17 May 1954. Luis Poblete Taruc, the noted commander-in-chief of the HUKBALAHAP (Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Mga Hapon - People’s Army Against the Japanese), surrenders to President Ramon Magsaysay after a four-month negotiation with Benigno Aquino Jr. who served as Magsaysay’s representative. Taruc, along with Casto Alejandrino and other revolutionaries, organized the Hukbalahap on 29 March 1942. After the Japanese occupation, Taruc waged war against the US-backed Manuel Roxas government. Until his death on 04 May 2005, he remained committed to pro-poor reforms in Philippine society.
Source/Recommended Reading: Alfredo S. Saulo, Communism in the Philippines: An Introduction (Manila: ADMU Press, 1990), pp. 32, 128-141.
Related Post: “The Origins of the Hukbalahap“
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I am writing a novel and need to talk to some people who worked closely with Luis Taruc and his movement - and remember day-today details of their work in the rural areas.
Salamat.
Linda Villamor
Hi Linda,
I’m delighted to know that you are working on a worthy contribution to Philippine Literature. I wish you all the best in your project!
I remember Jun Malig writing an article about Luis Taruc’s demise. I suggest you write him @ sunnex@sunstar.com.ph. Try reaching him through his office tel. no. (045) 8600517, 9616741
Hello Linda,
If you’re writing a novel about Luis Taruc, you may want to read his own book entitled “Born of the People”. Accounts on how he organized the Huk movement are given there in detail, as well as his personal experiences during the war as a guerilla fighter.
You may want to contact Mr. Andro Camiling as regards where you would be able to access the book.
Ernie Turla
ernieturla@yahoo.com
thank you sir ernie for the tip. will email your comment to linda to make sure she gets it pronto.