History of Pila

     
Ironically, just when Pila’s economy was beginning to take off with the rehabilitation of the coconut industry and the increase in rice production, the Second World War was declared between Japan and the United States (1941-45). Pila resumed its role as the rice granary of Laguna during the war. The people vigorously supported the guerilla movement, which many young Pileños joined. The town became the center of guerilla activities in the province. The underground units included the 45th Regiment Hunters ROTC, Marking’s, Fil-American, Hukbalahap (Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon), USAFFE, Quezon’s, and Chinese Guerillas. Fr. Codera of Pila volunteered as their chaplain. Joining him were two other priests, Frs. Baez and Atienza. The Hunter’s ROTC guerillas included Lt. Perfecto Rivera (Bn. S-1 and later, Bn. Executive Officer); Lt. Jose “Jobo” Fernandez (Asst. Bn. S-1); Capt. Jose Relova (Bn. S-4) and Lt. Jose Madrigal (Asst. Bn. S-4) (Zaide 1979, Gleeck 1981:106-113, Mojica 1965: 570-607).(70)
     
Under the circumstances, the Japanese soldiers stationed in the town seemed at times to be careful enough not to provoke unnecessary escalation of the conflict, which they might not be able to handle. However, as in other towns and other times, they were not lacking those Filipinos who informed and collaborated with the Japanese. They were called Makapili (Makabayang Katipunan ng mga Pilipino), and were mostly former Sakdalistas. The incumbent mayor, Segundo Agra (1940-42) and Delfin Relova were suspected as collaborators and were eliminated by the guerillas. In retaliation, the next mayor, Santiago Fernandez (1943-45) was later assassinated by the Makapili. Another Ex-Mayor Don Mesiton Rivera (1926-28) survived a serious attempt on his life by stabbing also by the Makapili (Zaide 1979, Gleeck 1981, Mojica 1905). (71)
     
The rhythm of life in Pila, both secular and religious, was allowed to go on by the invaders but not without considerable tension being felt on both sides. Pileños shared their abundant crops with starving people in the surrounding towns and from as far as Manila and its suburbs. The latter paid in kind, when they could, mostly with their furniture, which, if they had kept, would have surely perished in the final skirmishes between the Japanese and the Americans (Zaide 1979, Gleeck 1981, Mojica 1965).(72)
     
As expected, Pila was the first town in Laguna to be liberated in January, 1945 by the grateful guerillas under the over-all leadership of Lt. Col. Honorio Guerrero of the 45th Regiment. The Japanese soldiers and their Filipino collaborators were easily routed without any casualty on the side of the liberators. Unlike in the Filipino-American War of unpleasant memory half a century earlier, the town was almost completely spared from destruction except for minor to moderate damages to some of the houses. The magnanimous Pileños now opened their homes and extended a helping hand to countless relatives, friends and strangers who were evacuating from embattled places including Manila (Zaide 1979, Gleek 1981, Mojica 1965).(73)