Skip to content

January 3, 1942

At midnight, half a dozen soldiers posted themselves at the gate of the University campus. Two soldiers, accompanied by a Japanese resident who serves as interpreter, have been posted at every streetcorner to search for arms all those who passed, whether on foot or in vehicles. Some of them merely looked our papers or asked us to alight, searched and interrogated us. On two occasions they looked under our seats and inspected every part of the car. The Sta. Cruz Bridge, the only bridge open for us, is lined with sentries, about four paces apart. They poke their bayonets at any driver who passes without stopping at each outpost.

There are many people out in the streets, mainly menfolk. Only a few dare use their vehicles for fear that they would be commandeered. The Filipinos are frisked for weapons. The foreigners, on the other hand, aside from being searched, are also required to present their papers. Subjects of enemy countries are arrested and detained. The Chinese are particularly fearful, but they have never been hunted nor arrested.