| Hunters ROTC | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1941-1945 |
| Country |  Philippines |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Role | Resistance movement |
| Nickname(s) | "The Hunters" |
| Engagements | Raid at Los Baños |
The Hunters ROTC was a Filipino resistance group that fought against Axis forces in the Pacific theater. It was a guerrilla unit active during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, and was the main anti-Japanese resistance group active in the area near Manila, the capital of the Philippines.[1]: 206 It was created upon the dissolution of the Philippine Military Academy.
Here are some detailed accounts of Miguel Z. Ver's actions and the activities of the Hunters ROTC during the early resistance against Japanese occupation:
### 1. **Formation and Organization**
- **Establishment**: Miguel Z. Ver gathered former ROTC cadets and other military personnel to form the Hunters ROTC in January 1942. He aimed to create a disciplined unit capable of organized resistance against the Japanese invasion.
- **Recruitment**: Ver was instrumental in recruiting individuals from various backgrounds, including students and civilians, fostering a sense of national pride and urgency among them.
### 2. **Guerrilla Operations**
- **Ambush Tactics**: The Hunters utilized guerrilla warfare strategies, conducting ambushes on Japanese patrols and supply convoys. These hit-and-run tactics aimed to inflict maximum damage while minimizing their own casualties.
- **Notable Engagements**: One notable operation involved an ambush against a Japanese convoy, which resulted in significant enemy casualties and disrupted their supply lines. This demonstrated the effectiveness of their tactics and boosted morale among Filipino civilians.
### 3. **Intelligence Network**
- **Information Gathering**: Ver established a network of informants, including locals who had access to Japanese troop movements. This intelligence was crucial for planning attacks and evading detection by Japanese forces.
- **Communication**: The Hunters employed various methods to communicate, using coded messages and messengers to relay important information and coordinate their operations.
### 4. **Community Engagement**
- **Support for Civilians**: Ver emphasized the importance of civilian support for the guerrilla efforts. He encouraged local populations to assist by providing food, shelter, and information about Japanese activities.
- **Morale Building**: Through public speeches and meetings, Ver inspired hope and resilience among the Filipino people, reinforcing the idea that liberation was possible through collective effort.
### 5. **The Circumstances of His Death**
- **Final Operations**: In July 1942, during an operation against Japanese forces, Ver and his unit faced overwhelming odds. Despite the risks, he led his men in an attempt to disrupt a larger Japanese formation.
- **Heroic Sacrifice**: Ver was ultimately killed during this confrontation. His death was a significant loss for the Hunters ROTC, but it galvanized the remaining members to continue the fight in his honor.
### 6. **Legacy**
- **Inspiration for Future Resistance**: Miguel Z. Ver’s leadership and ultimate sacrifice inspired other guerrilla groups to continue the struggle against Japanese occupation, helping to lay the foundation for broader resistance movements in the Philippines.
- **Commemoration**: After the war, Ver was remembered as a martyr and hero, with his contributions to the resistance celebrated in Philippine history.
These accounts highlight the strategic, courageous, and community-oriented aspects of Ver's leadership during a critical period of Philippine history.
Cadet Terry Adevoso refused to go home as cadets were ordered to do and began recruiting fighters willing to undertake guerrilla action against the Japanese.[2][3] Aside from engaging enemy forces in active combat, they also provided intelligence to the American forces led by General Douglas MacArthur during the Liberation of the Philippines. The Hunters ROTC took an active role in numerous battles, such as the Raid at Los Baños and the defense and recapture of Lucena City.