Rafael Jalandoni

Rafael Ledesma Jalandoni (October 24, 1894 – April 29, 1949) was a Philippine Constabulary officer who served as the 3rd Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He was appointed by President Manuel Roxas in 1946 after gaining independence from United States. He retired in 1948. He served as an aide of President Manuel L. Quezon in pre-war years.

Born in Pontevedra, Negros Occidental in Western Visayas to Manuel Jalandoni and Paula Ledesma. He commanded 3rd PC Regiment in Mindanao. He was in command of PC Department of Central Luzon while at the start of the war.

World War II
He served during World War II fighting Japanese invasion in Southern Luzon and in Bataan. He commanded 3th Infantry (PC) Regiment of 2nd Regular Division activated in Bataan under the command of MGen. Guillermo Francisco, the concurrent chief of Philippine Constabulary. He was a POW when Luzon Force surrendered on April 9, 1942. He endured the Bataan Death March and was imprisoned at Capas Internment Camp. He was released in August of that year along all Filipino soldiers.

Post-war and later career
After the war he was appointed by President Sergio Osmeña as the new Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army and promoted to Major General on December 21, 1945 until December 20, 1948. He was succeeded by Brigadier General Mariano Castañeda as Chief of Staff upon his retirement and he went civilian life.

Death
In April 28, 1949, former first Lady Aurora Quezon, widow of former President Manuel L. Quezon was on its way to the town of Baler, together with her daughter Maria Aurora (Baby) Quezon, son-in-law Felipe Buencamino III, and grandson to unveiled a marker in memory of her late husband. They were accompanied by General Jalandoni who is retired, along armed escorts of constabulary officers.

A machinegun burst riddled the first 2 cars, one carrying Mrs. Quezon and her family members which killed her, her daughter Baby, and son-in-law. Also dead is Quezon City Mayor Ponciano Bernardo. Among wounded were General Jalandoni, Mrs. Quezon's grandson Felipe Buencamino IV, Constabulary officers Major Primitivo San Agustin and his brother Major Antonio San Agustin, a lieutenant and the private constabulary.

All dead bodies are stripped of their belongings which initially every thought its bandit outlaws who did it. However, President Quirino after being notified of ambuscade announced that the attack had been led by the communist-directed armed peasants known as Hukbalahaps.