Tomas Confesor

(1891 — 1951), lawyer, legislator, constitutional convention delegate, governor of Iloilo, resistance leader. The diary covers his escape to Leyte to join Allied forces in 1945.

1st day, December 28, 1944

December 28, 1944

We leave [Panay] today early, with Osorio as our objective for the night. The day is cloudy and the sun has not come out with

2nd day, December 29, 1944

December 29, 1944

We proceed to Osorio early this morning, reaching it when the sun is beginning to be hot. Here we changed the cargadores of my hammock.

3rd day, December 30, 1944

December 30, 1944

From Bad-as, we are now hitting the trail to the sea below Sinogbuhan San Joaquin. We are here very early—thoroughly exhausted. Our presence attract the attention

4th day, December 31,1944

December 31, 1944

Early this morning, we are in front of Pt. Siaton. We just eat bananas for breakfast, I drink coconut water & eat its meat for

5th day, January 1, 1945

January 1, 1945

1944 has passed away for over an hour when I woke under the open skies on board this sail boat with no wind blowing. Our

6th day, January 2, 1945

January 2, 1945

[In Negros] We had a sumptuous dinner last night—chickens, asparagus, green beans and adobo—for the first time in three years. I heard radio music and

7th day, January 3, 1945

January 3, 1945

I feel very happy today because Col. Andrews gave me medicines badly needed by my family as well as canned fruits for Tato and Inday.

8th day, Jan. 4, 1945

January 4, 1945

Maj. Ben Hollero, DQM of 9th MD is here today with Capt. Nolan. They are rabid anti-puppets and pro-statehood elements. Maj. Hollero is a great

9th day, Jan. 5, 1945

January 5, 1945

Here we are eating, sleeping, reading and waiting—day after day. We are getting bored. When will we get picked up here? We are still concerned

10th day, Jan. 6, 1945

January 6, 1945

I am about to finish “So Little Time” a 510-page book by J.P. Marquand. I spend the whole day reading the book. Marinduque was invaded

11th day, Jan. 7, 1945

January 7, 1945

We have done a good day’s job. Col. Abcede came to see us this morning. He impressed me favorably on first sight. He looked modest

12th day, Jan. 8, 1945

January 8, 1945

We are sending Roxas & Diza back to Panay with certain things—soap and canned food—but more to look things over there & report. Being out

13th day, Jan. 9, 1945

January 9, 1945

Maj. Soliven came this morning and took us out after lunch to Col. Absede’s CP. We reach the HQ late this evening on a motor

14th day, Jan. 10, 1945

January 10, 1945

Had a good sleep last night. We have been walking through the camp this morning. There is order, cleanliness and discipline. We eat our lunch

15th day, January 11,1945

January 11, 1945

We are still here waiting. Gen. McArthur is still busy. Why be impatient? We might be landed in Manila instead of Leyte. Everything happens for

16th day, Jan. 12, 1945

January 12, 1945

American planes in great numbers are out again, flying over our place. Is there a landing in Batangas? I felt like saying “Hello, Walt” when

17th day Jan. 13, 1945

January 13, 1945

Why is Col. Andrews killing the pig? Poor creature! He is a lively animal. Poor thing! My heart goes with him. It’s amazing how my

18th day, Jan. 14, 1945

January 14, 1945

We should leaving today, if the point of contact were accessible and near enough from where we are now. Why is Osmeña in Florida? Is

19th day, Jan. 15, 1945

January 15, 1945

The days have been warm for the last 15 days, when this month should be cool and fresh as in previous years. What a terrible

20th day, Jan. 16, 1945

January 16, 1945

This is my wife’s birthday. Many happy returns of the day for her. What a loving, devoted, and faithful girl she is! I love her

21st day, Jan. 17, 1945

January 17, 1945

Ynoy Junsay, Camique and Sisoy found their way to Panay unmolested. They left at midnight last night. May God be with them. Where are the

22nd day, Jan. 18, 1945

January 18, 1945

Warsaw has fallen! This is the principal feature of the broadcast this morning. Russia certainly knows how to time her punch to produce the desired

23rd day, Jan. 19, 1945

January 19, 1945

We wake up this morning in high spirits. We have a very nice breakfast—as a despedida. All of Col. Andrew’s officers eat the morning meal

24th day, Jan. 20, 1945

January 20, 1945

Up early. We have eaten another hearty breakfast. We are all fixed up for our trip to the beach. We believe the “Cat” will come

25th day, Jan. 21, 1945

January 21, 1945

After all, we are now here in Tacloban, the “promised” land, at about 5 pin today. After a whole night in the sea on our

26th Day, Jan. 22, 1945

January 22, 1945

I have gone to the Capital of Leyte today. I met Gen. Valdes, Gov. Hayden, Dean Kalaw and many others. The night previous I had

27th day, Jan. 23, 1945

January 23, 1945

What a hectic day! I had the opportunity to hit Peralta, and I have done it good and hard. The damned fool is finished. My

28th day, Jan. 24, 1945

January 24, 1945

I haven’t left the house today in order to rest. But I haven’t gotten the relaxation I wanted. Maj. Hughes came in to have an

29th Day, Jan. 25, 1945

January 25, 1945

The trip has been suspended. I am not sorry at all, although I wanted to go as early as possible. Yet the day is very

30th day, Jan. 26, 1945

January 26, 1945

I have been in Tacloban for almost a week. Yet not a Jap aeroplane came through successfully to raid the transports in the bay, the