Guerilla movement in Oton during the Japanese occupation of Panay: History and significance

Abstract

This is a research paper on the guerrilla movement in Oton during the Japanese occupation of Panay from April 15, 1942, up to the final disbandment of the different guerrilla units on July 31, 1945. The objectives of the study are: to find out the origin, goals, and objectives of the guerrilla movement in Oton; to identify the persons involve in the founding of the guerrilla movement in the area during the Japanese occupation of Panay; and to find out the significance of the guerrilla movement in Oton in relation to Panay's struggle to be liberated from the Japanese forces.

The purpose of this study is to present, in a descriptive manner, the guerrilla movement in Oton during the Japanese occupation of Panay. The sources used are published and unpublished materials of soldiers and guerrillas, regarding their activities and experiences during the occupations. Also, the researcher was able to interview persons were actively participating in the guerrilla movement at that time, and other persons who had witnessed the Japanese occupation.

The study was able to bring into light the nature of the guerrilla movement in Oton during the Japanese occupation of Panay and its significance in the defeat of the Japanese. The guerrillas of Oton, together with other unite attached to the 63rd RCT, were able to fill the gap in the overall plan of resistance in the southern towns of Iloilo. It was their active resistance that help facilitate the drive of the Americans to liberate the southern part of Iloilo. This, subsequently, weakened the southern defenses of the Japanese and enabled the combined force of Filipinos and Americans to liberate the rest of Panay.