Tablea Tsokolate ni Pvt Boloy

Ang cacao ay isang puno na matatagpuan sa Mindanao na syang pinanggagalingan ng paboritong inuming tsokolate ng mga Bisaya. Pinaniniwalaang galing sa mga Aztecs sa Southern America ang mga buto nito na dinala ng mga dayuhang dumating sa ating bansa.

Kapag hinog na ang bunga nito ay kinukuha ang mga buto, pwede ring sipsipin muna dahil matamis ito. Pinapatuyo ito at ginigiling upang magiging 'tableya'.

Ito ang hitsura ng tableya pagkatapos itong gilingin at patuyuin. Ganito ang binebenta sa mga tindahan at ginagawang tsokolate sa mga 'painitan', ang tawag sa mga streetside vendors sa northern Mindanao na nagbebenta ng tsokolate.

Si Pvt Boloy na isang Kalinga ay dumating sa Cagayan de Oro lulan ng Navy ship dahil nalipat ang kanyang batalyon doon. Madaling araw nang sila ay nakarating sa may pier. Habang nag-aantay ng kanilang loading papunta sa kanilang assignment ay naisipan ni Pvt Boloy at dalawa pang mga kababayan galing Cordilleras na sina Pvt Dul-asen at si Pvt Bang-ngad na mag-kape sa gilid lang ng docksite.

Nakita nilang may pinagkakaguluhang 'kape' at suman na kung tawagin ay 'budbud'. "Manong, pa-order ng kape," sabi ni Boloy. "Doy, tablea lang meron dito. Ito ang kinakape dito sa aming painitan," sagot ng tindera. Dahil gutom, umorder na ang tatlong privates.

Binigyan silang tatlo ng tig-isang tasa ng tsokolate. Dahil malapot ang pagkatimpla, hindi ito umuusok kahit ubod ito ng init. Hindi ito alam ng mga 'highlander' na kagaya nina Boloy.

Habang nag-aantay sa pinapainit pang order nilang suman, nagbolahan sila habang nakahanda nang uminom ng kape.

Pvt Bang-ngad: Batching, dahil bago tayo sa serbisyo, galingan natin. Wag tayo umuwi kahit isang taon at magpakitang gilas tayo na magagaling tayong sundalo galing sa Cordilleras! Kahit tawagan pa ako ng kaanak ko, di talaga ako uuwi!

Pvt Dul-asen: Ako din Ching, di talaga ako uuwi kahit iyakan pa ako ng aking girlfriend!

Pvt Boloy: Lalo na ako. Dapat maging Best Enlisted Personnel ako after one year para mabilis ang promotion. Walang makakapagpauwi sa akin. No to homesickness!

Hawak ni Pvt Bang-ngad ang kanyang tasa ay nagyabang pang sabi bago lumagok: "Walang uwian!". Nilagok ang tsokolate. Napaso sya ngunit pinigil ang pag-hiyaw. Di nya napigilang tumulo ang luha. Tila ay nalapnos ang buong dila nya.

"Bakit ka lumuluha Ching?" tanong ni Pvt Dul-asen.

"Nalungkot ako, di ko mapigilang isipin ang girlfriend ko!", sinungaling na sagot ni Pvt Bang-ngad.

"Hmmmmm. Basta ako, panindigan ko sinabi ko. Lagukin ko nga tsokolate ko!", sabi ni Pvt Dul-asen.

Ganon din nangyari sa kanya. Parang umabot sa lalamunan nya ang pagkapaso sa napakainit na tsokolate. Pinigil din nya ang sumigaw sa init. Ngunit, tumulo luha at sipon nya.

"Anong nangyari sayo at umiiyak ka na?", sabay ang pagtanong ng dalawang kabigang si Pvt Boloy at si Pvt Bang-ngad.

"Na-mimiss ko ang aking mga parents Ching!", nagsisinungaling ding sagot ni Pvt Dul-asen. Gusto nyang madamay si Pvt Boloy sa sinapit.

"Basta ako, walang uwian at walang miss-miss na yan!", sabi ni Pvt Boloy at nilagok ang kanyang tsokolate. Sobra din pagkapaso nya. Umabot hangggang tiyan ang init. Nalapnos ata buong lalamunan at dila. Hagulhol ang ginawa nya. Maingay ang kanyang pagtatangis.

"Uy, ano nangyari sayo at para kang namatayan kung umiyak???!!!", sabi ng dalawang kaibigan.

"Naaawa ako sa inyong dalawa Ching! Hu hu hu!", humahagulhol syang nagpaliwanag. 

(Damuhong tsokolate to! Sabi nya sa sarili nya)

'Miracle Water' Flows in Mindanao's flooded communities

 The Aspen 5000 is now used by the Army engineers to provide safe drinking water for the affected communities in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro. It is loaned by the US military to the National Development Support Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City---Fresh water has finally flowed in the disaster-stricken villages of both cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan upon the installation of water purifying machines by the Army engineers yesterday. 

Hundreds of residents queued for their turn to get potable water from the said facility which was set up in order to help the communities whose water supply was cut after the pipelines and water sources were devastated by the raging floodwaters about a week ago.

1^st Lieutenant Dennis Martinez of the 52^nd Engineering Brigade led the soldiers who assisted the affected communities in Cagayan de Oro City.

“I have brought with me two water-purifiying machines were installed in Macasandig village. The ASPEN 5000 model can produce about 5,000 gallons of purified water while the ASPEN 2000 model can produce about 500 gallons in a day-long operation,” said Martinez. 

Another machine was also installed in Iligan City to serve the affected residents of Hinaplanon village.  

1^st Lieutenant Joshua Lim of the Army’s 51^st Engineering Brigade based in Quezon City led the soldiers who were sent to help the people in the area. His group is assisted by the soldiers of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

 

Soldiers belonging to the Army's 51st Engineering Brigade prepare the ASPEN 5000 purifying machine that will serve the drinking water requirements of Hinaplanon village in Iligan City. Hundreds of families benefited the said water service facility. (NADESCOM Photo)

‘Miracle water’

Initially, people were hesitant to drink the processed water which was taken from the murky waters of the river nearby. 

Watching closely during the purification process, they were amazed to see that a ‘miracle’ happens when the brownish-color water  turned into clear, safe drinking water.

To erase their doubts, the soldiers and the community leaders themselves led the ‘test-tasting’ of the crystal-clear water that was processed in the purifying machine.

Lidelia Mesina, 52, of Hinaplanon village in Iligan City came to see the water purifying machine. She is a chemist who had worked in the Middle East for many years.

“I have inspected the machine and personally tasted the water. It is quite the same taste as the commercially available purified drinking water which is quite expensive for poor villagers whose property and livelihood are lost in the floods,” said Mesina who lost both her parents and 3 young relatives in the floods. 

Her loved ones were trapped in their ancestral house which was engulfed by the surging waters that fateful night on December 16, 2011. She lost a total of 15 relatives.

“I am offering my ancestral house as a water distribution area for my fellow villagers. The same river which devastated my village is now the source of life for the people who also have no running electricity and no source of livelihood,” said Mesina, as tears welled in her eyes. 

She also thanked the soldiers for continuously helping the villagers starting from the first day of the flooding up to this day. 

“Your presence eases our pain and suffering. In my simple ways, I will help you out in your efforts here in our place,” she told Lt Lim who led the relief operations in her village.  

Lidelia Mesina, a chemist, assists te residents who queued for drinking water in a distribution area established by the soldiers in Hinaplanon village, Iligan City. NADESCOM chief Lt. Gen. Charlie Holganza looks on. (NADESCOM Photo)

Relief assistance continues to flow

The three ASPEN model purifying machines were loaned by the US Marine Forces Pacific which is working closely with the AFP’s National Development Support Command (NADESCOM) in its numerous development projects all over the country. 

The machine is run by electricity and it has a built-in rechargeable battery that can run for 3-hours. The soldiers are using power generators run by diesel fuel in areas where there electric power has not been restored like in Hinaplanon village.

As the Army engineers hop from one place to another with their purifying machines, relief goods continue to flow in the collection points inside military camps around the archipelago. 

A 22 vehicle convoy from the 10^th Infantry Division came to deliver relief items a few days ago. 

Separate deliveries were also made by the 9^th Infantry Division based in Bicol and the 8^th Infantry Division based in Samar.

The Army headquarters have also collected at least 500 tons of relief items. The initial deliveries were transported by the Navy ship to northern Mindanao three days ago.

Newly promoted Army Chief Lt Gen Emmanuel Bautista has commended the soldiers for their relentless efforts in the massive relief and rescue operations around the country. He has also expressed appreciation for the steady flow of relief assistance from various stakeholders.

“I am glad that the Bayanihan spirit of the Filipinos is alive. I  will ensure that the Army will continuously support  the local government and other local government agencies in their task to rebuild people’s lives in the disaster affected communities,” said Bautista.

Newly installed Army Chief Earns Third Star

The AFP Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Jessie Dellosa (left), dons the rank of newly promoted Army Chief Lt Gen Emmanuel Bautista during a simple ceremony held at the AFP's headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo yesterday, Dec 29. (Photo by Pfc Cesar Lopez)

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City- After a month of his incumbency as the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Major General Emmanuel Bautista received his third star in a simple donning of ranks held at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday, Dec 29.

Attended by senior officers in the AFP Headquarters, Lieutenant General Jessie Dellosa, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief, attached the new shoulder board on Bautista's general office attire (GOA) at around 10 am.

The simple ceremony was held in the main conference room of said headquarters.

With his latest promotion, Bautista, 53, earns the distinction as the youngest three-star general in the AFP. He is a member of the Philippine Military Class of 1981.

Majority of the officers who hold the rank of Lieutenant General belong to PMA Classes 1978 and 1979. 

Most of them are occupying leadership positions in the Area Commands of the AFP around the country.

Upon his return at the Army Headquarters, Bautista was accorded arrival honors attended by hundreds of Army soldiers.

Bautista’s promotion was based on the provisions of the Republic Act Nr 291. His promotion was effective on December 15, 2011 using as reference the letter from the Office of the President dated December 22, 2011.

A native of Gapan in Nueva Ecija, Bautista was designated as the Commander of the entire Philippine Army on November 9, 2011.

Lately, Major General Bautista has directed all Army soldiers to wear the Rules of Engagement card (ROE card) that bears the provisions reminding them on how to conduct themselves when confronting the enemies of the state.   

Bautista pushed for the strict observance of the military's Rules of Engagement and to avoid collateral damage in every operations of the Philippine Army. 

The implementation of the ROE cards also aims to address his accountability for his men to win the respect of the public and to build strong partnership with the people in the community to end the insurgency.

The ROE card also reminds the soldiers of the sworn duty to protect people's rights, including those whom they are fighting in the field.

A well deserved promotion for a hero-leader

General Bautista is  a highly respected military officer. An epitome of a  professional soldier  all throughout his military career, he is known to be a team player, a warrior-leader.

He has long been lauded for his exemplary service both in the field of combat and in staff positions that he has held.

Prior to his current post, Bautista was the commander of the 3rd Infantry Division which has jurisdiction over Western Visayas, Negros and Siquijor.

He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and spearheaded the formulation of the new Internal Peace and Security Plan, “Bayanihan," dubbed as the AFP's "blueprint for peace

A well-decorated soldier, Bautista was a recipient of various awards and was seven times decorated in combat. 

His awards in the military include five Distinguished Service Stars, a Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action, Bronze Cross Medal for bravery, and three Outstanding Achievement Medals, 29 Military Merit Medals five of which were earned in combat, Military Commendation Medals and various campaign medals and ribbons.

Gen Emmanuel Bautista (right), salutes the colors during the arrival honors accorded to him by the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio at 12:00nn yesterday. Major General Ricardo David (left) led the arrival honors which was attended by hundreds of soldiers and civilian personnel. (Photo by Pfc Cesar Lopez)

Bayanihan shining through for the victims of Sendong

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Bayanihan spirit is blazing from the thousands of Filipinos who have lent a hand for the victims of the recent calamity that struck Northern Mindanao.

The call for Bayanihan by the Philippine Army to help the victims of tropical storm “Sendong” was gratuitously answered by various public and private institutions.

Major Harold M Cabunoc, Army Spokesperson, said that 500 tons of goods have already been accounted and is being transported to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.   

“On December 26, the Civil Military Operations Group (CMOG) of the Philippine Army transported 12 military trucks fully loaded with relief items to the Philippine Navy,” said Cabunoc.

 

Cabunoc said that the Army has coordinated with the Navy to transport the items to the affected areas in Northern Mindanao via the LC 550 vessel.

 

“The Philippine Army will coordinate with the local government units for the distribution of the relief goods,” he added.

 

Earlier, the Army also turned over 898 relief items to a DSWD warehouse in Pasay City for repacking. 

 

The delivered items included sacks of used clothing and rice, boxes of assorted food and toiletries, packs of bottled water and medicines, bundles of mattresses and pillows, bags of school supplies, and tents.

 

Meanwhile, various units of the Philippine Army nationwide were mobilized to help in the relief operations for the victims of the flashfloods.

 

A local newspaper in Davao City dubbed the 22 M35 truck convoy of relief aid from the 10^th Infantry Division as the Red Ball Express.

 

The Red Ball Express was the codename for a massive logistics operation of the Allied Forces during World War II in Europe involving about 6,000 trucks and at least 400,000 tons of ammunition, food and fuel.

 

The people were amazed to see huge convoy of trucks filled with relief goods, and not the usual band of soldiers geared up for battle.  

 

Also, paddlers of the Philippine Dragon Boat Team and the world-class champions, Dragon Warriors also joined the relief initiatives for the victims of “Sendong”.

 

They flashed messages for help in their Facebook fan page; and collected all jerseys, uniforms and other useful items that they used in international competitions to be donated to the victims.

 

Manny Batungbakal of Columbia Sportswear, the Dragon Boat team sponsor, readily sent a truckload of relief goods which include bottled water, tent materials, and used clothing.

 

In response to the facebook messages, some have bought “ukay-ukay” goods intended for the flood victims.

 

Army Chief Major General Emmanuel T Bautista expressed his overwhelming gratitude for the help that continues to pour in for the victims of the flash floods.

 

“I am in awe that so many people around the world have contributed and assisted in the Army’s efforts. I am sure that the Bayanihan spirit is alive in every Filipino; the influx of donations confirms that,” said Bautista.

 

It can also be recalled that Major General Emmanuel T Bautista has directed all Army personnel to voluntarily give their one day-day meal subsistence allowance as assistance for the typhoon victims.

 

 

Beyond material aid

 

Aside from donated goods, the Army have also provided temporary settlement for the affected families.

 

“The Army Engineers, working under the National Development Support Command (NADESCOM) and the  local government units have austerely built bunkhouses and latrines in relocation sites at Cagayan de Oro. In coordination with the local chief executives, the Army Engineers are searching for a suitable relocation sites for those who lost their homes in the floods,” said Cabunoc

 

The Army’s disaster response efforts are continuously being undertaken to help the affected communities.

 

Even during the holidays, the troops from the 1^st, 3^rd, 4^th and 10^th Infantry Divisions continue to conduct retrieval, cleanup and relief operations in various areas in their area of responsibility. 

 

Only yesterday, flooding brought about by continuous rains dislocated hundreds of families in Valencia, Bukidnon and in Cebu City. The Army rescue teams assigned in these areas were quick to respond and assisted in the preventive evacuation and the rescue of the residents who were caught in the floods.

 

Bautista lauds the soldiers for their dedication to help their fellow Filipinos in need.

 

“I am proud of our soldiers; their commitment to help is unwavering. They have spent their Noche Buena at evacuation centers and seaports to unload relief goods,” said Bautista.

 

Medical missions are also being conducted in Cagayan de Oro to treat the sick and prevent any disease outbreak.

 

“This concept of Bayanihan is embodied in the new campaign plan of the AFP, in which the focus is the well-being of the people. Just like ending the insurgency problem, responding to calamities can be effectively carried out through a sustained multi-stakeholder effort borne out of partnerships with different government institutions, non-government stakeholders such as NGOs and CSOs, and the local communities,” concluded Bautista.

Army Chief recognizes contributions of civilian workers

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The civilian workers of the Philippine Army were recognized by Army Chief Lieutenant General Emmanuel T Bautista in a simple gift giving ceremony at the Army headquarters yesterday, December 27, an Army official said.

Major Harold M Cabunoc, Army Spokesperson, said that Bautista recognized the contributions of the civilian workers tasked to maintain the orderliness and cleanliness of the Army headquarters and the premises of the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB).

“Some of these civilian workers have been serving the Army for 32 years already. They more than deserve this recognition,” said Cabunoc.

Bautista lauded the efforts of the civilian component of the Philippine Army for their commitment and dedication to their work.

“The contributions of each of the personnel of the Philippine Army are crucial for the attainment of the Army’s mission. I’m glad that the personnel of HHSG and GSU live up to the expectation of the Army leadership,” said Bautista.

The civilian workers rendered entertainment presentations to the delight of senior staff officers who accompanied the Army Chief during the activity.

Afterwards, they enjoyed a simple “salo-salo” with the senior officers of the Philippine Army. Bautista likewise indulged the civilian personnel’s request for a photo opportunity.

The 141 civilian workers of HHSG and GSU were each given a bag of goodies that may be used for their daily sustenance.

The Army community in Fort Bonifacio is no more different from any city or municipality, or any other local government unit, headed by a Mayor with individuals and agencies helping in carrying out its functions.

“The Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio is headed by our Camp Commander, Brigadier General Augusto L Tolentino. The orderliness and cleanliness within the headquarters, as well as that of the LNMB is maintained by some civilian workers of HHSG and GSU,” added Cabunoc.

In the spirit of the Christmas season, the Army leadership has conducted gift-giving activities for all the personnel of the Philippine Army. It can be recalled that the Army Chief also visited the soldiers confined at the Army General Hospital.

“The Army’s celebration of Christmas is not grand. We have, instead, extended help to the victims of the recent flooding in Mindanao. As of yesterday, the Philippine Army has sent tons of relief items to Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City,” concluded Cabunoc.

Civilian personnel of the Army headquarters were given simple gifts by Lt Gen Emmanuel Bautista yesterday, Dec 27. Popularly known in the military circles as the 'Boni Aides", they are the 'workhorses' for the Army's clean and green program inside the camp.  

A tribute for our modern heroes

Everytime their services are needed, the soldiers are always there. When Sendong victimized the hapless communities in low-lying areas of Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City, at least 1,200 people perished in the floods. Tens of thousands lost their homes and source of livelihood. The soldiers were the first responders during the floods. They have used their skills and equipment  to help in the search, rescue and retrieval operations. Up to now, soldiers are there to help in the massive relief efforts and assisting the local government in its project to rebuild peoples lives. Through the Army Engineers who are working under the National Development Support Command (NADESCOM), soldiers are helping install water purifiers, latrines, temporary shelters and assist in planning for the construction of relocation sites. (AVP by CMOG, PA)

Elsewhere, soldiers helped by gathering used clothings, relief items and essential materials for temporary shelters The Army soldiers also donated P90.00 pesos out of their meal allowance for the flood victims. The total amount collected is about P7.0 Million pesos. From Manila alone, at least 500tons of relief goods were sent to the disaster affected areas. 

Barya-barya para sa mga nasalanta ng sakuna. Eastern Mindanao Command Chief Lt General Arthur Tabaquero receives a bag of cash containing paper bills and coins voluntarily donated by various individuals from Davao City. (Photo by 10th CMO Battalion)

These soldiers are not escorting war materials but relief goods bound for Cagayan de Oro City. (Photo by 10th CMO Battalion)

A total of 22 military trucks were filled with relief goods through the efforts of the 10th Infantry Division and the Eastern Mindanao Command and their parners from various stakeholders in Davao City. (Photo by 10th CMO Battalion)

In the Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, the Civil Military Operations Group led by Col Jun Santos have collected at least 500 tons of relief goods from various sources. (Photo by Sgt Cesar Cuenca)

 In this file photo, the dragon boat paddlers (Army Team and Dragon Warriors) went to Masantol town in Pampanga to help in the disaster response operations of the Army in the area in October 2011. The world-champion Dragon Warriors joined the relief effort by collecting old clothing and even jerseys that they wore in competitions. Through their facebook accounts they were able to get a truckload of relief items from the Dragon Boat community and sponsors like Columbia Sportswear. (Photo by Sgt Robert Sigue)

 Everyday, soldiers are busy preparing the cargoes intended to the thousands of victims in Northern Mindanao region. (Photo by Sgt Cesar Cuenca)

 

 Our brothers from the Philippine Navy gladly received the items to be transported to the final destination in the disaster affected areas. (Photo by Sgt Cesar Cuenca)


This is our humble way to alleviate the suffering of our people. 

The soldiers are our  modern heroes. 

Mabuhay ang AFP!

Order ni Boloy

Dahil sa kanyang deployment bilang peacekeeper sa United Nations ay nakasakay ng international flight papuntang Middle East si Sgt Boloy sa unang pagkakataon.

Manghang-mangha sya sa kagandahan at kabaitan ng mga stewardess.

Di kalaunan sa kanilang paglisan ay nakatulog si Boloy sa kapapanood ng movies sa screen sa kanyang harapan.

Nagising na lang sya nang sya ay tinapik ng cute na stewardess na me hilang lalagyan ng masasarap na pagkain.

"Sir, chicken or beef?", sabi ng stewardess.

Nag-alangan si Boloy. P100.00 lang nasa bulsa nya. Inisip nya sobrang mahal yong 'benta' ng stewardess.

"Ok lang ako, busog pa", pagsisinungaling na sabi ni Boloy pero halatang naglalaway sa pagkain. Nahalata sya ng stewardess na baguhan sa byahe at nahihiya lang.

"Sir, libre ito sa lahat na pasahero, wag ka mahiya!", paliwanag nya kasabay ang napakatamis na ngiti.

Di na napigilan ni Boloy ang kanyang gutom. Libre pala!

Bago mapurnada at mapasma, dali-dali nyang sinabi:  "Miss, chicken at beef ang akin!!!!"


(Nabulunan ang stewardess sa pagkagulantang. Gustong lamunin ni Boloy ang pagkain at gusto lahat kanya na)

Pamasko ni Sgt Boloy

Dahil sa hirap ng buhay, nag-sideline na mamasada si Sgt Boloy gamit ang jeep ng kanyang kumpare habang sya nakabakasyon sa kapaskuhan.

Isang umaga, tinatahak nya ang kahabaan ng Roxas Boulevard nang merong matandang babae ang pumara sa kanya. Umupo ito sa kanyang tabi sa front seat.

Nakita ni Sgt Boloy na tila ay nasunog ang kamay nito at mamasa-masa dahil ito ay may ketong.

Di nya maiwasang mandiri at natakot na mahawa dito. Naisip nyang sya ay mahawa kapag mahawakan nya ang baryang pamasahe nito.

Pinag-isipan nya paano maiwasang mahawa ng pinandirian nyang sakit.

Nasa malalim syang pag-iisip nang maulinigan nya ang tila malalim at garalgal na boses ng matanda.

"Hijo, dito na lang ako sa kanto", sabi nya, sabay abot ng limang pisong pamasahe.

Nabigla si Sgt Boloy ngunit nabawi ang composure upang sumagot. "Lola, wag na po kayong magbayad. Sa ngalan ni Hesus at dahil araw ng Pasko, libre na po pamasahe nyo!"

Nagliwanag ang mukha ng matandang ketongin. Sobra ang kasayahan sa pamasko ni Boloy.

"Salaaaaaaaaaaaamaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!", sabi ng matanda sabay yakap at pisil-pisil sa kanyang ilong at dugtong pang sinabi, "Ang cute-cute mo talaga, mabait pa!"

.....at umuwing luhaan si Sgt Boloy habang hindi mapara ang halakhakan ng lahat na pasahero sa likuran.


(Moral lesson: 'Minsan, ang umiiwas sa baga, napupunta sa siga')

I pray for a true 'Merry Christmas'

He is Jason Brul, also known as Ka Butch. He was wounded in an encounter between Army soldiers and a group of communist rebels that he led in Barcelona, Sorsogon. He survived because he raised his arms to surrender after the 10-minute exchage of gunfires. This photo was taken during Christmas in 2010.

One year after I first met Ka Butch, I am reminded of the story of a man who almost died a few days before Christmas.

I am also beginning to ask a very difficult question: When will be the time that we can celebrate the most meaningful Christmas?

The adventures of Ka Butch

I was interested to know this man and learn his thoughts about the communist movement. His father (in white shirt) was not able to send him to school due to  financial constraints.

 He met a friend and tried their luck in Manila. Finding some odd jobs, he was unhappy. 

 Later, he found himself being recruited in the ranks of the rebel group where he met and married his wife.

From a community organizer, he rose to become the Secretary of Front Committee 79 which has jurisdiction of eastern part of Sorsogon. He assumed his post in the 3rd Quarter of 2010 when his superior died in an encounter with Army troops.

He almost met the same fate when he experienced that fierce firefight with government forces that fateful day in December 2010. He was thankful that the leader of the soldiers let him live.

"I thank him for giving me another lease of life. I appreciate them for respecting my basic rights," he said.

Inside the room was one of his two young children. He said that he didn't want his child become a communist rebel like him.

"I wanted him to finish school and earn a living peacefully," Brul said.

Through him, I was enlightened about the plight of our poor kababayans in the countryside. Without any chance of gaining employment, the lucrative income from the extortion activities was the effective way to lure them towards the Maoist rebel group.

This is also the reason that I realized that the communist insurgency could not be solved by pure combat operations.The poor people in the countryside must feel that they are being taken cared for by the government.

The local government must be the one that must take center stage in addressing the root causes of the conflict, supported by the military. (I am wondering why the soldiers are always blamed for not ending the communist insurgency)

I am saddened that some of our fellow Filipinos question the wisdom behind our CMO-heavy campaign strategy. Poverty and social injustice are among the main factors that fuel communist insurgency. The military does not have all the mechanisms that can address these aforementioned issues. Making war is not the appropriate solution to this problem.

My prayer for a  true 'merry' Christmas

Christmas day is only hours away and I am reminded of the likes of Ka Butch who were made to believe that armed rebellion is the answer to their woes.

I am also reminded of my fellow soldiers who have continuously performed their mandates of protecting the infrastructure projects that are implemented in the countryside. While serving the people, some of them have offered the ultimate sacrifice.

I pray that the next Christmas will be a joyful moment for all.

I pray that there will be no more fighting and soldiers do not have to fight our fellow Filipinos.

I pray that there will be lasting peace. That is the only time that I can wholeheartedly say, "Merry Christmas!".

To my godchildren

To my infantry platoon strong godchildren, I am just hiding at a firing range somewhere in Manila during Christmas. As your responsible and thoughtful ninong, I have prepared my humble gifts for you.

If you want to claim your gift, please bring the following requirements.

1. NSO-certified birth certificate;

2. Baptismal certificate with picture showing that I indeed signed it;

3. My picture showing that I was present during your baptism;

4. I want both of my kumare and kumpare to accompany you;

5. Sing the 'Ang Pasko ay Sumapit', Bisaya version.


Merry, merry christmas to all my 'inaanak'!

Dragon Boat Team paddlers

The Pinoy Dragon Warriors and the Army Dragon Boat team joined forces to help in the disaster response operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Masantol town, Pampanga in October 2011.

Short briefing for the impending mission

Bayanihan starts here

 

Aspiring Dragon Boat paddlers

We visited the heavily-flooded areas of Masantol town

We prepped the boat before braving the floodwaters

Listening to the sentiments of the affected residents of Sagrada village

Residents are forced to drink water from submerged artesian wells

I helped the PAF pilot navigate and land in a narrow helipad

My soldier-athletes are thrown to action

Crowd control during the relief distribution

Stockpiling of foodstuffs

Back to our temporary docksite in Bebe Anac village

Mission accomplished!

A souvenir photo with the soldiers of the 702nd Brigade

Help pours in for flood victims, Filipino Bayanihan spirit alive

FRUITS OF BAYANIHAN. Army soldiers help prepare tons of relief goods sent by Filipinos around the world intended for the victims of tropical storm 'Ondoy'. From the Army headquarters, the items were transported to the DSWD warehouse in Pasay City. The DSWD will arrange the transport of the items towards the disaster-affected areas of Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City.  

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – Countless Filipinos around the world have sent their pledges of relief goods to the Philippine Army.

The Philippine Army has earlier called for Bayanihan to help the thousands of victims of tropical storm “Sendong”.

Major Harold M Cabunoc, Army Spokesperson, said that the Army has collected at least 60 tons of relief goods from various sources including OFWs from around the world.

At 6:00 am this morning, five military trucks fully-loaded with relief goods transported the donations to a DSWD warehouse in Pasay City.

Included in the said delivery are used clothing, bottled water, mattresses and pillows, tents, and medicines that will be distributed to the calamity-stricken areas in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City.

The Army is closely collaborating with the DSWD in its task to manage and coordinate the relief efforts of the government, in coordination with the local government units.

Army Chief Major General Emmanuel T Bautista said that he is happy on the turn-out of the relief efforts of the Philippine Army as many organizations and individuals immediately responded to the call for help.

“I am overwhelmed with happiness that Filipinos around the world have appreciated the Bayanihan spirit that the AFP had advocated in its campaign strategy. We are now receiving help not only from within the country, but also from OFWs from the different parts of the globe,” said Bautista.

Dragon Warriors join Bayanihan

In this file photo, the paddlers of the Army Dragon Boat Team and the world-champion members of the Pinoy Dragon Warriors joined the search and rescue efforts in the heavily-flooded areas of Masantol, Pampanga in October 2011.

In the spirit of Bayanihan, paddlers of the Philippine Dragon Boat Team and the world-class champions, Dragon Warriors also joined the relief initiatives for the victims of “Sendong”.

They flashed messages for help in their Facebook fan page; and collected all jerseys, uniforms and other useful items that they used in international competitions to be donated to the victims.

Not long after, people from the Dragon Boat community started sending pledges in the form of relief items.

Manny Batungbakal of Columbia Sportswear sent a truckload of relief goods which include bottled water, tent materials, and used clothing.

Several paddlers in the Dragon Boat community also sent old clothing which were collected by the members of the Dragon Warriors.

Annabelle Tario, head coach of the Dragon Warriors, led the collection of relief goods.   

“We had been doing this since typhoon “Ondoy” wreaked havoc in the metropolis in 2009. In October 2011, we also participated in the Army’s rescue and relief efforts in Masantol, Pampanga, where we brought with us our dragon boat to help the stranded villagers in the said town,” narrates Tario.

Cabunoc said that Dragon Boat racing is the fine example of Bayanihan.

“While in the boat, the paddlers unite towards a common direction. If the crew won't paddle as one, they will never win. This is the same unity that we want for all Filipinos in times of calamity,” said Cabunoc who is also the Team Manager of the Dragon Boat team who emerged as champions in Tampa, Florida recently.

(Taken from OACPA Press Release)