A Scout Ranger remembers me

When my phone rang at around 7:00am today, I saw the familiar name of the registered caller: Ranger Castillon.

His name is Corporal Alvin Castillon, 35, of Zamboanga City. I helped him join the First Scout Ranger Regiment sometime in 2002.

He just wanted to break the 'news' that he wanted me to hear.

"Sir, buhay po ako pagkatapos ng kalahating araw na bakbakan sa Sumisip!" (Sir, I survived the half-day encounter in Sumisip!)

"We were also able to bring home all of our fallen friends sir. Amidst the volley of fires, we picked our casualties one by one, saving half of them who are now recuperating in Zamboanga."

I was surprised by his unexpected call. I never expected that I am among the first ones whom he remembered after surviving that brutal encounter which claimed the lives of 6 members of the patrol yesterday, July 26.

"Alvin, have you called your wife? Your parents?" (Bakit ako pa ata inuuna nito)

"Yes sir, they are all happy to hear the news that I am alive and kicking," he said.

Castillon said that he just wanted me to know that he  survived the deadly clashes during which the 40-man patrol where he belonged fought in a fierce firefight against more or less 150 heavily armed bandits.

He also said that he wanted to thank me. (Me drama pa ata itong Ranger na ito)

"Di pa kita napapasalamatan dahil sa mga tulong mo sa akin sir. Dadaanan kita sa office mo pag ako ay makapag-bakasyon at dalhan kita ng pasalubong galing dito sa Basilan."

Sensing that he was affected by the deaths of his patrol members, I tried to cheer him up.

"I am glad that you're alive. Report to me with your boots on and tell me your memorable experiences. I don't care about your pasalubong, I will be the one to give you something when you're here . Don't forget to pray together with your fellow soldiers. "

As the line was cut, I can't help but smile by the thought that soldiers remember me for simple things I did for them. 

These are the same soldiers whom we lead towards dangerous missions in the frontlines.

Aside from the rigorous soldiery skills training, leaders must really invest in relationships with their soldiers.

Caring for them and helping them solve some personal problems are the best formulas to make them dedicated and trustworthy, even in the heat of battles.

I used the same approach when I led the 10th Scout Ranger Company to numerous battles in Basilan and Sulu from 2000-2002.

Treating fellow soldiers like brothers, the Scout Rangers work and function as a solid Team.

No wonder that the Rangers never leave a fallen comrade behind.

I can count on Ranger Castillon as one of them.

He left no one behind in the encounter site yesterday.

I salute all of them.