


The Manila Herald, Tuesday, 23 March 1943

The armored cruiser Bohol was launched today in the naval shipyards here. She was immediately towed to the fitting out wharves, alongside her sisters. The third of the four armored cruisers authorized under the Four-Four Fleet Program, the Bohol is to be followed soon by the fourth vessel, the Samal. Meanwhile, the first two vessels, the Visayas and the Mindoro, are nearing completion and are expected to be commissioned in the coming months.

The Mindanao Journal, Thursday, 25 March 1943

The Philippine Air Force has activated the Ninth Composite Wing, stationed at Moret Air Force Base near Zamboanga. This unit will be responsible for air defense of western Mindanao, and at present comprises the 21st Observation Squadron, equipped with the Fanero Alpaca and the newly formed 8th Fighter Squadron, which is working up with the Nakajima Ki-43 Agila-Azor.


The Manila Herald, Monday, 29 March 1943

The Ministry of Defense has confirmed that orders have been placed for twenty-five Loire-Nieuport LN.190 Épouvantail army cooperation aircraft. The machines in question will be manufactured by the Atelier Industriel de l'Aéronautique d'Indochine in Saigon, where the aircraft is in production for the French air services. Deliveries are anticipated to begin within the next several months.

The Mindanao Examiner, Thursday, 1 April 1943

The naval shipyards at Butuan saw a frenzy of activity today with the laying of keels for two destroyers of the Improved Pinatubo type and two additional minesweepers of the Batanes class. The destroyers Catanauan and Calasiao will take nearly a year to construct but will be among the most modern vessels in the fleet when they are completed early next year. The handy Batanes class minesweepers, of which the Nueva Ecija and Kudarat are but the latest pair to be built, have shown themselves maids-of-all-work and have a reputation for seaworthiness in the storms of the insular seas. The strengthening of the nation’s first line of defense cannot come too soon, as reports of a Chinese naval buildup instill an unwonted level of tension in the wake of the recently-concluded conflict.


The Manila Times, Monday, 5 April 1943

The Ministry of the Interior has placed an order for American-built M1 semi-automatic carbines on behalf of the Philippine Constabulary. It is reported that some three thousand of these weapons are to be procured for issue to mobile security companies engaged in anti-bandit activities in the southern provinces. According to a ministry spokesman the first weapons will be delivered some time in July, and the entire quantity complete by September.