A THRILLING WAR EXPERIENCE

February 1, 1944: The people were in panic because of the coming of the Japanese. Young and old ran here and there carrying with them anything they could. There were crying and shouting. Everybody was in a state of hysteria. Many trembled in fear. Women got nervous; men became confused, some children were lost while old women prayed. Everybody hurried to a hiding place.

Only the brave “guerreros” were left in town. To most children, however, it was an unforgettable thrilling experience.

Before dark, the sound of bullets could be heard from both sides. It lasted the whole night. Many thought that was their end.

Our fighters held their line and the Japanese retreated. The next day was quiet, the surrounding was eerie like cemetery; even the birds seemed to stop flying. It was as if heaven was hanging above your head. People, one-by-one and in groups started coming to town from their hiding places to find out the result. Not one of the “guerillas” was hurt. “The Patron Saint saved them”, said the manongs and the manangs.

A Japanese automobile and truck were found riddled with bullets. The engines were out of order. The truck was found to be loaded with drums of kerosene and rags showing an intent to burn the town. There were drops of blood on the ground, but no corpse was found. The Japanese were very careful not to leave any of their casualties.

In the afternoon of the next day, the fighting resumed. The Japanese soldiers came back with a vengeance. Soon there was a mad exchange of shots. There were occasional moments of silence alternated by wild bursts of bullets. Shooting stopped the following morning but the guerrillas did not advance.

At about noontime, a dense smoke rose over the town. It looked like the whole Poblacion was burning. Before the Japanese retreated, they burned some houses in Alas-as Street and possibly cremated their dead comrades.

The following day, runners informed those in hiding that the Americans had landed in Nasugbu, Batangas. Everybody rejoiced and started coming out with great excitement from the caves and creeks where they breathlessly stayed the other night.
Carried by my father on his shoulders, I was brought to town from Barrio Esperanza where we fearfully stayed temporarily in a forested area near a brook. There was great rejoicing that morning when people saw seven white doves flying over the Town Plaza. They said those doves were the Seven Archangels.

From the book TINGKORAW: Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.