13 NPA rebels killed in clashes with Army soldiers, 15 firearms seized

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City-- A total of thirteen communist rebels were killed in two separate clashes with Army soldiers today.

The first clash erupted in Mambog village, Botolan town in Zambales at around 5:30am involving the troops of the 24th Infantry Battalion led by Lt Col Michael Samson against 12 heavily armed rebels who were conducting extortion activities in the village.

Samson said that the rebels were collecting extortion from the villagers, prompting the latter to report the presence of the rebels through text message.

Two rebels were killed after the 20-minute clash, while the rest of the rebels scampered away towards various directions. A certain Lito Collado a.k.a. Ka Warry sustained a bullet wound in his leg and was evacuated by the soldiers towards a local hospital.

The soldiers recovered 2 M14 Assault Rifles, 2 M16 Assault Rifles, a shot gun and other war materials.

Col Gregorio Catapang, the Commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade,  disclosed that Collado is facing criminal cases for the burning of a Victory Liner bus and the Red Dragon Farm in Tarlac Province last year. He said that the suspect will be turned over to the police after being treated.

At around 11:10am (June 30), troops of the 74th Infantry Battalion led by Lt Col Dennis Perez, encountered at least 15 rebels in Quezon Province.

Perez said that the clash erupted in Sitio Makuyo-kuyo, White Cliff village of San Narciso town when his soldiers chanced upon at least 15 rebels led by a certain Ka Edel.

Eleven rebels were killed, while two soldiers were slightly wounded in the firefight which lasted about 30 minutes.

The soldiers confiscated 8 assorted firearms including 5 M16 Rifles, 1 M203 Grenade Launcher, 1 M79 Grenade Launcher and a homemade shotgun.

The dead rebels were transported towards San Narciso town to be turned-over to the local officials. Pursuit operations have been launched to locate the remnants of the bandit group who are extorting money from the residents.

The series of clashes today followed the earlier firefight which occurred in Bgy Talbek, Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya late afternoon yesterday, July 29.

Brigadier General Alan Luga, the Commander of the 7th Infantry Division, said that a team of soldiers belonging to the 81st Infantry Battalion clashed with at least 7 rebels at around 5:30pm.

The rebels immediately fled after a brief exchange of fires with the soldiers, leaving behind an M16 Rifle. Another M14 rifle was discovered by the pursuing troops at around 8:00am today (June 30).

Army to 'win the peace' through Bayanihan

Lt Gen Emmanuel Bautista, the Army chief, said that he has directed his troops to pursue Bayanihan in their respective areas of responsibility.

He  called on the rebels to lay down their arms and abandon the use of armed violence as a way of solving various problems in the community.

"It is only by helping each other that we can move forward as a nation. The soldiers are your willing partners in bringing lasting peace in our land," said Bautista.

Special Forces Regiment Celebrates 50th Founding Anniversary

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army’s Special Forces embarks into a major milestone as it celebrates its 50^th Founding Anniversary on June 25.

It was 50 years ago when Captain Fidel V Ramos commanded the 1^st Special Forces unit, the precursor of today’s Special Forces Regiment (Airborne).

Through the years, the Special Forces has emerged as one of the major units of the Philippine Army specializing in unconventional warfare and counter-insurgency.

Special Forces then and now

Since its  creation, the Special Forces (SF) had  contributed immensely towards accomplishing the AFP’s mission.

In the 1960’s, 70 percent of SF personnel joined the Philippine Civic Action Group – Vietnam (PHILCAGV). With the mission “to build, not to destroy”, the group contributed to the rehabilitation of South Vietnam through their various civic actions.

In the 1970’s, the SF greatly contributed to the fight against secessionist movement by being able to defeat MNLF fighters in a great battle in Upi, Maguindanao where a 12-man SF team neutralized over 200 enemy combatants and wounded several others.

The unit was also instrumental in diminishing the capability of communist insurgents which fought and  government forces in the 1980s.

In the 1990’s, the SF delivered gains for the AFP by conducting the most successful raid against the communist insurgents. It was also in the forefront in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG), participating in  rescue missions leading to the recovery of kidnap victims.

In 2007, SF units dealt a decisive blow on the ASG bandit group, neutralizing terrorists like Abu Solaiman in Sulu.

Major Demy Zagala of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) said that their task has evolved and their operational capability changed to answer to the change of various security threats.

“Through the years, SF units have distinguished themselves in direct action combat, organizing local community defense in the countryside, community development, containing terrorist threats, rescue and rehabilitation missions, and international peacekeeping missions, among many other roles,” said Zagala.

In line with the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan, the SF adopted the whole of nation approach and the people approach in winning the peace.

“The SF mission for the past 50 years is about partnership with different government and non-government organizations to ensure that we have a secure environment conducive to prosperity and economic growth,” added Zagala.

A Gallant Defender of Democracy

Former Army Chief Lieutenant General Arturo B Ortiz is one of the most popular members of the Special Forces.

His gallantry in combat has earned him the Medal for Valor Award, the highest military award given to members of the AFP.

While serving as the commander of the 606^th Special Forces Company and CAFGU Elements, the then Captain Ortiz neutralized an NPA terrorist camp with about 300 numerically superior rebels in Murcia, Negros Occidental on April 6, 1990. Leading his troops through tough terrain, they successfully infiltrated the camp and engaged the enemy in a 2-hour gun battle that resulted in the death of 84 terrorists, the capture of eight more, and the recovery of 34 assorted firearms and ammunition.

Another extraordinary feat that made the SF renowned was the Camp defense at Upi on July 25, 1974. Fifteen SF troopers from Team 301 under 2Lt Virgilio Yalung, aided by two civilians, successfully defended their position while protecting the community. This incident resulted to the death of almost 200 MNLF rebels and the wounding of several others, with only one SF trooper wounded, in a battle that raged for two days.

Leading the military, leading the country

A President, a Secretary of Defense, two AFP Chiefs of Staff, and two Commanding Generals of the Philippine Army were former commanders of the Special Forces.

Former President Fidel V Ramos was the first commander of the 1^st Special Forces Company on June 25, 1962.

In 1996, now Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin served as both Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) (SFRA) commander.

In 2003, former AFP Chief and Army Commanding General Gen Victor Ibrado assumed as SF commander, and in 2006, former Army Chief Lt Gen Arturo B Ortiz took over as the 15^th SF commander.

The Golden Years

Today, the regiment has five SF battalions with 20 SF companies deployed nationwide.

“Regardless of the national priorities, threat scenarios and political conditions across five decades, SFR(A) has remained true to its calling. Steadfast, well-trained and resilient, it has proved itself equal to the challenges thrust by a world order that is increasingly unconventional in times of both war and peace,” said Zagala.

With the theme “Limampung Taon na Kabayanihan at Tapat na Paglilingkod sa Bayan”, the SF will celebrate its anniversary at the SFR(A) headquarters in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija with former President Fidel V Ramos as the guest of honor.

Army Chief Lt Gen Emmanuel T Bautista will be conferred with Honorary Special Forces Badge during the Anniversary celebration.

NDRRMC Chief Benito Ramos, the President of the Special Forces Alumni Association, awards the honorary SF badge to Army Chief Lt Gen Emmanuel Bautista during the unit's 50th Founding Anniversary, Monday (June 25, 2012).

Philippine Army 'Bayanihan' Yellow Boat of Hope

Meet Radzmah Mutalib, 10, and her friend Sherlyn Amirul, 9, of Bgy Layag-layag in Zamboanga City. Their homes are located at least 3 kms off the coast of Bgy. Talon-talon where their school is located. Most of them belong to families who escaped the battlegrounds of nearby islands of Sulu and Basilan where the bloody conflict had claimed thousands of lives since the ancient times.

Bgy Layag-layag is a typical 'lubog-litaw' village due to its location. During high tide, their homes are partly submerged by sea water. Most of the villagers have their own bancas while some of them just borrow from their close relatives.

The people in this village are either seaweed farmers or fishermen. You can find seaweed farms all over the place.

Children learn to paddle at an early age. Boating is their way of life.



During school days, children are transported by an adult towards school using a banca. When there is not enough space, some of the school children wade through chest-deep waters, carrying their belongings on their heads. Seeing the plight of these poor children who struggle to attend school classes, kind-hearted individuals like Anton Mari Lim and Jay Jaboneta came to the rescue. This is the birth of the Funds for Philippine Kids which later evolved as the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation.

Through Bayanihan activities with our partners, the Army is able to provide a boat named 'Philippine Army Bayanihan'. In this photo, I and Anton Mari Lim handed over the paddle to the beneficiaries.

The Army Bayanihan is now part of the fleet of Yellow Boats that ferry school children towards school.

As part of our effort to sustain the livelihood of the poor families residing in this isolated community, at least 800 people volunteered to participate in the mangrove tree-planting. We were able to plant at least 9,000 trees during that single day.

 Seaweed farms are located near the mangrove forest.

The main actors in this undertaking are the kind-hearted people behind the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, Tzu Chi Foundation, EDSA People Power Commission, Philippine Red Cross and other stakeholders in Zamboanga City.

Helping others is fun!

Passing the torch: A family of soldiers

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – As the world celebrates Father’s Day, the Philippine Army salutes all soldier-fathers who managed to be successful both in their professional and personal lives.

 

 

For soldier-fathers, one of the hardest challenges that need to be overcome is how to strike a balance between family and duty.

 

 

Since the time of the Katipuneros up to the present day, the Armed Forces of the Philippinesis home to valiant and committed soldier-fathers who carry the sense of nationalism and public service.

Some of these soldiers carry the torch of dedicated service farther than the rest as shown by some lineage of soldiers who descend from a family of warriors, as such there exists three generations of military men who have served to defend the country.

Colonel Rizaldo B Limoso, the current Executive Officer of the Army’s Management and Fiscal Office, and retired Technical Sergeant Jose R Nudo are among those who followed their fathers’ footsteps and whose sons, now are treading the same path.

  

It is also a manifestation that some soldier-fathers have effectively played a crucial role in shaping the mindset and aspirations of their children, despite their long absences.

A family of soldiers

Having grown up in a military environment with his father who served in now defunct Philippine Constabulary, now Colonel Rizaldo B Limoso thought that his fate was already sealed by making his father proud seeing him joining the military service.

“My greatest influence was my father. I can still remember how proud he was when I qualified for the Philippine Military Academy. He found a sense of pride from the respect that he earned from his contemporaries,” said Limoso.

Prior to PMA, Limoso was in his third year taking up BS Economics at De La Salle University in Manila. It had not been easy for him to decide whether or not to give up his college scholarship for PMA, but looking back, it was worth it as the decision also made his father happy and proud.

It was different for retired TSgt Jose R Nudo. His father, who was an Army soldier himself, never wanted him to join the Philippine Army.

“I grew up in Camp Vicente Lim in Laguna in the company of soldiers. At an early age, I knew that I wanted to be like them, but my father had different plans for me,” narrated Nudo.

As a soldier, his father experienced the violent atrocities perpetrated by the rebels.

“He knew how hard it is to be a soldier. He encouraged me, instead, to finish school and look for other career somewhere else,” he said.

Like father like son

Several years after, it was Limoso’s turn to watch his son, Baron, follow his footsteps.

One day, his only son, a 17-year-old young man surprised him with his proposal to join the PMA.

Limoso said that he had never imposed his will on his son whose personal choice to join the military prevailed.

 

 

“We gave him the liberty to choose what he likes to do in life. My wife, however, resented the idea of him joining the PMA,” he said.

Limoso however revealed that it was indeed hard for parents to allow an only son to face the dangers that come with the military profession.

 

 

“Literally we had to vote, the three of us, eventually Baron and I outvoted my wife. I told her that this major decision will decide the future of our son. Her apprehension comes from the fact that Baron is an only child and that soldiery is a one tough job,” Limoso added.

Since Baron is an only child, Limoso said they worried that he may become overly dependent on them. So they thought that joining the PMA is the first step to teach him how to survive life's challenges in the future.

However, a realization hit them later, that it was not Baron who became overly dependent on his parents but the exact opposite happened.

“We seemed to find it hard to let him go. Our worlds revolved around him. We made sacrifices for him. My wife had to resign from work so that the two of them can join me when I went schooling in Australia in the year 2000. Seeing him enjoying his stay at the Academy told us that we made the right decision and seeing him graduate in 2010 made us really proud,” he said.

Aspiring doctor

Limoso's son, now 2Lt Baron Von Adrian B Limoso of the Philippine Air Force, originally dreamed of becoming doctor during his childhood days. As he grew up, he found motivation from his father to join the uniformed service.

“When I was still a child, my father always brings me to the PMA Alumni Homecoming. The camaraderie between him and other alumni is just amazing. The stories they shared about the success and failure that they endured with unity and teamwork encouraged me. The brotherhood between them made me think that someday I also want to be like them,” said Baron, a proud member of PMA Class of 2010.

Dishing aside his plan of pursuing medicine, he followed what was in his heart, convinced his mother (with the help of his father) that it is PMA for him, and the rest is history.

“I would definitely influence my children to join the military. It is a privilege to join the military. They would learn to be independent, and also they would learn values that they can use for the rest of their lives. They would also learn to be content of what they have and to be resourceful in their everyday lives,” he added.

Asked if he ever held a grudge to his father during his growing up years, Baron said that he never held any grudge against his father for being absent in some events simply because he is always present. He can’t remember a time in his life that he did not see his father in times that he is needed.

“My father is a bit of everything; a man of courage, integrity and loyalty; a man of good humor that always jokes, and a man with great heart that always helps. Most especially, he is a loving husband to his wife and a great father to his son,” Baron said prouldly.

'Batang Mess Kit'

Private First Class Paul Nudo enlisted in the Philippine Army in 2008. Like Baron, Paul grew up in a military environment, in Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal particularly, where his father, a soldier, and his mother a civilian employee, were assigned.

Nudo was among the so-called 'batang mess kit', the term given to the children of soldiers who grow inside military camps.

 

 

“I was always tagged along by my father in his activities. I watched him at the office or at the field (2^ndInfantry Division) doing some drills with the Scout Rangers. Back then, I am always in awe whenever I see soldiers render their snappy salutes. I told myself that one day, I will be like them,” said Paul.

However, unlike Baron who right away received his father’s blessings, he had to convince his father more.

Paul knew that his father’s absence during his growing up years was because of his duties as an Army soldier. His father was assigned then in Mindanao that he only got to see his family every six or seven months.

“I accepted the situation because I am aware that my father had to do his job, and since he had to be assigned in far flung villages, I also know that we had to stay with our mother most of the time. My mother had also been a father to us, but my father never neglected his obligations and he never made us feel less loved despite his absence,” added Paul.

Remembering the roots

For fathers and sons, the environment that they grew up in, the values that their fathers inculcated in them and the willingness to serve the country had been their greatest inspiration.

Leopoldo B Limoso, Rizaldo’s father and Baron’s grandfather, was a good family man. Despite his duties at the Philippine Constabulary, he never neglected his wife and children. He is a good provider and was able to send all his five children in the best schools.

“I remember my grandfather as a good man with many stories about his experience in the war. When I was a child, I always visit him at their house every afternoon. I would listen to his stories about the hardships that he experienced during the war with the Japanese and how he and his comrades fought bravely though they are less equipped and outnumbered,” said Baron.

Paul said that he was always inspired by his grandfather, 2Lt Maximino P Nudo, who served under different Commanders of the Army’s 2^nd Infantry Division, is a man of integrity.

“I am proud that I am his grandson. I owe him everything that I achieved as a soldier,” he said.

Army shooters dominate the 'Games of the Generals'

SNIPER MATCH. Army Chief Lt Gen. Emmanuel Bautista fires the 7.62mm M24 Sniper Weapon System during the Games of the Generals 'Ultimate Shooting Challenge' held in the AARM Integrated Firing Ranges, Capas, Tarlac on June 16, 2012 (Saturday). Seventy shooters from various armed services participated in the Army's version of the event. (Photo by Pfc Marlon San Esteban)

CAMP O'DONNELL, CAPAS, Tarlac---The Army shooting team composed of senior officers dominated all the events during the 'Games of the Generals' shooting competition held here last Saturday, June 16.

The Army marksmen displayed its superb performance in all of the events by grabbing championship trophies in all events including the categories in Rifle, Pistol and Sniper matches.

Brig Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz, a veteran international shooter, topped the Pistol events with 233.024pts. He was trailed by Air Force Brig. Gen. Romeo Poquiz (220.018pts) and EASTMINCOM Chief Lt Gen Jorge Segovia (218.010 pts).

In the Rifle events, 7th Infantry Division Chief Alan Luga showed his excellence in mid-range marksmanship with the M16A2 Rifle (Iron sight category) by grabbing the championship trophy and gold medal with 93 secs.  Two Army men trailed Luga: Lt Gen Roland Detabali (119.09 secs) and Col Gregorio Catapang (119.10 secs).

Detabali also lorded the Scoped Rifle category with 124.52 secs followed by Col Ubando of the Presidential Security Group with 267.45secs. The organizers used the modified IDPA scoring format for the rifle events.

In the Sniper match, 2nd Infantry Division deputy chief Brig Gen Nestor Anonuevo was the run-away winner with 136.07pts. He was followed by Col Henry Sabarre (134pts) and PSG Commander Brig Gen Ramon Mateo Dizon (133pts).

In the Pistol Team category, the Army grabbed the championship trophy followed by PNP shooting team (2nd place) and  PAF shooting team (3rd).

In the Rifle Team category, the Army Team B (BGen Luga, BGen De Leon,Col Catapang, Col Sabarre) took home the championship trophy followed by Army team A (Lt Gen Bautista, Lt Gen Detabali, Lt Gen Segovia, BGen Cruz) and the PSG team (Col Ubando, Cpt Bernarde, Usec Dimaculangan).

The Pistol match was patterned to the Army's Combat Pistol Qualification Course which uses military type silhouette targets to be engaged with 50 rounds from distances of 5m, 10m, 15m, 25m and 50m. The challenging match requires shooters to shoot from standing, kneeling and prone positions under time pressure.

President Benigno S Aquino III, the leader of the PSG shooting team, was among the 37 shooters who qualified as Experts. Twenty two shooters emerged as Sharpshooters while 11 were Marksmen.

Heavy rains that started later in the afternoon did not hamper the matches. Rain-soaked shooters opted to continue the exciting matches which ended at around 5:30pm.

 

A Father's Day Tribute

 

As a professional soldier, he may not have as much time as he would want to spend with our son but he sure have all the love and he never fails to show it. 

 

 

I made this video last year and posted it in my husband's FB account to greet him on father's day.  I am re-posting this again in his blog to honor him.  

 

To my husband and to all the father in uniform...Happy Father's Day.

NPA death squad kills 2 Army soldiers

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – Two soldiers were killed in a treacherous attack perpetrated by communist rebels in Albay province early morning on Wednesday, a military official said.

Lt Col Audrey Pasia, the Commanding Officer of the 2^nd Infantry Battalion, said that the two soldiers were murdered by members of the NPA’s SPARU death squad in Brgy Sinungtan, Guinobatan town at about 12:50am.

“The incident happened while the troops were deployed to provide security operations in the village. The victims were shot with a Cal .45 pistol at point-blank range,” said Pasia.

Pasia said that the residents condemned the killings, saying that they were clear violations of human rights provisions.

He also believed that the attack was carried out in retaliation to the arrest of SPARU member Carlito Remamba @ Ka Renan last June 9 in Brgy. Tastas, Ligao City.

Remamba has a standing warrant of arrest for multiple murder offenses. He is also pursued by law enforcement authorities for torching down a municipal police station in Pio Duran town in the 90's.

As of this day, pursuit operations are conducted by the Philippine Army with the local police.

Major Harold M Cabunoc, the Army Spokesperson, said that Army chief Lt Gen Emmanuel Bautista has expressed his deep condolences to the families of the slain soldiers.He said that the soldiers will continuously maintain its presence in far-flung villages to protect the people.

“Our soldiers will continue to conduct security operations alongside the peace and development initiatives in the communities despite the NPA attacks. We will not be cowed by these attacks; instead the sacrifices made by fellow soldiers will serve as inspiration in our continued pursuit for peace,” said Cabunoc.

Metrobank Foundation announces the 2012 TOPS winners

OUTSTANDING SOLDIERS.  Three Army soldiers (left, background) are among this year's awardees of the annual search of 'The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers'. The photo was taken during the presentation of the awardees held in AFP Officer's Club House in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Among those who attended are AFP CS General Jessie Dellosa (5th from right) and Mr Aniceto Sobrepena, the President of Metrobank Foundation Incorporated (6th from right).   (Photo by Pfc Marlon San Esteban) 

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – Three Army soldiers are named ‘The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS), a joint program by the Rotary Club of Makati Metro (RCMM) and Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI).

The new awardees include Colonel Milfredo M Melegrito, Director of Land Welfare Center, Training and Doctrine Command; Technical Sergeant Rolando L Diomangay, Chief Clerk Adjutant of the 53^rd Engineering Brigade; and Master Sergeant Juana R. Hernal, Branch Non-Commissioned Officer of the Program and Budget Branch, Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and Training, G8.

Annually since 1994, the RCMM and MBFI name the TOPS awardees of the year in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the men and women of the Armed Force during the entirety of their service in the military.

It is a manifestation of the shared conviction of RCMM and MBFI to credit distinctive excellence among the military. The award is an expression of the civilian sector’s appreciation for our soldiers’ act of valor in defending the nation’s peace and freedom.

Lady warrior

Originally raised in Leyte, Hernal’s family moved to Lanao del Sur in search for greener pasture. During  her childhood, she had witnessed the animosity among Muslims and Christians in her new hometown, causing the series of violent clashes there.

Unfortunately, her father fell victim to these atrocities, leaving them poorer with no land to till and no source of income.

Surviving life's challenges without his father, young Hernal inched her way through elementary and high school, graduating  as a class valedictorian. Earning a scholarship, she pursued BS Commerce in college and joined the military in 1989, just right after graduation.

“I grew up in the mountains; it was only during my last year in college that I was able to visit the city. I did not realize back then that this will be the turning point in my life,” said Hernal.

It was during this visit that Hernal met a female soldier, a member of the Women Auxiliary Corps (WAC), who inspired her to join the military service.

“I am aware that there are female soldiers, but I have yet to see one. I was inspired. The uniform attracted me to be one of them; for me, it speaks of dignity,” she said.

During her early years in the service, Hernal’s potentials were already recognized by her superiors who gave her positions of higher responsibility.

Early on as a Private First Class, she already handled the position Finance Sergeant in the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and Training.

Her job involves preparation of cash advances (CAs) for pay, allowances and collateral entitlements and the liquidations of the same.

Even before the computer age (and one can imagine how difficult it is to manage financial transactions in the absence of technology), Hernal was able to devise systemic processes that have been adopted to facilitate speedy transactions.

She has received various awards and commendations for her initiatives while being excellent on top of every task. Among these are the Military Commendation Medal, Chief of Staff PA Award, and a Command Plaque.

Hernal took her Financial Management and Comptroller Specialist Course at the Keesler Airforce Base in Mississippi, USA. There, she emerged a class topnotcher with 99% general weighted average earning the Distinguished Graduate Award and Academic Excellence Award.

This Army woman’s life extends far beyond the four corners of her office. During her assignment to the 5^thArmy Training Group (5ATG) in TRADOC, she selflessly channeled her knowledge gained from schooling as an instructor.

She also helped intensify the Handog ng Dugo Ko, Dugtong sa Buhay ng Kapwa ko Program in the area.

Hernal shared that she found the sense of fulfillment in what she does; sharing her knowledge and skills to fellow soldiers, most of them men; and helping make the lives of the people a bit easier through various humanitarian efforts.

“My stint at the 5ATG opened up my whole being, it made me see the world and my life in a different perspective,” she added.

She also realized then that one doesn't need to be rich in order to help the less fortunate.

“Use your faculties; your mouth to convince people, your arms to give warmth, and your legs to deliver,” she said.

Likewise, she supported the “Green Philippines” Program of the government by effectively coordinating with school administrators and barangay officials of Echague, Isabela for massive tree planting activity.

This effort led to 6, 000 trees planted to different schools, universities and barangays in Echague.

Even as a child, Hernal has valued education so much that today she sponsors 12 indigent students so they can experience the gains of good education. She also helped in the enlistment of platoon-sized personnel who are mostly the sons of indigent farmer-neighbors, CAFGUs and friends.

Church planting (spreading the good news of the Lord) is her growing passion at present. Every Sunday, her garage in Taguig and their barn extension in Isabela serve as the venue for prayer meetings.

With her commitment and continued pursuit for excellence in service, Hernal has proven a woman’s worth amidst the swarm of masculinity in uniformed service.

“My greatest accomplishment was helping 28 high school graduates, who are sons of farmers, enlist in the Philippine Army. Seeing them make a life for themselves, help their families, and achieve their dreams is enough for me,” concluded Hernal.

Dreams built on concretes

Technical Sergeant Rolando L Diomangay leads a fruitful life as a father and soldier.

Named as the Best Enlisted Personnel of the Year of the 53^rd Engineer Brigade in 2010, Diomangay served as a role model to his fellow soldiers being on the lead of numerous Engineering projects in the countryside.

However, prior to building roads, schools, and infrastructure, he roamed the mountains of Samar as a member of the 8^th Scout Ranger Company. As a Scout Ranger, he saw action against the New People’s Army both in Eastern and Western Samar.

“I was a witness to the atrocities perpetrated by the NPAs in Samar. In 1992, our group was treacherously attacked by the rebels using four improvised landmines. After which, we were hit by heavy volumes of fire. One was killed as result of the encounter, 14 were wounded, me included,” said Diomangay.

“I considered that experience as my defining moment in the Army. I knew back then that it was not the last fight that I would have to fight. I am aware that battles need to be fought, fights need to be won, and peace needs to be achieved,” he added.

From being a warrior-soldier, he saw the big shift in his career when he joined the 53^rd Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Cebu City. Instead of fighting wars, he brings peace and development in the communities.

Being a foreman/member of the Engineering Brigade, he is instrumental in the timely completion of the Army’s infrastructure projects like access road, potable water system, school building, electricity and appropriate health facility.

Diomangay posed significant contributions in the construction of 22 projects in seven barangays in Samar as well as the completion of various Kalayaan Barangay Program (KBP) projects. This include four farm-to-market roads, five school buildings, four health centers, 11 water systems and four electrification facilities.

The KBP and other similar community services by the Army are concrete proofs that non-combat approach to solving insurgency problems in the countryside can be just as effective as taking up arms to win the peace.

Soldiers like Diomangay who are the key players in such missions bring hope of recovery to the residents of different conflict-torn areas in the country.

Though tied up in the arduous duties of a soldier, Diomangay also involves himself in other civilian activities including fun runs hosted by various private and public organizations in Visayas.

The likes of him is the Army’s living proof that the real battle is not only in the wars of arms but a greater battle lies in social and economical challenges that chain the people in the vicious cycle of poverty.

Warrior-leader

A graduate of PMA “Sinagtala” Class of 1986, Colonel Milfredo M Melegrito has been in the forefront of the Army's fight against NPA rebels in Northern Luzon.

Having assigned as the Executive Officer at the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Melegrito stood out for his unwavering dedication and brilliance in his past and present duties.

He is the first Commander of a battalion-sized Philippine Contingent composed of 342 personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force that served in the seven-month tour of duty in Golan Heights, Syria.

His combat achievements were recognized with countless military medals, awards and commendations, including  the Cavalier Award for Army Operation in 1995. He also served in a peacekeeping mission overseas, earning for him the UN Service Medal.

Sometime in August 1994, he led his troop in an encounter at the main camp of Northern Luzon Commission in Ilagan, Isabela where his unit recovered 12 assorted high-powered firearms.

With his bravery and effective leadership, his troops triumphed over a series of similar encounters in Marag Valley Complex, which used to be the seat of the communist rebels' Northern Luzon Operational Command and the Northern Luzon Regional Committee.

Due to his effective leadership in combat, both NPA bailiwicks were seized  by government forces along with numerous war materials.

 Msgt Juana Hernal faces the media during the presentation of awardees held Camp Aguinaldo today.

Tsg Rolando Diomangay once served the First Scout Ranger Regiment before joining the Army Engineers.

Army soldiers clash with NPA rebels during Pacman fight

BONTOC, Mountain Province-- While Pacman was battling it out with Timothy Bradley in the boxing ring in Las Vegas, Army soldiers engaged a band of NPA rebels in a mountainous village of Alab here Sunday morning (June 10).

Lt Col Steve Crespillo, the Commanding Officer of the 54th Infantry Battalion, said that a platoon of his troops was conducting a routine security patrols in the outskirts of the village when they chanced upon at least 30 NPA rebels led by Ambrocio Aron at around 10:30am.

Crespillo said that the rebels started firing their guns upon seeing the soldiers, triggering the 2-hour running gunbattle. 

"My soldiers inflicted casualties on the rebels side but they gradually retreated, carrying their fallen comrades. They left behind several of their belongings including 4 high-powered firearms and 7 hand-held VHF radio transceivers," said Crespillo.

The soldiers accounted one 7.62mm M14 Assault Rifle, two 5.56mm M16 Assault Rifle and one M203 Grenade Launcher. Some subversive documents, live ammunition and bandoliers were also seized from the rebels who fled towards the hinterlands.

No one was injured among the soldiers who have mounted relentless pursuit operations against the NPA rebels.

The soldiers have continuously deployed soldiers to protect the communities from the remnants of the armed rebels who are extorting money from the poor residents in remote villages.

Retiring Army Soldier Emerges a hero to his townmates

TOWN HERO. Msg Eleno Leopoldo became famous for doing what is right by defending his neighbors against armed robbers. ARMSCOR, the leading firearms manufacturer in the country, will award Leopoldo with a 9mm M1911A1 Pistol for his acts of heroism.

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – To a retiring Army soldier, facing the dangers brought by his chosen profession is part of his instincts. While spending a study leave prior to his retirement, he found himself plunged into extraordinary circumstances that would make him a hero in his own community one quiet afternoon on May 18, 2012.

Master Sergeant Eleno Leopoldo, 50, of the Army's 58^th Infantry Battalion, was returning home from his rice field in his hometown Cortes, Surigao del Sur when he heard people shouting frantically.

The hint of a violent crime taking place near his home brought chills to his spine. Crime is almost nil in the rural community of Burgos village, his residence for at least two decades.

When he heard the distinctive cracks of gunfire, the sudden rush of adrenaline prompted him to reach for his rusty ARMSCOR Squibman Cal .22 Rifle inside the house. Sensing that someone needs some help, he rushed outside with his loaded rifle.

Along the way, a man told him that a businessman-neighbor was robbed by four armed men about 300 meters away. As he walked towards the said house, he was shocked to see the armed men trying to snatch the motorcycle of his friend, Tomas Corales.

 The robbers pistol-whipped Tomas, toppling him down. They also shot Vincent, the son of Tomas, hitting both his thighs. Having raised 6 children, his fatherly instincts told him to act accordingly.

Seeing that Leopoldo was carrying a rifle, two of the robbers shot him, forcing him to duck for cover. He saw the two other men boarded the motorcycle and started to flee, followed by the two others on foot.

Defending his neighbors

While raining bullets on Leopoldo, the robbers gradually retreated. Finding himself in the middle of a firefight with only 6 bullets, Leopoldo wanted to hit his target accurately.

Marking his sights on the center mass of one robber, he fired his first shot from a distance of 50 meters, hitting the man in the abdomen.

More bullets rained on him, but he advanced to pursue the criminals while inserting another bullet to his single-shot weapon. Inspired by his courage, more people came to help with all projectiles that they picked along the way.

As he readied his weapon to shoot another armed criminal, he gave his distinctive command: "Hurl your stones at them, let us fight these criminals!"

As some neighbors engaged the fleeing robbers with stones, he got the chance to get an excellent sight picture. Aiming at the face of another criminal, he fired his second shot, hitting the man the center of his nose.

About fifty meters away, the robbers who boarded the motorcycle accidentally crashed sending them to the ground. More stones from the bystanders rained on them too.

Leopoldo said that he kept firing on the 'moving targets' who ran for their lives.

"I really wanted to get all of them for the crimes they committed in my locality. I chased them but stopped when I had only two remaining bullets," he narrated.

The police arrived after 10 minutes, pistols in 'ready position' as they approached the scene.

"I was mistaken as one of the suspects because I was walking barefoot and looked dirty. Since I came from my rice paddies, nobody would immediately know that I am a soldier," he narrated.

Later, he joined the police and some neighbors during the clearing operations. They were able to confiscate two pistols from the robbers, and part of the stolen money was returned to the owner.

Small town hero

Leopoldo was able to use his skills, acquired through the 26 years in the Philippine Army, by defending his community against criminals.

"The marksmanship training that I learned in the Army was put to good use. But, it is the first time that I have used my shooting skills against criminal gang members," said Leopoldo, a veteran to various skirmishes with armed groups in different areas in Northern Mindanao.

After witnessing the jaw-dropping and courageous heroic acts under fire, people in his community are now considering him a new hero, making him prouder as an Army soldier.

Thanks to social media, more and more people learned about his highly commendable feat.

Members of a competitive shooting group, Long Range Rimfire Philippines (LRRP) took notice of his exemplary deeds done 'beyond the call of duty'.

Randy Paronda, a champion rifle shooter is one of them. He promptly recommended to his fellow shooters the granting of a reward for the soldier-hero.

"I truly appreciate the heroic feat of this soldier. His shining example must be known to all soldiers," he said.

Lt Col. George Chua, the Commanding Officer of ARMSCOR Ready Reserve Battalion based in Marikina City, promptly pledged the awarding of a brandnew 9mm ARMSCOR Pistol for Leopoldo.

"We admire Msgt Leopoldo's heroic actions in defending his community. Armed with a single-shot ARMSCOR rifle, he was unfazed by the dangers posed by the rob gang members who were armed with semi-automatic weapons," said Chua, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of ARMSCOR, the leading firearms manufacturer in the country today.

Other members of the shooting community poured in funds for Leopoldo's travel allowances. Many of them also want to witness the awarding ceremony that will be held during the annual Defense and Sporting Arms Show in Manila in July 2012.

Despite being hailed as a hero, Leopoldo remains humble and unassuming. He said that he just did the right thing as a responsible citizen.

“I am not happy taking one’s life, but, I was forced do it in order to save the innocent people who needed my help. As a resident here, it is also my responsibility to defend my community against criminals,” added Leopoldo, a native of Oroquieta City.