Pres. Sergio Osmeña Signs Executive Orders

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition Series 2):

September 26, 1945

President Sergio Osmeña signed on September 26, 1945 Executive Order No. 69, creating two awards to be known as the “Resistance Movement Medal” and the “Resistance Movement Diploma” in recognition of the services rendered by the guerrilla forces and patriotic citizens in resisting the enemy. 

The design and specifications of the medal and the diploma as well as the regulations for the award, were determined by the Secretary of National Defense. 

Any person, regardless of nationality, who has taken active part in the resistance movement or has given aid, comfort and sustenance to that movement, is entitled to the above-mentioned awards. 

The award and diploma were given to recognize the sacrifices and patriotism of Filipinos who volunteered for the cause of liberating the Philippines.

Pres. Osmeña also signed Executive Order No. 68 which called for the demobilization of elements of the Philippine Army and other guerrilla units in the field. 

This EO was issued after taking into consideration the advise of the Commander-in-Chief, United States Army Forces, Pacific, that the termination of hostilities and the surrender of the Japanese forces has rendered unnecessary the maintenance for further field service of the elements of the Army of the Philippines in addition to regularly activated units and of those guerrilla units already recognized. 

It further stated that "the demobilization of guerrilla units in the field will not prejudice the continuance of recognition of such guerrilla units as can produce evidence showing that they have maintained organized military forces in the field in effective opposition to the Japanese, which will be the basis for award of such benefits as may be authorized to members of such units."

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan B. Uy) All rights reserved

Photo credit: brittanica