Jayme Aguilar Alba was born in 1909 in Sigma, Capiz, the son of Floriano Alba and Margarita
Aguilar. He was known as a pre-war writer for national magazines. He began his career in 1929 when Agustin C. Fabian became editor of the pre-war Graphic magazine, bringing with him a new generation of budding writers, including Alba and the famous N.V.M. Gonzalez. Some of Alba’s contemporaries in short story writing from 1930 to 1940 were Ruben E. Adriano, Teofilo D. Agcaoili, Emilio Aguilar Cruz, Estrella Alfon, Francisco Arcellana, N.V.M. Gonzalez, and Nick Joaquin. Alba sometimes used the pseudonym Lino Castelvi in his writings. His notable short stories include Taming the Wild Cayuse, The Broken Key, The Crime of Mercedes Dela Torre, Mameng’s Understudy, Christmas Eve and the Magdalene, and Twilight. National Artist for Literature Jose Garcia Villa selected two of his works, Nativity (1935) and Ruse (1940), for the Honor Roll of Short Stories (1926-1940). He also wrote historical articles like Balintawak or San Juan: A merry confusion of dates enlivens the issue of where first blood in Philippine revolution was shed, the 13 who were shot.
In 1936, Alba passed the second-level Civil Service examination with a grade of 85.8 percent, along with 31 other Capisnons. In 1937, Alba pursued a law degree at Far Eastern University (FEU) and joined the FEU Writers Guild. In October of the same year, he and some fellow students founded a writers’ club called The Rustics, which published The Grass, a yearly publication. Alba was also a member of the prestigious College Editors’ Guild (CEG).
When World War II broke out, Alba, a civilian, returned home to Capiz and voluntarily enlisted with the guerrilla forces in Panay. On July 8, 1943, he was appointed Probationary 3rd Lieutenant and assigned to the Intelligence Section of the 6th Military District (MD).
Alba’s tragic death was recounted by his fellow Sigmahanon, 1st Lt. Nunilon A. Protasio, who served as an officer in Estancia, Iloilo. On January 7, 1944, Alba, who was assigned to the District Intelligence Section of the 6th Military District, was sent on a special mission to Romblon by Captain Melancio Perez, Combat Intelligence Officer of the District Intelligence Office. His mission was to establish contact with intelligence operatives from Manila and neighboring provinces. Along with him, he carried P6,000 in emergency notes for his expenses. By January 10, 1944, Alba arrived at Binuluangan Island, Carles, Iloilo, and stayed at the home of Sergeant Marcial Aclaro, a fellow member of the Intelligence Section.
On January 11, 1944, Alba, along with Sergeant Eusebio Taneza and Corporal Marcelo Aclaro, set out to locate 2nd Lt. Marcelino Casidsid, Commanding Officer of the Sailboat Pool, but were unaware that a group of about 24 Japanese soldiers had taken refuge on the island. Five Japanese soldiers, accompanied by a PC (Philippine Constabulary) officer, encountered Alba and his men. Alba was captured, and his P6,000 in emergency notes was taken by the said officer. Although Alba’s men managed to escape, Alba was left behind and subjected to brutal torture by the Japanese.
Despite severe physical abuse, including beatings and blows with rifle butts, Alba refused to reveal his identity as a guerrilla officer. The Japanese promised to spare his life if he would divulge the location of the Panay guerrilla headquarters, but Alba chose to die rather than betray his comrades. He was eventually strangled to death by being dragged behind a military truck, and his lifeless body was bayoneted before being thrown into the Estancia wharf at 5:00 P.M. on January 11, 1944. His body was never recovered.
