Makapili

Makapili (Makabayan Katipunan Ñg Mg̃a Pilipino or Alliance of Philippine Patriots) was a militant group formed in the Philippines during World War II to give military aid to Japan^[1]. Organised by Benigno Ramos and Artemio Ricarte, they were born out of José P. Laurel's refusal to conscript Filipinos for Japan.^[2] The Japanese decreed that the group should be founded in November 1944 when they brought together many of the supporters of the defunct Ganap Party.^[3] Like Ganap its main area of support was Metro Manila, although Makapili established chapters across the islands, attracting some support.^[4] Makapili members are best remembered by turning in Filipinos to the Japanese through pointing at insurgents with their heads covered with a bayong (Filipino basket).

After the war the group was vilified for its involvement in some Japanese outrages on the islands and individual members faced trials for treason as a result.^[5]

A 1951 film of the same name was made starring Justina David^[6].

References

1. ^ Supreme Court report
2. ^ Jovito Salonga, 'A tribute to Dr. Jose P. Laurel'
3. ^ William J. Pomeroy, The Philippines: Colonialism, Collaboration, and Resistance, p. 114
4. ^ 'Filipinos Fight for Freedom: 1941-1945'
5. ^ Trial of Makapili member Julio Garcia
6. ^ IMDB listing