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AFP Commissary & Exchange Service (AFPCES): Ang duty free na grocery store ng military

April 6, 2014, 8:16 am
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Tara na, mamimili tayo sa AFPCES!


Ooops, bago ka mangimbita o magpaimbita na makibili sa aming post commissary, maiging alamin muna natin kung pwede ka ba talaga doon! Baka ma-wow mali ka lang eh.

Teka, ano ba kasi yang AFPCES? Tsong, iyan ay ang acronym ng Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissary and Exchange Service. 

Ito ay isang military unit na itinatag noong December 5, 1972 para mabigyan ng serbisyo ang mga sundalo, beterano at mga dependents nila sa pamamagitan ng pagbebenta ng mga quality goods sa pinakamurang halaga. Ang ibig sabihin nito, mga militar ang namamahala at merong iilang mga civilian employees ay empleyado rito.

Si dating Presidente Ferdinand Marcos din ang naunang nag-utos na bigyan ng tax exemption ang AFPCES nang sa gayon ay masigurong mura ang mga commodities na ibinebenta dito. 

Sa kasalukuyan ay merong 33 na mga outlets ng AFPCES sa buong kapuluan at ito ay matatagpuan sa mga pangunahing military garrisons kagaya ng Army Infantry Divisions at sa mga Unified Commands.

Sa hirap ng buhay ngayon at sa mataas na presyo ng bilihin, malaki ang ginhawa na dulot ng AFPCES para sa aming mga sundalo at sa aming pamilya. 

Simula nang ako ay madestino sa Camp Aguinaldo, naging paborito ko ang mag-grocery sa tindahan na ito dahil nabibili ko rin naman halos lahat ng mga bagay na natatagpuan sa malalaking grocery stores kagaya ng SM at Robinsons. 

Tara, ipakita ko sa inyo ang loob ng aming commissary.



Nasa aking likuran ang entrance papunta mismo sa mga display ng iba't-ibang commodities sa loob ng AFPCES.


Mahilig ka sa combat shooting? Dito mo rin makikita ang outlet ng ARMSCOR. Me bonus pang bentang mga gadgets. 


Kita mo yan? Halos lahat ng uri ng sabon ay andito. Di ba't malayong mas mura dito? Bagay to sa mga boss na mahilig 'manabon'.  

Gusto mo ng ganda ng hair ni misis? Ayaw mo syang sabihan ng 'mahangin ba sa labas'? Pili ka lang ng mga secret concoctions na andito. 

Sinandomeng? Dinorado? Malayong mas magaan sa bulsa ang paborito mong brown rice. 
Ayaw mo na magka-osteoporosis sa sobrang mase-mase at kabubuhat ng relief goods? Dito mo bilhin ang sandamukal na gatas!


Meron ding maliit na gulayan at karnehan dito. Mas marami nga lang ang choices sa malalaking grocery stores kaysa dito. Mga pasaway, wag kayong maghanap ng karne ng usa, karnero, buwaya at kalabaw dito. Talagang wala yon!

Pati ang hilig ng mga tomador at 'social drinkers' ay andito rin. Bili ka lang at uminom kung hindi duty. Pssst. Wag kang maoy ha!


 Gusto mo palang magpadala ng condiments sa mga tropa natin sa West Philippine Sea? Ayan ang mga hinahanap nila tuwing resupply. Pati mga 'never heard' na brand meron dyan.


Uy, pati ang paborito ng mga Rangers ay andito rin! Di papayag ang mga Musang na walang ganyan sa resupply nila!

Kung type mo imported items, meron din! Don't worry, di mo kailangang maging 'spokening dollars' para makabili nyan. Mga Tagalog at Ilonggo yong nagbabantay. Baw, linti gid. Di halata ang tono.


Ayan oh, sa brand pa lang alam mo na ano ang ibig sabihin! 


Ay sya, andine rin ang dati kong binibili para sa medical kit ng aking tropa sa frontlines. Asan yong Whisper? 
Yung pambalot ng mga hand-held radios at GPS, don sa drug store mo bilhin uy! Alam mo ba ano yon? 

See? Dami kong nabili. Less 12% VAT yan. Happy ang mga misis dyan. Iyan ang kasama sa benepisyo ng mga sundalo ng bayan!


Trivia:


Dito sa Pinas, ang unang nagpauso ng commisary system ay ang mga Katipunero na pinamunuan ni General Emilio Aguinaldo. Si Major General Isidoro Torres ang kauna-unahang Army Commissary General na itinalaga noong December 7, 1898. Ang tawag sa commissary nila noong panahon na iyon ay ang Comisario de Guerra.


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My wife's battle against Glaucoma

April 10, 2014, 5:51 am
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Iilang araw pa lang ang nakaraan, isang matinding hamon sa aking buhay ang dumating. 


Habang ako ay nag-attend ng klase sa aking Masteral Program, tumawag ang aking mahal na misis at long-time buddy na si Bia. Isang nakakalungkot na balita ang kanyang isinawalat.

"Dear, hindi na pala nakakakita ang aking right eye!"


Parang natulala ako. Life is indeed full of surprises. Ang problema, minsan ay bumubulaga sa iyo ay unpleasant suprises na kagaya nito. Napa-nganga ata ako don. Paano na lang kung di na magamot iyon?

Kilala akong positibo at di basta matitinag sa mga challenges pero mabigat din iyon sa aking karamdaman. Paano kasi, visually impaired na yong both eyes nya due to Glaucoma na unang na-detect at naoperahan noong taong 2005. Ang kanyang right eye  ang may better vision pagkatapos ng Glaucoma surgery 9 years na ang nakaraan.

"Dear, kaya natin iyan. Let us prepare for the worst. Ipagdasal na lang natin na ma-recover pa ang iyong eye sight," sabi ko, na tila nalupaypay mula sa tatlong kilometrong pagsagwan ng Dragon Boat.

Daglian akong nagpaalam sa aking propesor para umuwi. Nagkataon na me recognition namang matanggap sa school ang aking anak. 

Habang nag-aantay sa ceremonies, pinag-usapan namin ang mga courses of action. Kung tuluyan syang mabulag, di na sya pwedeng magtrabaho kasi 25% na lang ang vision nya sa left eye. Magiging full time homemaker na sya. May possibility rin na mawalang tuluyan ang vision sa left eye kasi hindi treatable ang Glaucoma kundi nako-control lang ito. 

Dahil hindi available ang aming most trusted Glaucoma specialist sa araw na iyon, humingi na lang kami ng payo on how to get some remedies. Pati ang aking kaibigan sa Singapore na numero unong eye doctor sa buong mundo ay kinontak ko na para sa expert advices. 

Ang kinatakutan namin ay kung tumaas sobra ang eye pressure at naging dahilan sa kanyang pagkabulag. Kagaya ng pag-control ng blood pressure, may emergency medication para agad maipababa ito. Ipinagbilin ni Doc ang pag-take ng Zolmide tablets as precautionary measure sa posibleng pagtaas ng eye pressure. Dinagdagan na lang namin ng endless dose of prayers.

Fighting Glaucoma

Bilang sundalo, never na pumasok sa aking vocabulary ang salitang Glaucoma. Sa aking paninilbihan sa militar, naging familiar sa akin ang mga katagang 'malingeritis', hematoma, insomnia at amoeba.

Naka-destino ako noon sa Marksmanship Training Unit sa Fort Magsaysay nang nagreklamo ang aking misis ng pananakit sa mata. Nang tiningnan ko ito, namumula at inakala naman namin ay napuwing lang o nagkaroon ng virus kagaya ng sore eyes na dapat lapatan ng lunas. 

Dinala ko sya sa isang doctor na 'okay' daw, at siguradong di mabubutas ang aming bulsa. 

Natatandaan ko na sinilip-silip lang konti ni Eye Doctor ang mata, may findings na sya. 

"Sugat lang yan. Baka ni-rub mo ang puwing kaya nasugat," sabi nya. 

Syempre nakinig kami sa kanya. Me ibinigay sya na eye drop na pang-heal daw ng sugat. Ito ay may content na steroids. 

Pagkatapos ng iilang araw, hindi nagamot ang mata ni Bia. Lalo raw sumakit ang dalawang mata. Bumalik kami kay Eye Doctor. 

Ganoon uli, silip-silip ng konti at sabi ay ipagpatuloy lang ang eye drops. Syempre, sya ang doctor, pinakinggan namin. 

Iilang araw pa, iba na ang pakiramdam ni misis, lalo raw masakit at di na nya matiis. Naawa ako sa kalagayan nya. Parang hindi na ata sore eyes o simpleng sugat yon.

Sa pangamba na ganong sagot pa rin matanggap namin sa unang Eye Doctor, dinala ko sya sa St Luke's Hospital. Tinanong ko lang sa reception kung sino ang pinakamagaling nilang Eye Doctor. 

Don ko nakilala si Dr. Harvey Uy. Kapangalan sya ng aking anak. Napakabait at soft-spoken na Chinoy doktor. Agaran nyang isinagawa ang Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscopy na layuning sukatin ang eye pressure o Intraocular Pressure (IOP). 

Don namin unang naulinigan ang nakakatakot palang balita:

"This is a possible severe case of Glaucoma. It is an emergency situation so I have to admit you right away to lower your eye pressure or else you will go blind forever!"

Glaucoma. Sakit sa mata. Noon ko lang nasawata. Nakakatakot pala iyon. Kinilabutan ako. Iilang minuto na lang, mabulag na raw ang misis ko!

Dumami ang aking katanungan sa mga panahon na iyon. Nang binuksan ko ang internet ito ang aking nakita: "Glaucoma is a multi-factorial, complex eye disease with specific characteristics such as optic nerve damage and visual field loss. While increased pressure inside the eye (called intraocular pressure or IOP) is usually present, even patients with normal range IOP can develop glaucoma." 

Akala ko kasi ay sugat lang sa 'puwing' ayon sa pambobola ni Eye Doctor. Nang tinanong ko si Dr. Harvey, ito ang sagot nya.

"Kaya nagkasugat ang eye ay dahil sa sobrang taas ng eye pressure. Dapat nakita yan ng naunang tumingin na Eye Doctor! Sino ba iyon?"

Nang sinabi ko ang pangalan. Kilala nya ito. Syempre, parang sa Army, halos kilala mo rin kung sino yong mga nilalang sa iyong paligid. Presko pa sa aking isipan ang kanyang komento: "Ahhhhh, okay. Kaya pala. _ _ _"

Lalo akong nainis at nadismaya sa narinig."Sanamagan!"

Naalala ko ang aksyon ng naunang ophthalmologist. Grabe naman sya, bakit di nya ginawa ang pagsukat ng eye pressure? Tamad? Di alam? Kamas-kamas (for compliance sake)? Do I deserve a 'kamas-kamas'service?

Napatanong ako kay God noon ng "Diyos ko, bakit sa amin pa?" kasi kumbaga hindi pa naman kami ang pinakamasamang tao sa balat ng lupa. Kung tutuusin nga naman, marami pang ibang dapat parusahan kagaya ng mga terorista, mga gahaman na nasa kapangyarihan at mga pusakal na kriminal. 

Sa araw na iyon namin sinimulan ang laban sa sakit na Glaucoma. Never na ako bumalik kay libreng Eye Doctor. Para makasigurado, minabuti naming magpa-2nd and 3rd opinion kami sa mga batikang ophthalmologists. Di bale nang gumastos.

Sa bandang huli, nai-refer kami sa isa sa top-rated Glaucoma specialists sa Pilipinas, si Dr. Rigo Reyes. Sya ang nag-confirm na halos 25% vision na lang natira sa left eye at at least 50-70% naman sa right eye. 

After a careful study, he and his team of doctors successfully conducted the delicate eye operation in the modernized facilities of Asian Hospital  in 2005.  

After the surgery, Dr. Reyes was frank enough to tell us the truth that our battle was not over. 

"We need to control the eye pressure through daily eye drops. Also, you have to come for consultation once in a while so that I can check your eye pressure."

Dahil sa gyera na ito, doon ko naman nakilala ang mga pangalang Alphagan, Trusoft at Xalatan, mga eye drops na pampababa ng eye pressure  sa level na at least 11-15 mm Hg (millimeters of Mercury).

Tiwala rin kami sa confidence at kagalingan ni Dr. Reyes. Wala syang paligoy-ligoy kung magsalita kagaya ng kanyang kabilin-bilinan sa amin sa aming regular na consultation every 3 months. 

"I am just worried that someday you will develop cataract because you are still very young to have Glaucoma. Also, there is a possibility of doing another eye operation once the valve that we created inside your eye won't work anymore."

Dr. Rigo Reyes checks Bia's intraocular pressure (IOP) using a tonometer before the scheduled operation to transplant a new lens and create another valve that would control her eye pressure.


Cataract

So, this is it. Ito ang karugtong sa aming gyera sa Glaucoma. Sumawsaw si Cataract pagkatapos ng siyam na taon. 

Ano naman kasi itong si Cataract? Parehas sa Glaucoma, parte rin ito sa aging process ng tao. Kung tumatanda tayo, normal nang nagkakaroon ng either Glaucoma o Cataract lalo na kung umabot na ng 60 ang edad. 

Kapag ikaw ay nagkaroon ng cataract, magiging cloudy ang lens kaya hindi makapasok ang liwanag kaya mabubulag ka na. Sa kaso ni Bia, napakabilis ng proseso ng pag-develop ng cataract. Last September 2013 lang ay clear naman ang lens nya. 

Ayon kay Dr. Reyes, tila ay pang 90 yr old ang cataract nya kahit pa man ay nasa 40's pa lang sya. 


Image of Bia's eye after it was dilated by eyedrops. The grayish part is the cataract which was removed through surgical operation.

Dahil wala na syang nakikita kundi panay anino, kinakailangan na syang operahan. Ang problema nga lang sa case ni Bia, meron din syang Glaucoma kaya triple surgery ang procedure: First, ayusin ang bleb, ang valve na tiga-control sa eye pressure ng mata. Second, tanggalin ang nasirang lens. Third, lagyan ng implant na lens o ang intraocular lens implantation. Ipinaliwanag sa amin ni Dr. Reyes ang komplikadong procedures na ito na tila ay estudyante nya kami sa ophthalmology.


Dr. Reyes explains the triple eye surgery procedure that is needed to restore Bia's eye sight. I gained a clearer understanding about the situation because he was able to translate the highly-technical procedure into simplest terms. In the military, leaders are also expected to articulate complicated military procedures so that every single soldier understands them clearly.


Ayon kay Dr. Reyes, ayaw nya ng 2nd rate na service para sa amin ni Bia. Naging kaibigan na rin kasi namin sya after all those years. School mate pala ang aming mga misis. Nahawa ko rin sya sa 'addiction' sa target shooting. 

"I will get the top caliber doctor to do the cataract operation at pati yong mga assistants namin. Parang teammate kami. Kahit tinginan lang lalo na pag may emergency situation sa procedure, alam na ng bawat isa ang gagawin kasi nagkakaintindihan na agad."

Naintindihan at nakaka-relate din ako kay Doc. Ganon din ako sa combat operations. Ayaw ko yong kamas-kamas na sundalo. Sa gyera, buhay kasi kapalit kaya dapat okay ang teammanship at unit integrity. Meron din kaming hand and arm signals. Halimbawa, nagkakaintindihan kaming Rangers kahit sa tingin lang. Every member knows what to do in a particular scenario. Thankful ako na ganon din pala ang sistema nina Doc. Sana lahat ng team ng doctors ay ganito ang kakayahan at dedikasyon, at di yong ugaling kamas-kamas.

Napakarami ng mga check ups bago ang surgery. Merong ultrasound sa mata at mga clearances mula sa iba't-ibang doctor. 

"Maarte ako na doctor dahil gusto kong nakakapanigurado at maging tama ang aming actions na gagawin," wika ni Dr Reyes na  sure na hindi kagaya noong isang nakilala ko na 'kamas-kamas'. 

Kaya naman, sa araw ng kanyang surgery, minabuti kong magpaalam sa aking mga boss. Nag-absent ako sa aking shooting coaching job. Ginamit ko ang art of delegation sa aking routine at special tasks sa unit. 

Para ma-boost ang morale ni Bia, ako ang kanyang driver, security escort at personal assistant, rolled into one. Actually, minsan-minsan lang ako nakakabawi sa kanya. 


Like me, my wife is an optimistic person. I see to it that I make her smile by cracking jokes about soldiery. We also had our 'selfie' before her actual eye operation.


My wife is fearful of needles especially the bigger ones that are used for IV fluids. I have to be with her to cheer her up. Bago ang kanyang operation, nagkakaubusan ng corny jokes na pang-divert ng attention. 

Nang ipinasok na sya sa O.R. hinatid ko sya hanggang pintuan. Nagdasal na lang ako na maging matagumpay ang procedure. Nililibang ko ang aking sarili sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulat. Nag-remote control din ako ng mga importanteng tasking. Ewan lang, di ako nauubusan ng kung anu-anong mga gawain. 





Dr. Reyes 'signs' above the eye that needs to be operated. It is part of the procedure to ensure that the doctors will operate on the correct eye. 


My best friend and fellow Rotarian, Carlo Claudio and his lovely wife, Josie visited me at my 'Tactical Command Post' outside the operating room where the triple surgery was conducted. It was a 3-hour wait so I spent my time working on some administrative tasks for my office.

I waited for about 3.5 hours before Bia finally came out in a wheel chair. She was a little bit disoriented but was able to flash a smile. Na-high morale naman ako. Mukhang success ngunit ang final word Dr. Reyes ang aming pinakaaantay. 

Pumunta kami sa kanyang clinic sa loob din lang ng hospital. Parang napaka-thrilling ang sumunod na tagpo. 

Sinuri ni Doc nang masinsinan ang inoperahang mata. Pinagbasa agad sya ng mga letra. 




"H. R. N." ang introduction. Nakabasa agad sya! Nahirapan nga lang sya habang pinaliit nang pinaliit ang naka-flash na set of letters. 

"As of now, it is 20/40. I will check on it again by tomorrow and let us hope for the best," sabi ni Dr. Reyes na parang nabunutan din ng tinik sa dibdib. 

Ako na nanonood ay ganon din ang pagkamangha. 

"Parang himala!" 

Technology at its best. Indeed, I got the best service from the best doctors using one of the best health facilities. 

Di matapos-tapos ang aking pasasalamat: "Thank you Doc!" at "Thank you God, the Merciful!"

Lessons learned

Kagaya rin ng tunay na gyera, marami rin akong napulot na samo't-saring mga aral sa aking karanasang ito.

Ipamahagi ko ang Top 3 na mga lessons learned at pulutin mo ang iyong mapakinabangan.

1. Health is wealth. Laging alagaan ang sarili at maging handa sa mga panahong tayo ay magkakasakit. Magtabi rin ng pondo para sa health care at wag asahan na i-loan agad ang pambili ng gamot o ang pampa-doctor. Wag din nating tipirin ang ating sarili kung kalusugan ang pinag-usapan. As much as possible, don't go to a cheap medical service (lalo na albularyo) kung ang hanap mo ay reliable at siguradong tumpak na serbisyo medikal. Stay fit and healthy sa pamamagitan ng tamang diet at ehersisyo!

2. Bayanihan. Sa tahanan, bayanihan din ang kailangan. Iparamdam sa katuwang sa buhay na andyan ka lalo na sa panahon na you are needed most. Sa mga sundalo, kung hindi pa naman tipong sinusugod na tayo ng mga singkit, bigyan din natin ng time ang pamilya sa mga emergency situations o mga pagkakataong ang ating presensya ay kinakailangan. Lagi na nga tayong wala, tapos kapag emergency situations naman sa bahay na nasa malapit ka lang ay wala ka pa rin!

3. Glaucoma attack. Kagaya sa high-blood pressure, tingnan din natin ang ating eye pressure lalo na kung tumuntong na tayo sa edad na 40. Alamin din natin ang health history ng ating immediate family members lalo na sa mga magulang at mga kapatid. Posibleng mana-mana rin ang Glaucoma. Mas maiging regular din ang ating check-up dahil traydor din kung tumira ito. 

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Drinking alcohol in the Army: My personal experiences

April 15, 2014, 5:17 pm
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Sa mga panahong ako ay namumundok pa, ang lagi naming foresight pagkababa sa kabihasnan ay ang makatikim ng masasarap na pagkain at sa iba naman ay makalagok ng alak. Ang mga ito ang kasama sa nakagawiang  hanapin ng mga sundalo tuwing mabigyan ng pagkataon na magpahinga galing sa stressful environment ng battlefield. Kuha ang larawan sa Mt Sinumaan sa Patikul, Sulu noong taong 2000. (10SRC Photo) 

Sa aming mga sundalo, napaka-normal na ang pag-inom ng alak. Kung hindi ka umiinom, aba, kakaiba ka! Isa ako sa kakaibang hindi mahilig uminom. Bakeeet?

Ewan nga ba, hindi ko talaga love ang uminom kagaya ng aking tatay at mga kapatid na kay galing sa inuman. Buti na lang walang maoy sa kanila, or else, talagang kamuhian ko ang paglalasing na yan.

Actually, tumikim-tikim naman ako ng kung anu-anong nakakalasing na inumin simula noong high-school. Natikman ko ang lasa ng iba't-ibang inumin ng aking mga ka-barangay kagaya ng 'kuter', bahalina, lambanog, Datu, San Mig, Sioktong at marami pang iba. 

Di ko alam bakit nasasarapan silang mga tomador sa mga iyon eh di ko talaga type ang lasa. Oops, baka naman akalain nyo gusto ko lang ng mamahaling alak?  Natikman ko rin ang mga kagaya ng Chivas Regal, Black Label at iba't-ibang champagne pero walastik talaga Tsong. Dehins type. Grrr. Excuse me! 

Through the years sa aking serbisyo militar, dumarami ang mga dahilan kung bakit ayaw kong malasing kagaya ng mga sumusunod:


  • Pangit na nga ang lasa, babayaran mo pa! Then, pag nalasing ka, sasakit ang ulo mo kinabukasan. In short, nagbayad ka para sumakit ang ulo mo! Is that fair?
  • Marami akong nakikitang tila ay 'sinasaniban' ng demonyo kapag nalasing. Sila yong tipong di makabasag ng pinggan kapag normal ang kaisipan ngunit nagiging balasubas, lumalabas ang 'sakit ng aso'at nanghihipo ng babae,  maiingay, nananakit at palaaway kung nalalasing. May kilala akong opisyal eh naging macho dancer ang peg nang masipa ni Red Horse! Kakahiya ano?
  • Andyan din yong tipong umiihi sa pantalon, sinusukahan ang sariling mukha at dinuduraan pati ang boss nila, at yong tipong natutulog katabi ng mga aso sa tabi-tabi. Yuck noh?
  • Of course, wag nating kalimutan yong maoy na nangangambisyong maging Sylvester Stallone kapag lasing. Ito yong tipong nagkakasa-kasa at nagpapaputok ng baril para ipakita na sya ang pinakamatapang na Rambo ng bayan. Sa mga kilala kong ganyang ugali, sila din yong mga 'talawan' at 'tagerger' sa tunay na bakbakan. Pag-chur lang jud mo!

Drinking alcohol: Advantages and disadvantages

Bakit nga ba mahilig o nakahiligan ng maraming sundalo ang uminom ng alak? Read on. 

Tila ay tradisyon na rin sa pagiging sundalo ang umiinom lalo na sa mga okasyon kagaya ng birthday, anniversary celebration, graduation, promotion at reception. Actually, di nauubusan ng rason ang mga sundalo para mag-inom. 

Ang pag-allow sa mga sundalo para mag-inom ay syang pinakamadaling pagpapa-high morale sa kanila lalo na kung galing sila sa mahabang panahon na nasa combat operations. 

Kapag bigyan sila ng pagkakataong magkasayahan, malilimutan nila ang mga problema at ang lungkot ng buhay na malayo sa pamilya. Nakakatuwa rin na makasalamuha sila na hindi na nahihiyang makipagbolahan sa iyo na kanilang lider dahil namula-mula na ang pisngi na epekto ng Tanduay. Then, dumadami rin ang aspiring Michael Jackson o Frank Sinatra sa mga tropa kapag nakainom na sila. 


Halos lahat ng sundalong Pinoy, kapag nakakainom, ay lumalabas ang hidden talents sa pagkanta. Ang iba ay talagang dapat itago na lang ang talent ngunit mas marami ang tunay na may karapatang makilalang Talentadong Sundalong Pinoy. (10SRC Photo)


Ganon pa man,  dapat maingat ang mga unit leaders sa aspetong ito. In the end, silang mga Commanders ang mananagot kapag may masamang nangyayari dahil sa paglalasing ng ibang tropa.

Ang problema kasi sa inuman ay kung hindi ma-control ng mabuti ang pag-iinom. Meron kasing mga tao na nilalagay sa ulo ang espiritu ng alak instead na gawin itong palaman sa tyan. 

So, instead na pa-high morale ang ibinibigay, sakit sa ulo pa ang abutin mo kung magka-kaso ka pa dahil sa kahindik-hindik na pangyayaring dulot ng paglalasing. In short, minsan ay mas marami ang maidudulot nitong kasamaan kay sa kabutihan. 

Halimbawa, ang pamamaril ng isang lasenggerong sundalo sa Mindoro noong taong 2000 ang dahilan kung bakit na-pull out ang Army doon at nag-pyesta naman sa tuwa ang mga bandidong NPA na naglipana dahil sa nabakanteng mga lugar. 

Ganon kabilis burahin ng isang abusadong sundalo ang puhunang pawis, sakripisyo at dugo ng mas nakararaming mga matinong sundalo. It only takes a violent incident involving a drunk soldier, everything goes down the drain. 

Kapag nasa kagubatan kami, laging foresight ng aking mga tauhan ang muling pagbaba sa kabihasnan at makatikim na naman ng paborito nilang alak. Hinahayaan ko silang uminom kung sila ay hindi kasama sa next combat patrols at kapag ang pag-iinom ay naaayon sa aming Company Policy. (10SRC photo)

Kapag nakaka-score kami ng firearms recovery, karaniwan na sa aking makarinig ng lambing na gusto ng aking mga sundalong uminom kapag kami ay mabigyan ng pahinga sa combat operations. (10SRC Photo)


Knowing your men

Isa sa nakikita kong positibong dulot ng pagsama sa mga inuman ng tropa ay ang pagkilala sa iyong mga tauhan. 


Sa pormal kasing mga okasyon na kung saan ay iniintindi ng mga sundalo ang mga military protocols at military discipline, hindi mo basta-basta maungkat ang kanilang tunay na pag-uugali lalo na kung pormal lagi ang usapan.  

Samantala, kung mapalagok mo ng ilang baso ng alak ang tropa ay lalabas na ang katago-tago nilang talents, kagawian o pag-uugali. 

Nariyan yong malalakas pala mag-bangka sa kwentuhan. Ang iba ay graduate pala ng AIM (Ayaw Ibaba ang Mike). May iba rin na tila pamumulutan lang ang inaatupag. 

Bihira akong makakakita ng tropa na silent type pa rin malasing man ito o hindi. Karamihan ay parang torong nakawala sa hawla. Merong nagiging instant singer at ang iba ay mas gustuhing maging emcee. Ang walang ma-contribute ay nagiging back-up dancer na lang sa mga aspiring Elvis Presley!

Minsan, ang gusto ko kapag naka-shot ang tropa ay naging open sila na magsabi ng mga hinaing at mga personal na problema. May nangungumpisal na problemado sa love life at ako ay tila naging Kuya Eddie. Ang iba ay ginagawa akong referee sa pang-aaway ng nag-aalburotong misis. Meron ding iba na naghihinanakit sa kasamahan o kaya naman ay nahihirapan sa pagdadala ng ibang kasamahan nila. 

Ang pinakagusto ko sa lahat ay yong tipong lumalabas ang mga magagandang ideya paano mapaganda ang aming yunit. Sila yong may itinatagong mga brilliant ideas ngunit hindi makapag-express kapag hindi painitin ang pisngi. 

Company policies

Ayaw ko mang uminom, nakikita ko ang kahalagahan na sumama sa mga tropang umiinom dahil sa mga nabanggit kong kadahilanan. Alam nilang hindi ako umiinom at pinagbibigyan ko lang sila para sila ay makasalamuha. Syempre, pinagbibigyan ko silang lumagok ng isa o dalawang shot na syang nagpapahilo sa akin ng konti lang naman.

Pinag-usapan namin ano ang nararapat na policies sa pag-iinom para maiwasan ang mga problema na lagi-laging nangyayari. 

Let me share some parts of the policies sa pag-iinom (drinking alcohol) na tinutupad namin sa 10th Scout Ranger Company noong aking pamumuno:

1. Bawal uminom kapag duty at lalo na kung kasama sa alerted troops para sa impending combat mission. Isang malaking taboo ito para sa amin. 

2. Kung iinom, dapat may valid reason. Birthday mo ba? Minsan, pati birthday ni Misis at graduation day ni bunso ay ginagawang rason. Pinagbibigyan ko naman basta hindi ma-violate ang rule number 1. 

3. Merong designated NCO na syang lider sa inuman. Bawal yong secret tagayan sa kung saan-saan. Ang "Inuman NCO" ang syang mag-supervise na matiwasay ang lasingan ng grupo nya. Sya unang mananagot kapag magkakagulo. In short, si Sarge ang pinakahuling malasing.

4. Bawal humawak ng baril sa inuman. Naka-turn in dapat sa supply ang baril kapag mag-iinom. Mananagot ang NCO at yong tigas-ulo na nagsusukbit o nagdadala ng baril sa inuman. 

5.  Bawal iwanan ang mga kalat sa inuman. Ayusin ang mga kagamitan kagaya ng videoke at mga plato at kutsara na ginamit sa pamumulutan. Pick up your kalat at sinupin ang gamit pagkatapos mag-enjoy. Alangan naman iba pa ang ipaglinis sa pagkakalat ng mga tomador.

O-ha, simple lang ang aming unit policies. In my 2 years as a Commander, wala ni isang insidente ng pagpapasaway at nahuling sumuway dito. 

Proud ako na very responsible ang aking mga NCOs at sila ay nirerespeto (at kinatatakutan) ng kanilang mga direct subordinates. 

Alam nilang ma-discharge o ma-demote sila kapag sila ay pasaway sa inuman lalo na yong magpapaputok (regardless kung ipinutok sa tao o sa ere). 

In the end, pwedeng i-enjoy ang inuman lalo na sa mga sundalo sa frontlines. Ilagay lamang ito sa tamang lugar. 


Sa aming rotation na magpahinga ng 3 days sa Camp Bautista sa Jolo noong taong 2000, pinagbibigyan kong uminom ang aking tropa, at kalimitan ay binibigyan namin ng magandang handa ang mga birthday celebrators sa buwan na iyon, ayon sa aming Company Policy. Kasama ako at ang aking Ex-O na si Lt Toto Jomalesa sa okasyon na ito at nakikisawsaw sa videoke challenge. Kasama ang mga 'Inuman NCOs', tinatawanan namin ang mga knocked-out sa larangan ng lasingan. Mas mabuti ang ganoon na sitwasyon kaysa sila ay mag-sisigawan at magbarilan. (10SRC photo)






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My hunting trip: Bonding moments with my son

April 18, 2014, 9:01 am
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When I was granted by my boss to spend a short leave during the holy week, I began thinking of a few options on how to spend the few days 'fruitfully'.

I thought of hitting the beach with my family somewhere in Batangas. I have learned to appreciate the beautiful corals there.

I also considered visiting the beautiful island of Batanes. I love to photograph the scenic landscape there.

But wait, I have a small problem. I couldn't tag along my wife who is still recuperating from her latest eye surgery. 

The good thing is that she is willing to allow us to leave for an 'for the boys only' trip somewhere. Kunsintedora but loving Mom!

So, the idea of a hunting trip in the forests of Central Luzon suddenly emerged. Honestly, I have missed my Scout Ranger days during which I patrolled the jungle lair of terrorists and bandits in southern Mindanao. 

I also have another 'hidden agenda' of spending time with my son. I would make it an opportunity to bond with him in a memorable activity that we both like. This will be my chance to teach him how to survive in the woods. Whoa!

When I asked him if he like to go hunting in the wild, I heard a big 'yes!'.  To me, that is quite encouraging. I don't want to force him into something that he does not like. I normally sell to him an idea then let him decide.

Why go hunting?

You might ask me an intriguing question, "Why hunting?". 

I can offer you a lot of reasons. First, I wanted to introduce my son into my childhood life in the province of Bukidnon.

I was always fascinated by a 'primitive' way of life. As early as I was a 12-year old, I had experienced staying in our farm house alone with my brother. At that young age, I can already cook, wash the dishes and possibly defend ourselves with our Cal. 22 rifle.

Unlike my son, I was already given my father challenging chores such as taking care of our farm animals that include cows, carabaos and horses. And, we also help clear the grasses in our farm. 

I loved hunting birds with my sling shot and 'de bomba' (air gun). It was the first time I discovered that I was a crack shot.

Through hunting expedition, I can go back to my old life full circle and be able to share something valuable to my son.

Second, I can share to him a part of my life as a soldier. I can teach him how to navigate in the forest, identify animals, insects, root crops and fruits that are edible, and how to sense and evade some dangers.

In short, I can let him experience how to survive in the wild like the primitive man. For a Manila boy like Harvey, that is a daunting challenge!

Playground

To accomplish my mission, I selected the forest hills of Mt. Mariveles in Bataan as my area of operation (AO). I wanted him to tread the same paths taken by the Filipino warriors who fought for the Philippines in a 4-month fierce battles with the advancing Japanese forces from January 6-April 9, 1942. 

The area is a mountainous terrain that is still covered with forest and undergrowth. Most areas near the foot of the mountain have become farmlands that retained much of the thick vegetation.

With a temperature topping around 40 degrees celsius in the middle of the day, even a Scout Ranger like me is challenged by the intense heat during midday. It is therefore a perfect place to train my son how to experience the life of a warrior in this historic 'playground'.

Shown are the photos of our recent adventures:

Since his elementary days, I have taught Harvey the fundamentals of marksmanship. He can shoot both pistols and rifles, whether iron sights or telescopic sights. I let him zero the Cal .22 rifle that was lent to us by my friend.  

I zeroed all the weapons of World War II that were presented to me. Oh, these guns can still down any armed threats!
We started our uphill climb from this point. Harvey carried the 6.5mm Grendel Rifle with 3.5-10x  Mk 4 Leupold Scope. I required him to be in 'low-ready' position while scanning the area for any prey.

We found some logging trails which were probably taken by Filipino guerrillas who continuously fought the Japanese after the fall of Bataan in April 1942.
For the first time, Harvey experienced crossing a small creek. The water was so clear that you can directly drink from the stream.
 Thick shrubs and vines impeded our movement. I taught him how to stalk stealthily especially during natural disturbances in order to minimize the noise.
For the first time, he was bitten by big ants that are locally known as 'Hantik'. He saw some birds hovering above us. We didn't find any 'bato-bato' or any of the 'labuyo' chickens which roam the place. They might have known that the Manila-boy hunter was coming for them.


During this trip, we caught nothing but only pleasant surprises. We shot nothing but memorable pictures. 

Definitely, we will come back and try again!


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Honoring the battling bastards of Bataan: My short trip to the battlegrounds of World War II

April 19, 2014, 10:57 pm
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For us in the military, the Holy Week is also a chance to spend time with the family. During this time, the AFP allows military personnel to take turns in spending short vacation.

While others took time fulfilling their religious obligations such as the traditional Visita Iglesia or participating in the Stations of the Cross, I decided to visit Bataan where a big cross was erected in honor of soldiers who defended our country.

Our precious destination is Mt. Samat, the site where the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) stands up to this day.

I tagged my son along in this trip. I wanted him to appreciate history and learn more about the essence of soldiery as a profession. As an absentee father, I am also fulfilling my duty of spending memorable bonding moments with my son.

I have a short list of tasks to accomplish: We will visit historical places. I will teach him how to hunt and to survive in the woods. I will let him taste the  local dishes. 

Travel plan

Since we are leaving my wife behind, we planned for a 2-day, 1 night trip to Bataan.

Travelling by car, we left Manila at around 8:00am on Maundy Thursday (April 18, 2014). 

I was told that the regular travel time by car is about 3 hours. When we were approaching the toll gate in Balintawak, I realized that we were heading towards a traffic jam. Bad timing!

Moving in a snail pace along NLEX, we had to endure about 3.5 hours until we reached SCTEX toll gate. The sight of lesser number of vehicles gave us some relief. 

I briefed Harvey about the lahar flow along Pasig-Potrero River in Porac town, Pampanga that destroyed communities downstream after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in June 1991, during the time when I was still a 2nd year PMA cadet. He enjoyed the sights as we traveled along 93.77 km Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), the longest 4-lane e in expressway in the Philippines.
I showed him the beauty of Mt. Malasimbo in Dinalupihan town, Bataan. I told him that I once stayed on top of this mountain when I supervised the military operations of the Scout Rangers against NPA bandits in 2004. I told him the legend of Mt. Malasimbo as told by the local folks whom I met there: "If there is a cloud over Mt Malasimbo, a typhoon is coming!" 

The highway towards Mariveles was 'stress free' during that day. We appreciated the excellent scenery along the way.


I showed him the battlegrounds of World War II like the mountainous terrain in the background that can be found in the borders of Limay, Mariveles and Bagac towns. We were mesmerized by the captivating beauty of the countryside.

We spent our day treading the same paths followed by the Filipino warriors who fought against the Japanese in these grounds. He experienced the difficulties in navigating through thick vegetation, crossing creek lines, and foraging for food in the forest. 


I showed him the species of wild deer and boar that roam free in the hinterlands of Bataan. It was the first time that he personally saw these wild animals. Not the ordinary kambing or baboy ha?


Too exhausted and feasted on by gnats and tiny insects, we opted to stay in this hotel in Limay town for the night. Our deal was that the next time, we will set up camp in the forest to experience the life of a Scout Ranger and that of the Filipino guerillas of World War II.

The next day (Good Friday), I toured him around Limay town, the place where the first medical hospital for both American and Filipino forces was established. It is also the place where MGen Edward King surrendered his forces to the Japanese on April 9, 1942.

We headed to Pilar town to see the Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) that can be found on top of Mt. Samat. I told him the story about the 'Battling bastards of Bataan' whose heroic actions are extraordinary and worthy of emulation.


Photo shows the landmarks that can used as reference in going to Mt. Samat. This is one of the Death March markers that can be found along Bataan Provincial Expressway up to San Fernando town in Pampanga which is more than a hundred kilometers away. I told Harvey the unthinkable hardships experienced by more or less 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers who walked towards San Fernando for at least 5 days without or with less water and food.

There is a motorcycle terminal near the direction marker. Those who are into serious 'penitensya' either jog or walk their way up to the revered shrine that was erected to honor the heroes of World War II.

Ohhhh, it was a Good Friday! Some of the die-hard Catholic devotees perform this religious ritual though it is not really encouraged by the Church. We saw these young boys along the road towards Mt. Samat.

We stopped at the site of the Final Battle of Bataan. We thought about the thousands of soldiers who died fighting for 4 months until they capitulated due to lack of food and critical war supplies on April 9, 1942. 

The gradual upward climb starts from this point located at the foot of the mountain. We spotted a lot of back packers who opted to lose some weight by inching their way up the summit on foot. 

For P25.00, you get a ticket to see the museum and use the public parking spaces inside the premises of the shrine.

The scenery below us was breath-taking. Harvey took this photo of me and my buddies Marlon and Jay.



The reward

For wholeheartedly joining this memorable trip, we treated ourselves to a simple meal here at Choco-Late de Batirol.

You can find this at the fuel station near the road intersection towards Mt Samat.

I was attracted here because I was reminded of the 'cocoa' that my mother Puring would personally prepare for us for our 'painit' every morning and even during merienda. 

I remembered that harvesting the 'cacao' fruits, drying them and grinding the roasted seeds, were among my chores during weekends. For that reason, I learned how to prepare 'espiso tsokolate' from scratch. 

I am very lucky to have enjoyed the 'food for the gods' according to the Mayan and Aztec traditions, during my younger years. As a child, I always thought it was the food for the poor because we could not probably afford to drink Nescafe during that time.

So, I urged Harvey to taste my childhood favorite drink. "Son, let's try the food for the gods!"









Our journey towards the battlefields of Bataan was a success. 

It was our bonding time and a quick review of our military history. 

It was our simple way of honoring our heroes, my fellow soldiers who fought for our country.





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How to beat the Army Dragon Boat Team?

May 7, 2014, 4:54 pm
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Despite all the odds, we made it to Davao City for the first ever dragon boat competition that was scheduled from May 2-3, 2014. 

We were excited to see action and showcase our team as the undisputed king of the Men's events of this rapidly growing sport.  

To attain our goal of capturing all three gold medals that are at stake in the Men's events, the team spent several weeks harnessing its paddling skills, improving  both speed and synchronization.

Learning that the strong teams from Camsur wouldn't make it to Davao, we were saddened. The Bicolano fishermen-paddlers had given us a stiff competition last year. They had proven that they can beat us when we relax too much. Hmmm. We sometimes ignore the teachings Suntzu.

Anyway, the newly formed Philippine Air Force Dragon Boat Team has gradually risen to challenge our team. 

Their morale is high after outracing the Philippine Coast Guard team during the most recent competition. However, our morale and our level of competitiveness is a notch higher due to our extensive preparation and 'combat experience'. 

Perhaps almost everyone agree that the Army is the team to beat in all events that it participated. During a gathering, a Team Manager asked, "Who wants to overtake the Army?", not one raised a hand. 

Despite of that, I always required the team to do its best and beat their own records. Our performance was at its peak during that time. We knew that only a miracle or an accident would lead to our defeat, and, if they will cease to paddle in the middle of the race. 

Our team's 'secret' formula

A lot of people including our foreign friends had been asking why Filipinos had emerged as among the strongest paddlers in the world. Due to our country's past accomplishments (including the world record in 200m Men's Open, Standard Boat), we have gained the respect and admiration of our fellow sportsmen in the international sports arena. 

As Mike Haslam, the IDBF President said in August 2011: "The World Dragon Boat Championships is like the World Cup in Football without Team Brazil".  

Having eight veterans of international competitions in our crew, we have the edge over all other teams. Of course, our main asset is the high level of military discipline that we strongly adhere in our daily lives. 

Using the same discipline that we learned during pre-entry training, we always build the team based on the fundamentals of team integrity, unity of command and positive mental attitude. 

To reach this level of performance, our athletes paddle for 2-3 hours each day, spend another 2-3 hours running and working out in the gym. Their positive attitude towards the sport is exemplary. With our without extra provisions, they diligently participate in the training in order to earn the slot during competitions. Ayaw nilang maging pasahero lamang. 

Also, everyone knows each other including their respective family members, making them the best of friends. Some are neighbors, relatives and kumpares. They know each other's strengths and weaknesses and even some of their personal problems. 

It is therefore common sense that when our soldiers are mixed with their civilian counterparts to form a 'Philippine Team', there will  always be problems that would lead to failures. Does it make sense? Ewan na lang sayo. Even the coach of our barangay's basketball team understands that.



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Caring soldier sends poor kid to school

May 12, 2014, 7:20 pm
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 Through the help of his brothers in the Army, Arnold Batawan, 20, finally earned his high school diploma on March 28, 2014. He was accompanied by 1st Lt. Abel Porto, the current CMO Officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion. (Photo by Abel Porto)



Memories of his sister's selfless role in his own survival from the farmlands of Tinambac, Camarines Sur inspired Army 1Lt. Abel Porto, 30,  to pass on his own contribution to the life of a young boy whom he met in the hinterlands of Sultan Kudarat 4 years ago.

Porto was patrolling in an NPA-infested village of Sucob in Columbio town  when he was approached by two villagers. 

One of them was Arnold Batawan, a frail looking, 15 year-old boy. He was accompanied by his uncle who brought the sad news.  

"Sir, I want you to take good care of my nephew whose father was killed by suspected NPA bandits. He was traumatized by the untimely death of his father and his mother could no longer afford to feed all four of his children," the nervous uncle said.

A poor farmer's son himself, Porto felt the urge to extend a helping hand upon learning the sad plight of the young man. 

"I can mirror myself in his situation so I decided to extend a helping hand to give him an opportunity to face a bright future," said Porto.

"Ate Jael was single and 24 years old when she took responsibility of me and my other siblings.  She knew our parents couldn't afford to send me  to school so she devoted herself to support my education until I was admitted to PMA. I want to return the favor not only by supporting the education of my other siblings but also helping a poor kid this time," said Porto, the seventh of 10 children.

Volunteering as the foster Kuya, Porto brought young Arnold to his command post in Columbio town where he sought the permission of his Commanding Officer, then 1st Lt Richard Dinayugan, 31.

Knowing that Batawan had only finished primary education, Porto also recommended to Dinayugan that they send him to school. 

Aware of the child recruitment efforts by the communist rebels, Dinayugan allowed Porto to take good care of Arnold inside the camp and  encouraged his men to support Batawan's education by providing him anything he needed. 

"Arnold was very diligent and good-mannered despite his lack of good education. My subordinates learned to love him as a brother so they provided him with clothes and even contributed an amount from their food allowance to support his high school education," said Dinayugan, a member of PMA Class 2006 and a native of Kiangan, Ifugao. 

Hardwork and perseverance

Due to his educational deficiency, Arnold underwent special tutorial at Koronadal Comprehensive High School to improve his writing and reading skills.

Occasionally, the soldiers themselves, especially Porto and Dinayugan, served as his mentors. They gave him guidance and extra instruction to help him learn the lessons easily. 

Later, they enrolled him at Tupi National High School for his secondary education.

Tsg Jerry Iranzo, the Company First Sergeant, said that all soldiers belonging to Bravo Company unanimously decided to give financial support for Batawan so that he will be motivated to finish secondary education.

He said that they were like a 'band of brothers' who look after a poor child.

"Every soldier contributed P10.00 from our allowance so that Arnold can have something to spend while attending school, " said Iranzo, a father of 7 children. 

Motivated by the genuine care provided by his new family, Batawan burned candles to keep up with his school requirements. 

He learned not only to read and write but also how to cook various Filipino dishes.

Through his hardwork and perseverance, Arnold, now 20, finally graduated on March 28, 2014. 

He proudly marched with his fellow graduates to receive the much coveted diploma which is the product of four long years of hard work.  


Because his mother was busy tending the farm in his far-away village, he requested his Kuya, Lt Abel Porto, now the CMO officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion, to witness the momentous event. Porto gladly obliged to accompany Batawan and share his glorious moments during the graduation ceremony.

"We know how poverty can mislead children to insurgency. We didn't want him to become like that so we ensured that he finish school and get more opportunities," he said.

Entering a new chapter in his life, Batawan has expressed his intention to become a soldier. 

"I want to serve the people  like my brothers in Bravo Company. I also want to help my family rise from poverty by sending my own siblings to school. I learned that there is hope through education," said Batawan who is currently taking a vocational course. 



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Scout Rangers: Kasagutan sa mga katanungan

May 17, 2014, 8:48 am
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Ang simbolo ng Philippine Scout Rangers ay ang Black Panther. Dahil wala namang Panther sa Pilipinas, ang natatagpuang Civet Cat o Musang ang nakagawiang ihinahambing sa mga Scout Rangers kaya naman sila ay nakilala sa tawag na 'Musang'. (Photo by SSg Cesar Cuenca)

Sa dami ng queries na nakatambak sa aking inbox tungkol sa Scout Rangers, marapatin kong ipaliwanag ang mga bagay na karaniwang hindi naipapaliwanag at nagdudulot ng kalituhan. 

Halimbawa, maraming aplikante ng Candidate Soldier Course and nagtatanong paano magiging Scout Ranger. Eh, hindi po pwedeng mag-Scout Ranger ang isang sibilyan kundi mga regular na sundalo lamang. Katunayan, bago matanggap sa kurso ng Scout Ranger Course ay required na dapat 3 taon na ang aplikante sa active military service, maliban pa sa napakahaba pang listahan ng basic requirements. 

Tila, hindi naiintindihan ng karamihan ang kaibahan ng Scout Ranger bilang kurso, bilang sundalong graduate nito at ang yunit ng mga Scout Rangers. Magulo ba? Actually, hindi naman maliban kung magulo kang mag-isip. 

First Scout Ranger Regiment

Okay, simulan natin para maging maliwanag ha. Unahin natin ang yunit na tinatawag na First Scout Ranger Regiment o FSRR. Ang yunit na ito ay kasalukuyang naka-base sa Camp Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan. Ito ay isa sa tatlong units na kabilang sa Special Operations Command (SOCOM) ng Philippine Army. Ito ay binubuo ng mga Scout Ranger Companies na under naman sa apat na Scout Ranger battalions na nakadestino sa iba't-ibang sulok sa kapuluan.

Ang FSRR ay ang yunit na kinabibilangan ng mga organic personnel na Scout Rangers. Ang Musang patch sa kanilang balikat ang palatandaan na sila ay miyembro sa FSRR.

Ang FSRR ay yunit na kinabibilangan ng mga sundalo na Scout Ranger graduates at maging non-SR qualified. Kasama sa mga non-graduates ay ang mga support personnel kagaya ng taga Medical Company, iilan  sa mga mekaniko at driver, at mga IT personnel. Lahat na mga female soldiers na naka-assigned dito ay non-Ranger qualified. Wala pang babae ang pinag-undergo ng regular course ng Scout Ranger sa napaka-obvious na rason. 

Ang mga sundalo lalo na yong mga officers at NCOs na hindi nakaka-graduate ng SR Course ay hindi mabibigyan ng leadership position. Ah, baka di mo alam na ang SR course ay combat leadership course at hindi lang ito palakasan tumakbo at patigasan ng apog! 

Actually, ang mas importanteng natutunan sa kurso ay ang techniques, tactics and procedures (TTPs) sa patrolling missions, at pati ang mga specialized skills na hindi itinuturo sa ordinary infantryman. 

Paano ka nga naman mamuno ng mga Rangers sa combat patrols ng isang Ranger unit kung hindi ka naman pala Ranger qualified? Di ba parehas yon sa papayagan mong magpiloto sa eroplano ang hindi graduate ng flying school? Dahil dyan, kapag natitigok ang opisyal o EP sa SR Course, alam na nyang malabo ang kanyang chance na magiging unit leader sa FSRR. Kalimitan ay iyong mga newly assigned na 2LTs at mga Privates lamang ang mga non-Rangers na makikita na nagpapatrol sa SR companies.

Para maging maliwanag, ang dapat tawaging Scout Ranger ay iyon lamang sundalo na naka-graduate sa regular course. Kung non-Ranger qualified o hindi SR course graduate pero organic sa FSRR, hindi pa rin sya pwedeng tawaging Scout Ranger kundi FSRR assigned o 'organic personnel' lamang. 

Ating tandaan, ang Musang patch na nasa balikat ng uniporme ay sinusuot ng lahat na organic personnel at hindi ito ang qualification ng pagiging Scout Ranger qualified personnel. Kahit nakatapos ka ng SR course ngunit hindi ka miyembro ng FSRR, hindi ka dapat mag-suot ng Musang patch maliban na lang kung ikaw ay assigned sa mismong First Scout Ranger Regiment. 

Ang SRDU ay ang ipinalit sa 'Black Fatigue' uniform ng mga Musang. Ang Black Panther na nasa larawan ay syang simbolo ng mga Scout Rangers. (Photo by Cpl Marlon San Esteban)

Ang palatandaan na ang isang sundalo ay graduate ng SR course at authorized na magsuot ng mga patches na ito ay ang SCOUT RANGER tab (nasa larawan, sa itaas ng AIRBORNE tab), at ang Tabak (knife) na kinakabit sa dibdib ng uniporme. Ang ibig sabihin, pares iyan na makukuha ng sundalo na magpapawis at makatapos sa SR training. 

Ang Tabak na nasa bulsa (left pocket) at ang Scout Ranger tab (nasa itaas ng Airborne tab) ang syang patches na pwedeng suutin ng mga nagsipagtapos ng Scout Ranger Course. (Photo by Rico Laurel)

Eh, papaano raw pag graduate ng Scout Ranger Orientation Course? Sa totoo lang, wala silang patches na pwedeng suutin. Imbento lang yon ng mga ignoranteng sundalo na kung SROC graduate ay authorized diumano magsuot ng tab na 'RANGER', eh iyan ang isinusuot ng mga graduate ng U.S. Ranger Course! (Lalong hindi nila pwedeng suotin yon dahil maging mga Scout Rangers ay hindi pwedeng magkabit noon, except sa mga nakapagtapos ng US Ranger Course sa Fort Benning, Georgia). Naguluhan ka ba o naliwanagan? 

Scout Ranger Training School (SRTS)

Ang training institution ng FSRR ay ang SRTS na syang nangangasiwa sa iba't-ibang kurso kagaya ng Scout Ranger Course, Scout Sniper Course, Scout Ranger Orientation Course, PT Trainers Course at maging Candidate Soldier Course. 

Ang SR course ay open din sa mga non-organic personnel kagaya ng mga taga Special Forces Regiment Airborne (SFRA), Light Reaction Regiment (LRR), Infantry Divisions, PNP SAF at NAVSOG. Dahil dyan, merong mga Scout Ranger qualified personnel na hindi naman organic sa First Scout Ranger Regiment.

Ang Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) ay pre-entry training ng mga sundalo. Dahil authorized ang SRTS na mag-conduct ng training na ito, ang CSC ay isa sa mga kurso na ginagawa para sa mga organic personnel ng FSRR every year. 

So, kung ikaw ay aplikante at sa FSRR ka mag CSC, automatic, magiging organic member ka ng unit na ito. Pero, hindi ka pa Scout Ranger nyan! After 2-3 years exposure sa line unit, ipapadala ka ng iyong unit commander sa SRTS para mag-undergo ng iilang buwang training at magiging ganap na Scout Ranger o Musang.  Klaro na?

 Black Suit vs Scout Ranger Distinctive Uniform (SRDU) 

Ang traditional na 'formal' attire ng organic members ng First Scout Ranger Regiment ay ang Black Suit na kilala rin sa tawag na 'Black Fatigue'. 

Noong 1980s, nakagawiang gamitin sa combat patrols ang Black Suit sa paniniwala ng ibang Scout Rangers na ito ay ang pinakamagandang night camouflage. Siguro, naimpluwensyahan din sila sa kulay ng Black Panther na syang simbolo ng mga 'Musang', although obvious naman na ang Panther ay iba sa Musang (Civet Cat).

Maraming rason kung bakit nawawala ang interes ng mga Musang sa Black Fatigue na uniporme. Unang-una, kung sinu-sino na lang gumagaya sa pagsusuot nito kasama na ang K9 unit, PNP Swat, Security Guard at maging MILF! Pangalawa, napatunayan na hindi ito ang mabisang night camouflage. Kitang-kita ang outline ng sundalo na nagsusuot nito sa gabi, lalo na kung gamitan ng NVG. Pangatlo, ang init ng kulay na itim kung sa araw mo ito suutin. Pang-apat, hindi naman ito akma na gamitin sa combat patrols kundi ang camouflaged uniform o yong Battle Dress Attire (BDA).

Noong ako ay Company Commander ng 10th Scout Ranger Company, isinusuot lamang namin ang Black Suit tuwing may bisita sa kampo. Ang BDA pa rin ang aming isinusuot tuwing combat patrols. (10SRC photo)





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Sorsogon firefight kills 5 NPA bandits

May 23, 2014, 12:19 am
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MATNOG, Sorsogon- Five members of the NPA bandit group were killed after a clash with Army soldiers here at around 5:45am today (May 23). 

Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala, the Commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, said that he sent a combined elements of the 31st Infantry Battalion and the local police force in order to apprehend the suspects of an extortion activity in Sitio Hukdong, Balukawe village here. 

Kakilala said that the bandits fired their weapons upon seeing the members of the security forces, triggering an intense firefight. 

An hour-long running gun battle ensued when the bandits attempted to flee towards the bushes. 

"The security forces pursued the bandits using fire and maneuver until they splintered into small groups, leaving behind 5 dead comrades and 5 high-powered firearms. Two others were arrested when they were cornered by the operating troops," he said.  

Kakilala said that the troops accounted two Cal 5.56mm M16A1 Rifles, two Cal 5.56mm M653 Rifles, a 40mm Grenade Launcher, two MK2 fragmentation grenades, two improvised bombs, two tactical radios, a sniper scope and a laptop computer among the recovered items. 

A resident who came to the scene of the firefight named one of the fatalities as a certain Ka Randy, a ranking NPA leader. He also claimed that one of the arrested personalities was a PUP student who recently joined the armed group. 

Kakilala said that he is saddened by the NPA's continuous recruitment of young students from state universities. 

" I pity the parents of these poor young students who sent their children to school to pursue education. The NPA recruiters brainwashed them into embracing armed violence which is not the right way to solve social problems," said Kakilala, a Presidential Lingkod Bayan awardee and one of the recipients of The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS).

The dead bandits were brought to the village center to be identified by the residents before they are turned over to relatives. 

The arrested bandits were brought to the local police station for inquest proceedings. The suspects are facing a string of criminal cases including illegal possession of firearms and extortion.

No one was hurt among the members of the security forces.


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Surviving the menace of Balangiga: Two stories about community leadership

May 25, 2014, 8:02 am
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I visited the coastal town of Balangiga in Eastern Samar to attend the turn-over ceremony of the first set of motorized fishing boats for 150 poor fishermen who lost their boats during the onslaught of super typhoon 'Haiyan' (local name Yolanda). Funded by Metrobank Foundation Inc., the project was implemented by TOPSOLDIERS and the Army's 801st Brigade. Behind me is the historic St. Anthony's Church and the tower where the renown Balangiga bells were once installed. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)


Ooops, the people of Balangiga did it again!  

Unlike the other communities in Samar and Leyte where thousands died during the onslaught of super-typhoon Haiyan, Balangiga suffered only 13 dead out of its 13,000 population. How come? What made the difference?

I would say that it was an extraordinary feat that could be accomplished by strong and respected leaders. I was impressed and began asking questions. What can be learned from them? 

I consider this as a repeat of a historical event that occurred in Samar island 112 years ago. Owing to the excellent leadership provided by the likes of Abanador, most of the Balangigan-ons (local term for residents of Balangiga) survived the gruesome massacre carried out by American forces. Sorry to General Jacob 'Howling' Smith, his real targets, the Balangigan-ons were nowhere to be found! 

Narrative accounts tell us that under the instructions of General Smith, an expedition of American soldiers scoured the different communities and killed everyone above 10 yrs old. It was a punitive expedition aimed to avenge the deaths of at least 46 U.S. Army soldiers at the hands of bolo-wielding Filipino warriors led by Valeriano Abanador in the public plaza of Balangiga. 

American writers put the tally of massacre victims at around 2,500; but, Filipino historians had a higher casualty count based on 'realistic' research. Well, only God knows which is true. What I am quite sure is that the Americans have kept three Balangiga Bells as war trophies up to this day.

The descendants

I had the chance to visit this town during the turnover of motorized fishing boats donated by Metrobank Foundation Inc. on May 22, 2014. 


I stopped for a souvenir photo at the San Juanico Bridge that links the provinces of Samar and Leyte. I was accompanied by Major Lemuel Baduya, the Project Coordinator of the boat project funded by Metrobank Foundation Inc. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)

I had read many stories about the Bells of Balangiga and the tales about the extraordinary courage displayed by our ancestors against the American colonizers.

There were discrepancies in the historical records, depending on who the author (Filipino or American) of the publication is. I decided to find out more untold stories by talking directly to the descendants themselves. 

"Please find me direct relatives of Police Capt Valeriano Abanador, the local hero of Balangiga. I want to have a chat with them about their great grandpa," I told Major Lemuel Baduya, the Coordinator of the 'Bangka ng Buhay, Bunga ng Bayanihan' boat project that I facilitated in Eastern Samar.

Thanks to Lemuel's resourcefulness, he was able to find two surviving relatives of Abanador named Rufina Abanador Nacionales, 74, and Milagros Abanador Cabales, 71. They were the  daughters of Juan Abanador, the nephew of Kapitan Bale (the popular name of Valeriano Abanador). 

They gladly met me upon my arrival in Balangiga town on May 21. Both of them have sharp memories about their uncle despite their old age. 

"My father was the favorite nephew of Kapitan Bale. He was running errands for him as a child and was told about the exploits and adventures of his uncle," revealed Cabales.


I met two of the grand nieces of Capt Valeriano Abanador, the leader of the Balangiga incident. Mrs Rufina Nacionales (left) was accompanied by her younger sister Milagros Cabales. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)


This is the narrative account about the attack on the American forces as told by Abanador's grand nieces: 



She said that only a few people from Balangiga fell victim to the punitive actions carried out by American forces a few days after their humiliating defeat at the hands of Capt Abanador and his men.

They survived the ordeals experienced by countless other Samarenos during the military operations that followed. Practically, the whole Samar island was turned into a 'howling wilderness' when American troops began killing people including children over 10 years old, pillaging and burning houses along the way. 

"The residents of the town were already evacuated hours before the planned attack on the American unit. Kapitan Bale ordered all women and young children to leave the town and stay in the designated areas in the forests," said Nacionales who has no idea if her husband is directly related to the lone female planner of the attack, Casiana "Geronima" Nacionales. 


This photo was taken from the 2nd floor of the town municipal hall. Behind me is the public plaza where most of the American troops were billeted. Farther behind is St. Anthony's Church where some American officers stayed since their arrival in August 1901. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)

Balangiga Town Council Secretary Marciano Deladia Jr. said that only a few residents around the peripheries of the town were killed by the responding elements of Golf Company, 9th US Infantry led by Cpt Edwin Bookmiller, who came by boats from their base in Basey town about 40 kilometers away. 

"On September 29, 1901, American troops burned all houses here and stole all three  bells from St. Anthony's Church in retaliation for the worst defeat that they experienced in their conquests during that time,"said Deladia.




Surviving Yolanda

Deladia said that the recent actions of the Balangigan-ons during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) was comparable to their great escape in September 1901.

"We received warnings from the national government about the coming of a super typhoon in Samar island. Mayor Viscuso 'Viscoy' De Lira directed the Municipal Disaster Management Office to plan and coordinate the evacuation of people to designated areas where they can take shelter," he said. 




"As early as November 6, Wednesday, we had a 'bandillo' (mobile public announcements) using several vehicles including our ambulance. We roamed around town to remind people to pack their essential things and head towards safer places in the interior, away from the coastal communities."

Deladia said that the spirit of Bayanihan was alive in his town in the same manner that almost all families took part in attacking the American soldiers who committed abuses in their peaceful community over a century had passed.

"The people who hosted the evacuees actively helped in preparing food provisions for those who came to take shelter in their community. We are very proud about this practice during emergencies in our town," he said.

Ernesto Delantar, 43, was among the fishermen who followed the orders from the local authorities. He tied his boat on a tree at the back of his house and took the engine with him as he brought all 7 of his children towards an evacuation center a day before the typhoon arrived.

"We brought only a few clothes and kitchen utensils with us. I carried the boat engine because it might be stolen while I am away," said Delantar, a widower, whose main income source is fishing.

Arthur Sabadlab, 36, is also one of the fishermen who deserted their coastal community in Bgy Singko in order to escape from the howling winds and high waters. Like Delantar, he also carried his boat engine with him as he led his wife Precy, 25, and 4 young daughters towards an evacuation area. 

"I heard from our leaders that the wind brought by the typhoon was too strong and that our kubo (nipa hut) might be torn to pieces. Though we only had enough food to eat that day, I decided to leave with my whole family," said Sabadlab who left his boat that was bought out of his 2-year savings as a fisherman.

No one among the family members of both Delantar and Sabadlab were harmed when the typhoon struck in the morning on November 8, 2013. 
I met the survivors of super typhoon Haiyan, some of whom are relatives of the Balangigan-ons who survived the punitive expeditions carried out by American forces after their 'terrible defeat' at the hands of Filipinos. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)


Thirteen people who refused to leave their homes in danger areas along the coast lines, did not survive the strong winds that brought flying debris and surging waters.

Returning to their sea side community the following day, Delantar and Sabadlab found out that they had no houses to return to. Both of them also lost their boats which were carried by raging floodwater. 

"I felt like it was the end of the world for me. I had no idea how to feed my big family during that day,"said Delantar, one of the 50 beneficiaries of the boat project implemented by the TOPSOLDIERS and the Army's 801st Brigade. 

Healing session

Nacionales said that despite the clamor by Balangigan-ons for the return of the church bells, they had welcomed some descendants of the American soldiers who came to make friends with them. 

"It was in September 2001 when I received a visitor named Jean Wall, the daughter of Pvt Adolf Gamlin, a survivor of the Balangiga encounter," said Nacionales. 

"Ms. Wall said that Adolf Gamlin, her father, was having nightmares for many years. Her father revealed later his harrowing experience during the attack on his unit by the people of Balangiga during the Filipino-American war," said Nacionales.

Nacionales said that Gamlin was knocked unconscious by Kapitan Bale himself before the latter raised his 'baston' (cane) to signal the multi-pronged attack by hundreds of his followers. 




"Ms Wall was told that the hack wound suffered by his father was inflicted by a Filipino. She decided to visit Balangiga despite the negative remarks made by her friends and relatives," said Nacionales.

"She was told that the people in Balangiga are fearsome individuals who could not be trusted at all. She insisted to come and found out that even we, Kapitan Bale's descendants, were very warm and hospitable towards her," added Cabales. 

Both Cabales and Nacionales said that the visit was like a healing session for all of them. They said that Ms Wall returned a year later with his brother. 

"They were always excited to see Balangiga, the place where their grandfather once served. We don't have any bitter feelings towards the each other because of this event in the past," said Nacionales.

For the survivors of supertyphoon Yolanda, we had our own 'healing session' when I facilitated an exchange of experiences among them. 

All of them are ready to rise and face the upcoming challenges in life because they are the proud children of Balangiga. However, they have a simple wish that is still unfulfilled after more than a century of waiting:

"Return the Bells of Balangiga!" 


Photo collage of the 'Bells of Balangiga' that are put in display in two military camps in Wyoming, USA and South Korea. This framed photo is now hanging at the little museum in Balangiga town that is dedicated for the local heroes like Abanador. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)


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Negros Oriental clash kills 4 NPA bandits

May 25, 2014, 10:58 pm
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File photo shows Army soldiers resting after a combat training exercise in the field. (Photo by Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc)

TANJAY CITY- Four members of the New People's Army bandit group were killed after engaging the Army soldiers in a series of firefight in Sitio Pitawa, Sto. Nino village of this city on Saturday, May 24, at around 4:00 pm.

Lt Col Harold Anthony Pascua, the Commanding Officer of the Army's 79th Infantry Battalion dispatched a platoon of soldiers upon receiving a 'hot info' about the presence of heavily armed bandits.

"They were approaching the bandits' reported location when they were met with automatic fires. My troops retaliated and assaulted their positions, prompting them to flee," said Pascua.

"My soldiers pursued the bandits who dragged their wounded and dead comrades. The bandits were forced to leave behind four of their dead and one of their M16 Rifles," said Pascua. 

The soldiers had transported the cadavers of the bandits to the village center for proper identification. 

"These are our fellow Filipinos who are misguided by their leaders. I am saddened by their deaths but we have to do our job of protecting the people against their criminal acts," said Pascua. 

One soldier named Cpl Melbert Dapilaga was slightly wounded. He was immediately treated by the combat medic who was part of the patrol.

To ensure that they get immediate medical attention during firefights, the Army has issued Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) for every soldier and the Combat Life Saver Kit (CLSK) at the platoon level. 


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CRSAFP gets a new commander

May 26, 2014, 10:48 pm
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Brigadier General Romeo Gan receives the command flag from Lt General Virgilio Domingo, the TDCS, as outgoing commander, BGen Rolando Jungco looks on. (Photo by Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc)


CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City- A seasoned civil-military operations officer has assumed command of the AFP's Civil Relations Service during a simple turn over of command ceremony held here at 9:00am today.

Brigadier General Romeo Gan, 53, received the command flag from Lt Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the Deputy Chief of Staff. He is a member of PMA Class of 1983 where the Army chief, Lt Gen Hernando DCA Irriberri belongs.

Gan replaced Brigadier General Rolando Jungco who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56.  He had served in the same unit for ten years in various staff and command positions. 

In his acceptance speech, Gan vowed to pursue the plans and programs initiated by Jungco. He also proclaimed the CRS headquarters as a 'No smoking zone'. 

A paint artist and a peace advocate, Jungco is credited for the completion of the 'longest peace mural in the world' that can be found along the walls of Camp Aguinaldo.

"After my vacation, I will continue participating in various Bayanihan activities as a civilian and probably, as a military reservist. I will find more walls where I can paint peace murals like what we have in Camp Aguinaldo," he said. 

A member of PMA Class of 1982, Jungco thanked his subordinates, peace partners and family members for the support given him during his 16-month stint as CRS commander.

"I want to thank you all who supported me. I and my wife can now dedicate our lives for our 'apostolic duties'," he said. 

"Actually, what I meant is that we will take care of our apos (grandchildren) full time during my retirement," he said in jest.



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Army soldiers kill 2 NPA bandits in Samar island

May 27, 2014, 10:30 pm
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In this file photo, a military chopper conducts aerial reconnaissance over Samar island which was also badly hit by supertyphoon Yolanda (intl name: Haiyan) in November 2013. A small group of NPA bandits are still challenging the peace and security of the province despite the government's call for peaceful resolution to the four decades-long armed conflict. (Photo by Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc)


MATUGUINAO, SAMAR-  Two members of the NPA bandit group were killed in a clash with an Army patrol in an upland village of Mahayag here late afternoon on Monday, May 26.

Lt. Col. Glen Calambuhay, the Commanding Officer of the 43rd Infantry Battalion, said that a platoon-size of his troops were conducting security operations in the hinterlands of this town when they were fired upon by unspecified number of bandits at around 5:30pm. 

"My soldiers engaged the NPA bandits who were hiding in the bushes.  My unit's effective delivery of accurate fires caused the bandits to retreat in disarray, leaving behind two dead comrades and three high-powered firearms," said Calambuhay, a member of PMA 'Sambisig' Class of 1991.

The soldiers who scoured the encounter site confiscated three long firearms which were left behind by the fleeing bandits. The firearms haul include one Cal. 56mm M16 Rifle, one Cal 5.56mm M653 and one 40mm M203 Grenade Launcher.

No one was hurt among the operating elements who figured in the clash.

Major General Jet Velarmino, the Commander of the 8th Infantry Division lauded the unit for its latest accomplishment. 

However, he expressed his sympathy to the families and relatives of the NPA rebels who were killed. 

“It is very tragic that they have taken arms against the Filipino nation when only through peace can development and social justice be attained.” 

While some of the troops are conducting security patrols in bandit-infested hinterland villages, another group of soldiers are supporting the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts of the government. 

Both of the Army's 801st and 802nd Brigade are collaborating with stakeholders in implementing community projects including the 'Bangka ng Buhay, Bunga ng Bayanihan' project that is funded by Metrobank Foundation Incorporated. 
This aerial photo shows the San Juanico Bridge that links the island provinces of Leyte and Samar. Both provinces are under the jurisdiction of the Army's 8th Infantry Division. (Photo by lt Col Harold M Cabunoc)


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Don't mess with a Scout Ranger!

June 19, 2014, 12:53 am
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Usong-uso ngayon ang nanloloko sa cellphone. Tingnan mo ang kanilang istilo. Kanina lang ay may nag-attempt na ako ay isahan. Kung sinunod ko yon eh di nagpasa-load ako ng P500 sa kanya! Ano sya, hilo? 

Of course, hindi nya alam na ako ay Musang. Tingnan nyo ang aming talakayan. Globe Alert pala ha? 



Syempre, ako ay inosente rin. Hello! Bisdak ito Dong! Ako pa! 

Me clue na akong ibinigay na may frend na Musang, ang  kaso eh di pa nakahalata. Nagbago ng phone number para isahan ako.



Tingnan nyo, nagpalit sya ng number at itinuloy ang maitim na balak na ako ay lokohin.

Pinagbigyan ko sya at pinatawag sa aking "landline number". Hmmm. 

Ang resulta? Djaraaaaaaaaaan!

Hindi ko mailagay ang pagmumura na ginawa nya. Alamin nyo kung bakit. 

To know why, call that number!

Ranger ini! 

Sino niloloko mo tsong?



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Following Gen Pershing's footsteps: My adventures in Bud Bagsak (Leadership Experience Part 23)

June 24, 2014, 4:04 am
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Kuha ang larawan sa tuktok ng Hill 509 na katabi ng Dua Bayhu at Bud Bagsak. Nasa aming likuran ang Mt Munggit, at sa bandang kaliwa naman dito ang Mt Tunggul at ang karugtong nitong Mt Gasam. Bitbit ko ang aking mga lucky charms na Barong at Pispis sa mga panahong ako naman ang nakipaglaban sa lugar na ito na pinamumugaran ng mga Abu Sayyaf na mga alipores ni Radulan Sahiron a.k.a. Commander Putol. (10SRC Photo)

Nasa assembly area kami sa Bgy Tiptipon na sakop ng Panglima Estino nang matanggap ko ang Warning Order tungkol sa combat operations sa kagubatan na sakop ng Patikul. 

Mula sa bahay ng aking bagong kaibigan na si Gasman, nakikita ko sa gawing timog ang mataas na bundok na natatabunan pa ng kagubatan. 

"Iyan ang tinatawag naming Bud Bagsak. Mga kaaway ng mga pamilya namin ang mga taong nakatira sa gawi dyan," sabi ni Gasman na sya ring Barangay Captain sa kanyang lugar. 

Pamilyar sa aking pandinig ang tinatawag na Bud Bagsak (Mt Bagsak). Mahilig akong maghalukay ng mga nakasulat sa kasaysayan lalo na kapag ito ay may kaugnayan sa militar at sa bansang Pilipinas. 

Noong June 1913, ito ang lugar na kung saan ay nakipaglaban hanggang sa huling hininga ang mga mandirigmang Tausug na pinamunuan ng magiting na si Datu Amil  sa mga sundalong Amerikano at mga Moro Scouts (Maguindanao at Maranao) na pinamunuan ni General John Pershing. 

Humigit kumulang na 500 na bata at mga babae ang kasama sa nasawi sa labanan dito bago nagapi ng tropa ng Amerikano ang mga Tausug sa humigit kumulang na apat na araw na pakikipaglaban. 

Parang kinikilabutan ako pag pumasok sa aking isipan ang sangkatutak na mga biktima ng karahasan sa labanan na iyon. Isa rin iyon sa dahilan kung bakit bukam-bibig ng mga mandirigmang Tausug ang Bud Bagsak. Merong iilan sa mga pamilya dito ang nagdadala ng kanilang mga sanggol sa tuktok nito para mag-alay ng panalangin bilang tradisyon. Ganoon kalaki ang pagrespeto nila sa makasaysayang lugar na ito. Para sa akin, ganon din ang respeto ko sa mga mandirigmang nalagas dito kagaya ni Datu Amil na kasamang nasawi nang tuluyang natalo sa labanan ang kanyang grupo. 

Hindi naman sa ni-nerbiyos ako ngunit kakaiba ang pakiramdam ko sa bago kong area of operations (AO). Hindi naman sa takot ako sa kagaya ni Radulan Sahiron ngunit hindi mawala ang pagrespeto ko sa kagalingan nya. Just imagine, kay dami na ng dinaanan nyang labanan, naka-survive pa rin sya! Lintik sya sa dulas at tila ay may agimat. Homegrown fighter sya kumbaga. Kahit pikitan nila, alam nila kung saan sumuot kung may sundalong lumusob sa lugar. 

Isang matinding challenge ang pumasok sa teritoryo nya. Dapat ay kasing tuso rin namin sya. Dapat maisip namin ano ang kanyang diskarte. Di ko alam ano ang kanyang hitsura dahil malabo yong picture na ipinakita sa amin sa Brigade Headquarters sa Busbus. 

"Basta, iisa lang kamay nyan. Matanda na yan at laging nakasakay sa kabayo. Humigit kumulang sa 50 ang mga kasamahan nya dyan sa lugar na iyan," sabi ng isang intel guy na nag-brief sa amin.

Actually, malabo pa sa maitim na alkitran ang impormasyon na ibinigay sa akin. Walang klaro sa tinatawag na Commander's Information Requirements (CIR). Kapag ganyang malabo ang available data, pinapairal namin ang diskarte ayon sa mga napag-aralan sa pakikidigma. Bottomline: Ang Rangers ay hunter at hindi ang syang nata-target ng kaaway. Biro nga ng mga patawa ngunit magigiting na old Rangers, "Mga hijo, sa pakikidigma, utak ang gamitin, huwag ut_n!". 

Sa nakikita ko, dalawa ang puntos ng tropa ni Radulan Sahiron kung ikumpara sa aking tauhang karamihan ay 'Baby Musangs' (Non-Rangers/SROC graduate). Una, ay ang battle experience. Ika nga ay may tahid na sila sa pakikipaglaban. Ang kagaya ni Radulan ay simula pa noong kapanahunan nya bilang MNLF fighter ay lumalaban na sya. Di na mabilang ang kanyang bakbakan na naranasan. Parang laro na lang sa kanya ang makipagbarilan. Pangalawa, lamang sila sa mastery of the terrain. Kahit walang mapa ay kaya nilang mag-navigate sa lugar. Kabisado nila ang bawat ambush site, water points at observation posts. Kung magpa-kaang-kaang ang sundalo, parang target paper lang silang binabaril. 

Samantala, hindi naman pahuhuli ang aking yunit. Ang aking Team Leaders ay mga batikan din sa bakbakan sa Surigao at sa Basilan. Namumuhunan ako sa combat leadership ng aking NCO-leaders at pati syempre sa aking sariling kakayahan na i-motivate silang ilaban. Then, maipagyayabang ko naman na nakakaangat kami sa basic soldiery skills. Inaral at ini-rehearse naming paulit-ulit ang kaalaman sa movement techniques/formations, tracking operations, survival techniques, patrol base operations at immediate action drills (IAD) kagaya ng scenario ng counter-ambush techniques. Marunong din kami sa observed fire procedures at close air support (CAS) operations kung ang mga ito ay kailangan sa panahon ng pitpitan. 

Karagdagan dyan, lamang din kami sa marksmanship skills. Ang common shooting skill level ng aking mga sundalo ay ang abilidad na makapagpatama sa layo na 250m. May pili akong mga sundalo na kayang magpatama ng head shot sa layo na 500 metro. Kaya rin ng aking tropa na makipagbarilan ng dikitan sa aming inaral na quick reaction fire. Higit sa lahat, kami ay may sweldo, free hospitalization at iba't-iba pang benepisyo na wala sa hanay ng mga bandido. 


Teka, meron din kaming isa pang kalamangan. Kami ang good guys na pinapanigan ng nag-iisang Diyos. Yes, parehas kami ng mga kaaway na nananalangin at humihingi ng gabay sa Diyos. Dahil pangkikidnap, rape at pamumugot ng ulo ng mga inosenteng biktima ang kanilang ginagawa, malamang si Satanas ang yayakap sa kanila. Doon, sigurado ay lamang kami. 

"Wag kayong matakot sa kanila. Nasa panig natin ang Poong Maykapal," paalala ko sa aking mga NCO nang kami ay nagtipon-tipon para sa aming mission planning. 

Napapansin ko kasi, seryoso na ang lahat tuwing itataya na naman namin ang aming buhay sa isang misyon. Andon na rin yong pagkadismaya ng iba kasi, di natupad ang sabi-sabing '2-week mission' lang kami sa Jolo!


Nababalitaan namin parati ang nakakarimarim na sinapit ng ibang sundalo sa mga katabing yunit na hindi pinalad sa mga bakbakan dahil sa samut-saring dahilan. 

Batid ko na ang dahilan ng pagkalagas ng buhay ng ibang sundalo ay ang pagkalimot o pagpapabaya sa combat SOPs. 

Kasama na doon sa violations ang Principle of Security sa Patrolling Missions na aming inaaaral.

"Tuwing may danger area (lugar na posibleng may kalaban), dapat manmanang mabuti ang paligid at maglatag parati ng overwatching elements."

Meron din akong matinding paalala sa kanila na huwag magpatalo sa nararamdamang pagod. 

"Kahit pagod at gutom na tayo, wag pabayaan ang ating security. Mas maganda na rin yong nakaramdam tayo ng pagod kasi ang ibig sabihin noon ay buhay tayo!"

"Sino sa inyo ang ayaw nang mapagod?"

Naka-smile ang iba at wala ni isang nagtaas ng kamay. Syempre naman. Patay lang yong di napapagod.

Dahil doon, tuwing sumusuong kami sa panganib kagaya ng low ground o creekline kailangang may nakabantay sa likuran. Palitan kami sa pagbabantay at pagtatyagaan na dumapa sa pwesto kahit mainit man o kaya may mga niknik o mga kung anu-anong insektong naninipsip ng dugo doon. 

Ang aking pagtahak sa Bud Bagsak

Madaling araw noon nang nilisan namin ang assembly area sa Tiptipon para sa tracking operations sa kagubatan ng Bud Bagsak. 

Madilim pa ang paligid nang kami ay nagsimulang maglakad at kinakailangang gamitan ng night vision goggles sa leading elements para mas maaninag ang paligid. 

Kapag sobrang madilim lalo na kapag masukal ang lugar, hinahawakan namin ang balikat ng nauna at may signal na kami kung kailangan ng short halt. 

Di naiiwasan minsang di magkakaintindihan kapag gumagamit ng local dialect yong iba sa pagpasa ng message. 

Sa isang pagkakataon, sinabi ng ungas kong tropa na Bisaya na "Pas da word,naay bangag!" (Pass the word, may butas!)

Syempre, di naintindihan ng Ilokano at panay bulong na "Anya? Ano? Bahag?"

Di kalaunan, lalong umingay ang movement kasi meron nang na-3 points sa butas. Pasok na pasok ang isang tropa at nakadamay pa ng isang nahawakan din nya sa uniporme. 

"Kinam!" 

"Apong!"

"Ay buang,nahulog sa butas si batching!"

Parang natatawa akong naiinis sa nangyari. Kailangan kong kontrolin ang sitwasyon kaya nilapitan ko sila pati yong mga usyosero na lumapit. 

"Mga boloy, recover! Hanggang bewang lang yan eh!"

Napurnada ang aming tactical movement. 

Me nabagsak sa Bud Bagsak!

(Ipagpatuloy)





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10 factors that Coup d'etat stories in the Armed Forces of the Philippines are not true

July 31, 2014, 6:12 pm
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Bilang isa sa nakaranas sa tunay na buhay mandirigma na nakikidigma sa mga kaaway ng estado, mas pipiliin kong maging parte ng solusyon kasi magdagdag problema sa ating bansa. Panaginip din naming mga sundalo na matapos na ang patayan ng kapwa Pilipino at umunlad nang tuluyan ang Pilipinas. (10SRC Photo)


Napakarami na namang nailathalang istorya tungkol sa kudeta at marapatin kong ipamahagi ang mga factors na maging basehan na ang mga iyon ay hindi makatotohanan:

1. Dalang-dala na ang mga sundalo sa pagsasama sa aktwal na kudeta o sa mga tangka na pataubin ang gobyerno. Hindi mabilang ang nasira ang buhay dahil sa kasasali dito. Ang pinakamasama ay yong namamatay sa madugong kudeta na walang benepisyong natatanggap. Merong nagkakahiwalay ang mag-asawa at nabulabog ang buong pamilya. May isa akong kasama sa Basilan na naging tigabantay na lang ng palaisdaan. May isang Scout Ranger na nag-uuling sa Northern Luzon. Ang iilan sa mga iyon ay naglapit sa akin para magpahanap ng trabaho. Ang pinakamadali nilang mapasukan ay pagiging gwardya. Dating astig na sundalo, naging Security Guard na lang dahil sa kudeta. Dahil nakakausap ko sila at kakilala ko ang pamilya nila, lalong naaawa ako sa kanila. Mapapait ang karanasan ng mga sumali sa mga nakaraang kudeta. Bakit kami magkudeta?

2. Napakarami na ang naisulong na modernisasyon sa AFP na syang nag-angat sa morale ng mga sundalo. Halimbawa, noong ako ay tenyente, wala kaming Combat Life Saver (CLS) Kit. Tinatalian lang namin ng pinunit na damit na may dahon ng bayabas ang sugat ng kasamang natatamaan sa mga bakbakan. Ngayon ay may squad level CLS kit na, may individual issue pa. Kung dati ay pinaglumaang M14 Rifle at M16 Rifle, at may mga M203 40mm ammos na ayaw pumutok ang ginagamit, ngayon ay may mga M4 Carbine Rifles, K3 SAW na. Maliban doon, dahan-dahang bumabalik ang tikas ng Air Force at Navy sa mga bagong kagamitang pakikidigma na nabili. Hindi ko na banggitin ang marami pang ibang aspeto ng modernisasyon at nasisigurado ko ay, 'better than before!'. Mas kampante kasi ang mga sundalo na magtaya ng buhay sa pagsagawa ng misyon kung batid nya na lamang sila sa teknolohiya, kaalaman at sa support systems na naidudulot ng modernization program. Bakit kami magkudeta?

3. Sa kasalukuyang administrasyon, tumaas ang aming sweldo. Dahil dito, kaya na naming matustusan ang pangangailangan ng aming pamilya. Sa totoo lang, kung iwasan lang ang bisyo at planuhin ng mabuti ang pamilya, ang sweldo ng sundalo ay pwede nang pang-sustain sa pamilya. Of course, dagdag na diskarte ng sundalo ang pag-invest, pag-negosyo at pag-aral ng Financial Literacy 101. Di ba't di pa rin magkasya yan kung asal milyonaryo kami? Kahit may nagsabing kulang pa ang aming sweldo, batid naming may magagawa rin kaming paraan para pagkasyahin ito. Bakit kami magkudeta?

4. Nadagdagan ang programang pabahay para sa mga sundalo. Maliban sa on-base housing ng AFP, meron din ang kasalukuyang pamahalaan na programa ng off-base housing na wala noong unang panahon. Napakarami na ng mga sundalo ang nakinabang sa pabahay na ito ng kasalukuyang administrasyon. Batid namin na hindi pa ito tapos at patuloy na isinusulong ng gobyerno para sa kapulisan at kasundaluhan. Bakit kami magkudeta?

5. Wala kaming kinalaman sa away pulitika. Naiinis at nahihimatay man kami sa nakakarimarim na kwentong kurapsyon na nagpapahirap sa bayan, batid namin, lalo na ng mga opisyal na hindi dapat kami makikisawsaw dito bilang mga sundalo. Batid namin ang kahihinatnan kung ang armadong grupo kagaya ng sundalo ay nangingialam sa mga bagay na para lamang sa mga politicians. Batid namin na bilang propesyonal na sundalo ay ang pagsulong pa ng reporma sa AFP, pagsagawa ng aming constitutional mandates ang dapat naming pagkaabalahan. Kung may nagtutunggaliang mga pulitiko, wala kaming pakialam sa away nila. Bakit kami magkudeta?

6. Mas dumadami ang mamamayang nagtitiwala at nakikiisa sa mga sundalo. Matagal din ang masamang epekto ng martial law na kung saan ay marami ang nasaktang mga Pilipino. Kung dati ay nagtatago, nanginginig ang ibang taumbayan lalo na sa mga liblib na lugar tuwing makakakita ng sundalo, ngayon ay hindi na. Nakakataas ng morale ang makasalamuha ang taumbayan na nag-appreciate sa serbisyo ng sundalo. Bakit kami magkudeta?

7. Nakikita rin namin ang pag-unlad ng ekonomiya. Nakamit ng Pilipinas ang pinakamataas sa kasaysayan na credit rating upgrade na kung saan ang Standard & Poor ang nagbigay sa ating bansa ng Investment Grade status. High-fallutin' (at di maintindihan) man yon para sa karamihan, nakikiisa rin kami sa mas nakararaming taumbayan na gustong umunlad ang ating bansa. Gusto rin naming magdagsaan dito ang mga investors, dadami ang income opportunities at mabawasan ang naghihirap na Pilipino. Gusto rin namin na magsipagbalikan na ang mga OFWs sa panahong andito rin lang sa Pilipinas ang hinahanap nilang kaginhawaan sa buhay para sa kanilang pamilya. Dagdag pa doon, di ba't isa ring dahilan ang kahirapan kung bakit may nauto ng CPP-NPA-NDF na sumapi sa armadong pakikibaka? So, mga kapatid, kung umuunlad ang ating ekonomiya, bakit kami magkudeta? (Para palayasin natin ang mga foreign investors at mga turista at malugmok ang ang ating bansa?)

8. Ayaw namin ng karahasan lalo na sa kapwa Pilipino. Di ba't lagi naming isinusulong ang peaceful resolution of armed conflicts? Fully committed kami sa peace process na isinusulong ng gobyerno dahil batid naming walang magandang naidulot ang patayan ng kapwa Pilipino sa labanan ng kasundaluhan at ng secessionist groups sa Mindanao at maging sa mga miyembro ng bandidong NPA. Kung ayaw namin ng patayan bilang solusyon sa problema, bakit kami magkudeta?

9. Hindi kami susunod sa pang-uudyok at panghihikayat ng mga retiradong opisyal. Sa totoo lang, wala ni isang kwento o ugong na naririnig na may nanghihikayat, nambobola at nang-uudyok na mga retired o kaya former military personnel para kami ay mag-alsa. Kung meron man, ano sila hilo? Halimbawa, ang mga nadadawit sa pangalan sa kasalukuyang rumors ay mga senior officers ng AFP na dati ay nagkukumahog na pigilan ang mga kudeta. I don't think na sila na ngayon ay magsasabing, 'Magkudeta na nga kayo ngayon!". Naniniwala kaming active military personnel na hindi babaliktarin ng mga nirerespeto naming mga retired senior officers ang kanilang pinagsasabi noong araw laban sa kudeta, at yong matindi nilang paalala na lagi kaming mag-observe ng Chain of Command. Maliban pa doon, pinakikinggan ng aming mga pinuno ang aming mga feedbacks. Bakit kami magkudeta? Sar-com (Sariling command) ba kami?

10. Alam namin na pag may magkukudeta, magkakasakitan ang kapwa sundalo. Kung mangyari uli ang kaganapan noong 1989 na nagbabarilan ang kapwa sundalo, magpapalakpakan ang tunay na kalaban ng sambayanang Pilipino: Ang nang-aagaw ng teritoryo natin sa West Philippine Sea at ang mga bandidong NPA na ang tunay na gusto ay ang mga bossing nilang nasa pulitika ang maghahari sa ating bansa. Bakit kami magkudeta?



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Three important things to prepare after passing the PMA Entrance Exam

August 2, 2014, 9:59 pm
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PMA applicants line up for the series of physical and medical examinations (PME) at the AFP Medical Center in V-Luna Road, Quezon City. They were the lucky examinees who passed the PMAEE about 3 months before the scheduled PME. (PMA photo)


Mahirap at napaka-competitive ang PMA Entrance Examinations (PMAEE) na syang pinakaunang pintuan sa pagpasok sa numero unong leadership school sa ating bansa, ang Philippine Military Academy.

More or less 10,000 kaming applicants sa buong bansa na kumuha ng PMAEE noong August 1989. Isa ako sa kumuha ng exam sa Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City. 

Sa numerong iyon, nasa isang libo naman ang pasado at pinadalhan ng telegrama para mag-undergo sa susunod na serye ng physical and medical examinations sa AFP Medical Center.

Nasa 350 naman ang quota ng kinukuha na kadete para bumuo sa PMA Class of 1994, kaya mahigpit uli ang labanan pagdating sa AFPMC. 

Para sa akin, dapat ding paghandaan ang Physical & Medical Exams (PME). Syempre, kung ikaw ay handa, mas mataas ang iyong tsansa na mapabilang sa pinag-aagawang quota. 

Sa mga malilikot ang isip,  ito ang tunay na palakasan. Kung ikaw ang nangunguna sa physical at mental abilities, mas priority ka. 

Ipamahagi ko sa inyong mga aplikante ang practical tips sa paghahanda para sa PME:

1. Live a healthy lifestyle. Common sense ano? Well, na-prove ko na yan na palaging uncommon ang dapat ay 'Common Sense'. Ano ang ibig kong sabihin? Drum rolls please. Djaraaaaan! Mag-ehersisyo at mag-diet ka! Una, i-develop ang cardiovascular strength sa pamamagitan ng tamang timpla ng pag-gym at pagtakbo at maging pag-swimming. Remember, dapat mong ipasa ang Physical Fitness Test (PFT). Kung gusto mong malagay sa priority, i-piso (100%) mo yong lahat ng events (running, push-up, sit-up)! Pangalawa, iwanan ang sigarilyo at alak, at lalo na kung tumitikim ka ng droga! Kumain ng masustansyang pagkain. Think of malunggay, isda at prutas. Boloy, kung payatot ka at lampa-lampang hinihingal sa konting lakaran, wag ka nang mag-sayang ng oras na mag-PME sa V-Luna!

2. Be proactive sa health condition.  Kung me extra pera ka na rin lang, magpa-physical exam ka na sa isang pribadong ospital para makita kung may deperensya ka sa katawan. Una, kung treatable ang deperensya, may time ka pang ayusin di ba? Ang halimbawa dito ay ang luslos (Varicocele) at enlarged tonsil na pwede pang i-correct. Kung hindi naman treatable o kaya kailangan muna itong ipahinga ayon sa doctor, dapat ay hindi ka na mag-aksaya ng panahon na pumunta sa Manila para sa PME.  Ang halimbawa rito ay cancer (Dios Mio!), color blindness, o kaya ay sincere disalignment of bones. Ganito kasi yon, kung doon sa AFPMC makikita ang deperensya, tigok ka na lalo na kung makumpleto naman ang quota sa mga aplikanteng perfect ang mental at physical condition!

3. Mental preparation. Isa rin sa mahirap na dinaranas at nakakatigok na portion ng PME ay ang Neuro-psychiatric (NP) tests. Ang haba ng written exams at makulit na pabalik-balik ang mga tanong. Makikita rito ang consistency at kung logical ang iyong kasagutan. Ito yong kahalintulad sa mga sumusunod na tanong at Tagalugin ko na lang. 

    a. May nakikita akong mga bagay na hindi nakikita ng iba. __Yes  __ No.

        b. Naniniwala ako sa mga maligno at engkanto. __Yes  __No.

      c. Pakiramdam ko ay isa akong babae na ikinulong sa katawan ng lalaki. __Yes __No. 

       d. Kapag ako ay galit, sinasampal ko ang sarili kong mukha. __Yes __No.  

Weird ba mga ehemplo ko? Basta tandaan mo, kung ano isagot mo dyan, dapat consistent sa isagot mo sa interview. Sa Q&A portion, wag nerbyoso, mga tao lang din yang mga kausap mo. Minsan, sinusubukan ka pa kung tunay kang lalaki. Halimbawa, isang sexy na Psychologist ang kausap ko noon. Naka-de kwatro sa harap ko at halos lumabas na kaluluwa nya. Parang nanunuyo lalamunan ko at tipong nawawala ang concentration ko. 

Malagkit syang makatingin at ako ay tinanong.

"Sa observations mo ngayon. Ano pakiramdam mo?" 

"Mainit po Maam." 

Lalong nanadya at naka-smile pang hilaw kagaya ni Rosanna Roces.

"At bakit ka naiinitan?"

Simple lang ang sagot ko at base rin naman sa katotohanan.

"Eh kasi naman Maam, ang init ng sikat ng araw at wala tayong aircon!"

Boom panes si Maam Psychologist! Anyway, pumasa ako di ba? Kasi, na-justify ko bakit ako 'nainitan'. Ikaw talaga Maam!

In short, naipasa ko lahat ng pagsubok sa AFPMC at pinalad na mapabilang sa pinaka-astig na PMA "Bantay-laya" Class of 1994.

So, para pumasa ka rin at mapabilang sa kukuhaning kadete, tandaan ang aking mga practical tips kung may time ka!






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5 interesting facts that you do not know about the Philippine Army Scout Rangers

August 9, 2014, 12:20 am
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You might have heard a lot about the Philippine Scout Rangers but here are interesting facts that you might want to know.

1. Let's start with the name Scout Ranger. It was the Father of the Scout Rangers, then 1st Lt. Rafael Ileto, who coined the name based on the two US military units that he served and worked with during World War II, the famed Alamo Scouts of the 6th US Army and the 6th Ranger Battalion which liberated over 500 prisoners of war from a Japanese concentration camp in Pangatian, Nueva Ecija.

The liberated POWs from Pangatian concentration camp in Cabanatuan City. (Photo is obtained by the author)


2. The first training ground for the Scout Rangers was in Fort McKinley (Fort Andres Bonifacio). A marker that was erected in 1950s still stand at the former home of the Scout Ranger Training Unit (SRTU), which is the current location of the Army Support Command (ASCOM).

In this photo taken by Rappler, you can find the marker where the original home of the Scout Rangers used to be located. The photo was taken during fire incident that gutted the EOD Battalion headquarters building in May 2014.  


3. The Scout Ranger mascot is the Black Panther (Panthera Pardus) that can be found in Africa and some parts of Asia. Through the years, Scout Rangers have also identified themselves with the Philippine Civet cat  (Vivera Tangalung) which is locally known as "Musang". Perhaps, due to the fact that Musang is the closest relative of the Black Panther, our forefathers (and many of the current Scout Rangers) have interchanged the identities of these two distinct animals. In the past, Scout Rangers used to wear the Black Suit with the famous Black Panther unit patch. 

 Two species of the Civet cat that can be found in the Philippines. This animal is more famous as a coffee eater (hello, Civet cat 'shit' coffee drinkers) than being predators.  (Photo is obtained by the author)


The Black Panther is much more fearsome than the Civet cat in the animal world as this photo suggests. Scout Rangers identify themselves with the Black Panther which is known for its stealth, cunning and superb hunting skills. (Photo is obtained by the author)

The 'Musang Patch' that we wear on our shoulder bears the image of the Black Panther and not the Civet Cat.

4. Why the ceremonial outfit was changed from Black Panther Suit to Scout Ranger Distinctive Uniform (SRDU). It was sometime in 2010 when the FSRR changed the traditional Musang uniform from the Black Suit to the digital pattern SRDU. Let me cite some of the reasons:

  • Other military units and even some PNP units have started using the Black Panther Suit (and even the Black Beret). It was aggravated by the fact that Security Guards and the members of the MILF started using this outfit too. There were instances in the past that lousy looking soldiers (from other units) and armed lawless elements were mistaken as Scout Rangers.
  • The Black Suit is not supposedly used for combat patrols as this violates the basic principles of camouflage and concealment that Scout Rangers are trained for (see photo of Scout Rangers on patrol). Contrary to popular belief that black is the best night camouflage (even among 'old Rangers', the olive drab color is found to be the best outfit for night operations. You better try using a night vision goggle to appreciate.


This is my favorite pet, the 'Musang' which used to guard the Scout Ranger Training School in Camp Capinpin, Tanay Rizal. Our Musang was relocated at the present home of the SRTS in Camp Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan when both SRTS and the First Scout Ranger Regiment were transferred to this new location in 1996. I am wearing the new Scout Ranger Distinctive Uniform which replaces the old Black Panther suit (Black Suit) that was popularized by the Scout Rangers led by then Major Gabriel Ledesma in Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan and Sulu. 

The latest version of the Black Panther, the new fave spot for selfie addicts who visit the Scout Ranger Training School.


5. Five years after the establishment of the First Scout Ranger Regiment, the unit produced its first national hero in the person of Cpl Weenee Martillana who was awarded the Medal for Valor for his combat actions against the Huk rebels. Here is the description of his combat exploits:

"Master Sergeant Camacho together with CORPORAL MARTILLANA, posed as civilians and befriended Eddie Villapando, notorious Huk Commander who terrorized Cavite and Batangas for many years. These enlisted men, after establishing contact with Villapando in September, 1955, skilfully managed to win the confidence of Villapando and his bodyguards. On or about 2200H, December, the opportunity to bring success to their project came when Villapando, Commander Guevarra, two (2) Huk bodyguards, Master Sergeant Camacho and CORPORAL MARTILLANA were riding in a jeep. MASTER SERGEANT CAMACHO, while driving the jeep, stopped at Barrio Tabon, Calauan, Laguna on the pretense that the jeep needed some oil. He got out of the vehicle to pour oil on the engine, while Corporal Martillana followed presumably to help him. At a pre-arranged signal they immediately opened fire on the Huks instantly killing Commander Guevarra and one Huk bodyguard. However, one of the Huks managed to shoot back, hitting and killing Master Sergeant Camacho".


To know more about what we do and how we are trained, follow this link:

                             Special Forces: Philippine Army Scout Rangers (Discovery Channel)


                                             Lone Target by Ex-Navy Seals Chris Lambert



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6 Philippine military-inspired menu that you do not know

August 10, 2014, 7:15 am
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Marami ang namamangha paano pinagkakasya ng mga sundalo ang kanilang subsistence allowance na mas kilala bilang S. A. (Subsistence Allowance). 

Kung susumahin namin kasi, kahit sinong genius sa Math ang mag-kwenta ay hindi ito magkasya kung ihambing ito sa kasalukuyang presyohan ng mga bilihin. 

Just imagine, ang daily meal allowance naming mga sundalo ay nagkakahalaga lamang ng P90.00 o P30.00 bawat kainan. 

Kung pupunta ka nga naman kahit sa mumurahing restaurant, alaws na atang makitang pagkain na ang halaga ay P30.00. Baka ganito oorderin mo:

"Isang cup na kanin po,  ulo ng payat na galunggong, libreng sabaw at dalawang kutsarang ketchup please!"

Anyway, para sa mga sundalo, may diskarte kami para mapagkasya iyang aming kapiranggot na mess. Di kami nagrereklamo hangga't kaya naman talaga. Don't say "Huh???". Yes, mapagkasya namin. Ito ay dahil sa tinatawag na consolidated messing na kung saan ay si Mess Sergeant ang dumidiskarte paano makamura sa pagbili ng mga pagkain sa mga suking tindahan at paano naman nya ito paghati-hatiin sa buong 'sambayanan'.

Dahil sa katitipid namin sa aming mess, merong mga kakaibang menu na halos kami lang din nakakaalam ano yon. Read more.

1. Onse (11). Ano yon? Kapag sinabing Numero Onse o Eleven ang ulam, iyon ay isang kapirasong hot dog na may kapares na isang pirasong tuyo. Kitams? 

2. Diyes (10). Bago yan ah. Yes, iyan yong kahalintulad ng isang tuyo at isang pirasong hard-boiled egg. Ipagtabi mo. Kitams? Dies!

3. O-Tin. Hoy, wag green-minded! Ito yong Odong bilang soup at partner ay isang payat na Tinapa. Ipagsama mo ang first syllables ng dalawang ulam, iyon na! Pang breakfast kalimitan ang O-Tin.

4. Pantakbo. Ang labo ba? Ito yong tawag sa ulam na manok kahit ano man ang luto nito. Kapag manok daw kasi ang paulam ni Sarge, malayo ang liliparin! Kung nasa training, malamang 20 kilometro ang abutin sa jogging. Samantala, kung nasa field duty ay malamang merong 2-week long patrol. Kapag manok ang ulam, nagdududa na agad ang mga tropa sa plano ni C.O.

5. Bicol Express. Generic term ito sa mga ginataan ni Sarge kagaya ng langka at kalabasa. Binubudburan nya ito ng siling labuyo para molten lava ng Mt. Mayon ang init na maramdaman. Masiram? No, maharang! 

6. Pa-tsam. Ito yong kung anu-anong hitsurang dahon na napupulot ng mga Ilokanong sundalo sa gubat at nilalagyan ng sardinas at sinasabawan. Minsan pako, gabi, alukbati at marami pang ibang tila ay pagkain ng alagang hayop. Masarap din at napakagaan sa bulsa! Savings din sa Mess yong Pa-tsam na menu di ba?

(Note: Yong savings namin sa Mess, hidden secret namin iyon sa aming mga misis!)



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Ang pagkahuli ng armadong UP students sa Nueva Ecija

August 11, 2014, 8:44 pm
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Muli, meron na namang mga kabataan ang nagpauto sa CPP-NPA-NDF na umanib sa armadong grupo. Dalawa sa kanila ay naaresto ng pinagsanib na pwersa ng PNP at Army na nag-serve ng warrant of arrest para sungkitin ang tigasin na bandidong si Ely Taray a.k.a. Omeng, noong August 9, 2014 sa Caranglan, Nueva Ecija. 

Madulas pa sa palos na naglahong parang bula si Taray ngunit naabutan namin ang dalawang kabataan sina Gerald Salonga, 24, at si Guiller Cadano, 22,  na may bitbit na mga armas at granada. 

Sina Cadano at Salonga ay pawang UP graduates na sumanib sa Kabataan at Anakbayan party-list group, mga kilalang kaalyado ng CPP-NPA-NDF. 

Nasamsam mula sa mga akusado ang dalawang 9mm pistol, dalawang MK2 fragmentation grenade at mga dokumentong naglalaman ng mga aral ng komunistang grupo.

Hindi pa naman makumpirma kung sumampa na ang dalawang dalawang aktibista sa armadong grupo ngunit isang paglabag sa batas ang pagbibitbit ng armas ng kahit sinong mamamayan ng Pilipinas. Batid din namin na napakaraming nanggaling sa mga legal organizations kagaya ng LFS at Anakbayan na sumampa sa armadong grupo. Maglolokohan pa ba tayo dyan?

Walang kinalaman ang kanilang pagiging UP graduate o pagiging miyembro ng Kabataan o Anakbayan ang kanilang pagkahuli. Dahil wala silang maiprisintang kaukulang papeles sa mga armas na dala, sila ay arestado. 

Sa ngayon, sila ay considered innocent at bigyan ng karapatan na kumuha ng abogado upang ipagtanggol ang sarili sa kinakaharap na kasong illegal possession of firearms and explosives. 

AFP, inireklamo

Nang mapag-alaman ang pagka-aresto ng dalawang kabataan, agad na nag-iingay ang kanilang mga kaalyado at mga kaibigan dahil diumano sa alegasyong 'abduction' ang ginawa ng mga sundalo. 

Kasama sa nagrereklamo ay ang KARAPATAN-Nueva Ecija na nag-aakusa ng pang-aabuso sa hanay ng mga sundalo at kapulisan. 

Ano ba namang 'abduction' yan na gagamitan pa ng warrant of arrest at i-coordinate pa sa mga lokal na opisyal ng barangay? Mulat na rin sa katotohanan ang mga kasundaluhan na dapat nilang tumalima sa mga alituntunin sa batas kasama na ang karapatang pantao at mga probisyon ng international humanitarian law na isinusulong sa IPSP Bayanihan. 

Ang nakapagtataka lang sa mga reklamador na ito, hindi nila ipinagkakanulo ang mga bandidong NPA na tuloy-tuloy ang pangongotong, panlilinlang ng kabataan at panglilikida ng mga pinaghihinalaang military informants at maging kasamahang pinagdududahan, sa kanilang layuning isulong ang armadong pakikibaka. Iyong nagtapon ng granada sa Paquibato District na ikinasugat sa mga paslit, inireklamo ba ng KARAPATAN o kahit sino sa mga iyan? Wala, as in tikom ang bibig! 

Hindi rin naman kami bulag sa AFP at PNP sa katotohanang ginagamit ang mga lehitimong isyu kagaya ng kurapsyon at kahirapan para mahikayat ang mga kabataan na sumanib sa kanila. Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit may mga magulang na nagugulantang na lang dahil ang pinag-aaral na anak ay namumundok na pala at marami sa mga ito ay nasawi sa mga bakbakan. 

Pakinggan nyo ang You Tube video ni Jelyn Dayong,  isang menor de edad na pinasampa ng mga bandido sa armadong kilusan:



Isa lang si Dayong sa marami pang mga kabataang naloko ng CPP-NPA-NDF para sumanib sa armadong kilusan. Malaki ang pasalamat nya na sya ay nabigyan ng pagkakataon na magbagong buhay at makapagsilbi sa bayan.

Ito ang challenge sa aming mga sundalo at pulis na naaatasan na sugpuin ang mga kriminal na armadong miyembro ng CPP-NPA-NDF. Kung mahuli sila, sasabihin nilang 'ordinaryong sibilyan' sila at lalo nang "UP alumni" lamang sila. Sa tagal ng pakikidigma namin sa mga bandido, sanay na rin kami sa pagpapalusot na ginagawa nila, at kaya naman ay sinisigurado naming nasa lehitimong proseso ang aming ginagawa. Siguro, kapag namamaril na sila at pasabugan ng landmine ng sundalo at pulis, doon lang sila maghayag na mga bandidong NPA nga sila. I-Youtube nyo pa!

Mga kapatid, sa husgado na lang kayo magpaliwanag! 





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