Makapili

The Japanese decreed that the group be founded in November 1944 when they brought together many of the supporters of the defunct nationalist Ganap Party,[3] which was an offshoot of the Sakdalistas or those who helped the Japanese in the recruitment of manpower as well as in the construction and maintenance of infrastructure.[4] Organized by Benigno Ramos and Artemio Luczon, it was borne out of José P. Laurel's refusal to conscript Filipinos for Japan.[5] An account cited that Laurel's objection was due to the way Makapili did not owe its allegiance to him or the republic.[6] During its inauguration, Ramos described it as nonpolitical, nonpartisan, and nonsectarian organization that aims to destroy the nation's enemies.[6] Members were given Japanese military training and became soldiers, spies, and saboteurs.[2]

Like Ganap, the Makapili's main area of support was Metro Manila, although it established chapters across the islands, attracting some support.[7] In all, it attracted 4,000 to 6,000 members, many of them poor or landless farmers who came to the group due to vague promises of land reform after the war.[8] Makapili was not used to fight the American forces[6] and was merely deployed to counter the recognized guerrilla and the Philippine Commonwealth military activity by anti-Japanese forces in rural areas.[8]

After the war ended in 1945, the group was disbanded and vilified for its involvement in some of the Japanese atrocities in the islands. Individual members faced trials for treason as a result.[9]

A 1951 film of the same name was made starring Justina David.[10]

The Makapili was too vilified by the Filipino people after the war. All films referring to members of them are known to wear bayong with eye holes and pointing those who suspected to be harboring resistance, then leaves the area afterwards with Japanese soldiers guarding them.

• Hanjian
• Chinilpa