A WWII Diary of Rosalio Amora Piquero's Journey through Training, Combat, and Escape. Part 1
In 1938 we were called again to report to Tagbilaran to accompany the group for the combat of the Americans & Japanese. I was assigned in GCompany, 2nd Batallion, 81st Infantry. Our Company Commander was Olympio Manalang. Then an American official, William Ocunor inducted us a USAFFE.
After the induction we were ordered again to take the combat Military Training for one month. After the Training we were moved out for Manila Bataan.
Before we departed for Bataan, Bataan was bombed where the Americans & Japanese encountered, so we went to Surigao then Butuan. we stayed there for one month. Then we moved to Mawab then to Nabunturan Davao.
The last place where we made our Camp, was in Iho River, Davao, our Camp was bombed so we were ordered to withdraw and went to Monkayo along the river, but before we arrived the place news spread that the place was occupied by the Japanese. So our Commander ordered us to disband. So went out with Pablo Ayuban and Marcelo Piquero. Without knowing, the place were just followed the trail of the natives where we met a Filipino native of the place who guided us to the shore of Liangga and bound for Candijay Bohol.
Upon Arrival for our town, the Municipal Building was made as the Headquarters of the Japanese. a guerilla unit was already organized by Matias Olavides a soldier so i joined the unit. Then we encountered the Japanese soldiers. The Commander ordered Hit & Run; Some Japanese Soldier were hit & died. During that encounter, i was caught by a Japanese, and be stroked my back and i was down senseless for a few hours. when i was recovered some of the Filipinos carried me to their Camp. Bombing was done in Leyte so i escaped from them."
Rosalio Amora Piquero's diary offers a poignant and firsthand account of the tumultuous events during World War II in the Philippines, specifically within the context of Bohol. His narrative not only serves as a personal chronicle but also as a valuable historical record that sheds light on the experiences of individuals caught in the crossfire of global conflict.
Piquero's training in the Philippine Training camp and subsequent induction into the USAFFE (United States Army Forces in the Far East) provide a glimpse into the mobilization efforts and the collective response of Filipinos to the threat posed by both American and Japanese forces. The diary captures the sense of duty and sacrifice that characterized many individuals like Piquero who, at the young age of 20, found themselves thrust into the complexities of war.
The geographical movements recounted in the diary, from Bataan to Surigao, Butuan, Mawab, Nabunturan, and finally Davao, illustrate the challenges and uncertainties faced by Filipino soldiers during the war. The constant need to adapt to changing circumstances, such as relocating due to bombings or evading Japanese occupation, highlights the fluid and unpredictable nature of the conflict.
Piquero's account also touches on the resilience and resourcefulness of Filipinos in the face of adversity. The decision to disband and navigate through unfamiliar terrain, guided by the trail of the natives, reflects the adaptability and survival instincts of those who were determined to escape the clutches of the Japanese occupation.
Furthermore, the involvement of Piquero in a guerrilla unit organized by Matias Olavides underscores the emergence of local resistance movements against the Japanese forces. The "Hit & Run" strategy employed by the guerrilla unit signifies the guerrilla warfare tactics adopted by Filipino fighters, emphasizing the courage and determination exhibited in their efforts to resist the occupiers.
The narrative also captures the harsh realities of war, as seen in Piquero's personal encounter with a Japanese soldier and the subsequent bombing in Leyte. His escape from captivity adds a personal dimension to the broader historical narrative, showcasing the individual struggles faced by those caught in the crossfire.
In conclusion, Rosalio Amora Piquero's diary serves as a valuable historical artifact, offering a nuanced and personal perspective on World War II in the Philippines, particularly in Bohol. It enriches our understanding of the war's impact on individuals, communities, and the resilience of the Filipino spirit in the face of adversity. The diary is not just a record of events; it is a testament to the human experience during a tumultuous period in history.
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