April 29, 1945 Sunday
April 29, 1945
It was 3 o’clock in the morning; the boat started to move. We could not see anything; it was pitch black. Destination unknown. In the
Antonio de las Alas
(October 14, 1898 — October 5, 1983).Secretary of Finance and Secretary of Public Works and Communications, Quezon administration, 1935-1938; Commissioner of Finance, Philippine Executive Commission, 1941-43; Minister of Finance, Laurel administration, 1943-45.
April 30, 1945 Monday
April 30, 1945
Last night we slept in cots that were crammed in the hold. We were always soaking wet with perspiration. I passed the night thinking of
May 1, 1945
May 1, 1945
Labor Day. We left San Jose at noon. While on deck this morning, some expressed their hope that the justice or injustice would be righted.
May 2, 1945 Wednesday
May 2, 1945
On deck this morning. Chief Justice Yulo reiterated his previous statement that he is for immediate independence; that readjustment with the help of America can
May 3, 1945 Thursday
May 3, 1945
Americans on board are going crazy over souvenirs of ₱5000 Japanese bills with our signature. We were told to get ready. We did not actually
May 6, 1945 Sunday
May 6, 1945
We heard a Mass said for us. That was the first Mass I attended since March.
May 7, 1945 Monday
May 7, 1945
A series of conferences began between Mr. Sanvictores on the one hand, and Col. Forbes and Lt. Severance on the other. The Colonel would allow
May 10, 1945 Thursday
May 10, 1945
Everything was routine up to today. The classification had not yet arrived. An insinuation was made that we would be classified as officers and that
May 11, 1945 Friday
May 11, 1945
Three officers, a Colonel, a Lieutenant Colonel, and Major arrived. We thought that they came to investigate our respective cases. We soon learned that they
May 12, 1945 Saturday
May 12, 1945
A general meeting was called. Mr. Paredes explained that there had been thefts in our premises, quarrels, and the sanitation measures were not being observed.
May 13, 1945 Sunday
May 13, 1945
Heard Mass. Something should be said about the people living in the island outside the penal colony. Up to today, nobody has ever sneered at
May 14, 1945 Monday
May 14, 1945
We held a general meeting with Mr. Stanford. He promised to do what he could. To reciprocate, we opened our hearts to him, and upon
May 15, 1945 Thursday
May 15, 1945
I asked Madrigal whether he had seen and talked to Osmeña and why Osmeña went to the United States. He said Osmeña had to go
May 16, 1945 Wednesday
May 16, 1945
Perhaps no small community has ever seen such divergence in social position, in worldly possessions, education and political beliefs and principles. We have people who
May 17, 1945 Thursday
May 17, 1945
It is rumored that Gen. MacArthur is coming on the 20th. We do not know the purpose of the visit. But we shall see. I
May 19, 1945 Saturday
May 19, 1945
The whole premises were cleaned thoroughly in preparation for the expected coming of Gen. MacArthur tomorrow, Sunday the 20th. I had a long conversation with
May 19, 1945 Saturday
May 19, 1945
The whole premises were cleaned thoroughly in preparation for the expected coming of Gen. MacArthur tomorrow, Sunday the 20th. I had a long conversation with
May 20, 1945 Sunday
May 20, 1945
The memorandum was put it final form. As we had no typewriter Minister Paez wrote it with his very fine handwriting. Those who signed the
May 22, 1945 Tuesday
May 22, 1945
Poetry seems to be contagious for today two poems were submitted, one by Minister Quintin Paredes and the other by Governor Sergio Aquino. Copies of
May 23, 1945 Wednesday
May 23, 1945
Today, we are sad. In the issue of “Free Philippines” of May 17, 1945 Miss Margaret Parton of the New York Herald Tribune reports certain
May 24, 1945 Thursday
May 24, 1945
Last night, we received the memorandum order of May 15, 1945, providing for the classification of detainees. Therein we are called “limited assimilated prisoners of
May 25, 1945 Friday
May 25, 1945
There was a rather strange happening today. We heard three shots very near our quarters. One of the bullets passed two or three yards from
May 26, 1945 Saturday
May 26, 1945
My friend who I call “partner”, Governor Proceso Sebastian, has been sick with fever during the last three days. I am attending to him and
May 27, 1945 Sunday
May 27, 1945
We heard Mass. The priest said just a few words, but the message was significant and was deeply appreciated. He said that he regrets to
May 28, 1945 Monday
May 28, 1945
We heard a lot of machine gunning and cannonading. Probably the Americans found the hideout of the remnants of the Japanese Army in Palawan. We
May 30, 1945 Wednesday
May 30, 1945
We were given a ration of cigarettes. As may be remembered, from the very beginning I was insisting on submitting our case to the President,
May 31, 1945 Thursday
May 31, 1945
Today is a holy day of obligation, Corpus Christi, and we heard Mass. Upon our arrival from church, there were rumors that more detainees from
June 1, 1945 Friday
June 1, 1945
We had a very unfortunate incident today. It provoked a crisis which we fear might threaten the peace and unity in the compound. To enforce
June 2, 1945 Saturday
June 2, 1945
A program was staged by the newcomers. They have excellent talent in the group—great speeches and singing. We certainly enjoyed it. It did much to
June 3, 1945 Sunday
June 3, 1945
Heard Mass. Entertainment program was held in the evening. Lt. Severance and many guards were present. We have plenty of elements for an excellent program.