Planes—one or two at a time—several days last week. Everyone looking up but not able to distinguish whether Japanese. No doubt about lone plane yesterday which dropped leaflets addressed to the people of Southern Visayas (word Luzon had been struck Out and Visayas substituted) telling them to “Destroy the Americans on the Islands in order that true independence might be given by the Japanese.” A cartoon of a slant-eyed, knock-kneed Uncle Sam shedding copious tears as he stood looking at the islands of the Southwest Pacific occupied or attacked by the Japanese headed the pamphlet. English grammar and spelling poor. Leaflet also advised that the U.S. Pacific Fleet had been sunk and U.S. aid could not come –so surrender to Japanese and destroy Americans who had caused unhappiness and misery. Most leaflets drifted into the ocean. Filipinos here laughed at Jap-faced Uncle Sam and at the leaflet in general.
Igorot story (over KGEI)—MacArthur’s tanks had difficulty penetrating forests to attack enemy on Luzon, Igorots volunteered to guide tanks and one, perched atop each tank, guided the driver through underbrush for attack. Successful trek through forests.
Moro story—Moros have sought permission of the army to discard clothing so they can fight effectively. First asked permission to cut long sleeves of standardized army uniform, then asked permission to cut off collar and have it uncollared around neck. Army gave permission to discard shirt entirely and also special permission to fight according to Moro tradition, i.e., not in organized groups, but individually, Successful aid to U.S. armed forces. Moros are Mohammedans of Malayan extraction who inhabit Mindanao and are fiercest of all Filipino tribes. Other Filipinos fear an angered Moro more than Japs, as a Moro’s dexterity with his curved, jagged sword will bring sure death—if unable himself, then his family will kill for him—to those who have made him an enemy.
Formerly a Filipino colonel, aided by American Maj. Jones, was highest army officer on Negros. Now new American colonel has come from Cebu. At meeting in Bacolod last week all sugar mill owners were told to disable mills if Japs invaded Negros, and white women and children were advised to have a place far in the mountains to flee from invaders. Owner of this Central was gone for three days, to ends of sugar car tracks, to find location for evacuation camp for women and children. Difficulty is finding water supply and at this level, sugar cane country, woods are far away. Women and children on Negros have been asked to move to Manapla Hospital buildings where there are beds and bathrooms and a large kitchen, but each Central seems to prefer to make its own plans. Insular Lumber Company has alread built small houses far in woods for women of lumber Central. Food has been stored there, medical supplies moved, and after the women go in the blasting of one bridge over a wide and deep river will prevent Japs from reaching this outpost for a long time. Women of lloilo (on Panay) and Cebu (on Cebu) have gone far inland, usually walking the last 12 miles. Carabao carts bring supplies.