Nationalism and Resistance:
* Humiliation and Resistance: The Japanese occupation was brutal and humiliating. Filipinos were subjected to harsh treatment, exploitation, and loss of basic freedoms. This fostered a deep sense of anger and resentment, fueling resistance.
* Love for Country: Filipinos had a strong sense of national identity and pride, deeply rooted in their history of fighting for independence. They were determined to fight for their country's freedom from foreign rule.
* Cultural Identity: The Japanese occupation threatened Filipino culture and traditions. Many Filipinos joined the guerilla movement to protect their cultural heritage and fight against cultural assimilation.
Personal Experiences and Motivations:
* Revenge and Retribution: Many Filipinos had experienced the horrors of Japanese brutality firsthand, witnessing the suffering of their families, friends, and neighbors. This fueled a desire for revenge and retribution.
* Protecting Families and Communities: Guerilla units often operated in local areas, protecting their communities from Japanese atrocities and ensuring the safety of their families and neighbors.
* Survival and Resourcefulness: Filipinos living under occupation needed to find ways to survive. The guerilla movement provided a structure and means to resist the Japanese and access scarce resources.
Political Factors:
* Pre-existing Political Organizations: The pre-war Philippine Commonwealth government had established a network of political parties and organizations that provided a foundation for the guerilla movement. These groups played a significant role in organizing resistance and providing leadership.
* Collaboration and Resistance: While some Filipinos collaborated with the Japanese, others saw this as betrayal and joined the resistance to fight against collaborators and Japanese forces.
* External Support: The United States, through the Allied Powers, provided some level of support and recognition to the Filipino guerilla movement. This boosted morale and provided valuable resources.
Overall, the motivations behind the Filipino guerilla movement were complex and multifaceted. The shared desire for freedom, national pride, and the need to protect their families and communities drove Filipinos to fight for their country's liberation from Japanese occupation.