Fort Bonifacio tunnels: The 'lost underground world' of Fort Mc Kinley

 I have not visited the so-called Fort Bonifacio tunnels since I joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a PMA cadet in 1990. I just saw old Army photos like the one above, showing the well-maintained tunnel during the times that it was administered by the Army Museum until in the mid-90s.

Built sometime in 1910, the Fort Bonifacio Tunnel served as the main supply depot for the American Forces during its battles against Filipino revolutionaries like the 'juramentados' in Sulu and the warriors of Samar, Lanao and Bicol. The story that Gen Douglas Mc Arthur ordered its construction is wrong. A graduate of USMA Class of 1903, Mc Arthur first set foot in the Philippine soil in the 1920s. 

The tunnel is 2.24 kilometers long with  32 chambers. It has  two entrances located in Barangay Pembo and Barangay East Rembo. At least 730 meters of the tunnel remains intact, mostly located below the C-5 Road. The myths circulating around that the tunnel has an entrance to Malacanang Palace is simply false.

I got the opportunity of visiting this historical site when AFP Spokesperson Col. Marcelo Burgos invited me to join the delegation that will visit the tunnel which is located beneath the Bonifacio Global City. We went there together with BCDA officials. The main entrance to the tunnel is located across Market! Market!

I am not in Cu-chi District in Vietnam but the small opening reminds me of Viet Congs' network of underground tunnels running from North Vietnam down to Ho Chi Minh. This opening could be enlarged once this place is turned into a tourist attraction. The first stair has 17 steps.

 This door leads us to the 2nd stair which has 57 steps. Its almost 45 degrees steep, making the uphill climb quite a challenge for those who don't love physical exercises.

I really wished that I had my rubber shoes and tactical pants. My barong was not suited in this kind of adventure.

 The 57-step stair leads you to the ground level where you can find this chamber and directions. To my left is the Amapola St exit.

When the Army Museum was transferred to its new home beside the Army headquarters, the tunnels were forgotten. Intruders who came vandalized the place, not realizing that these tunnels are considered as national treasures.

The proud Igorot miners from Benguet were part of the tunnel’s laborers. They were joined by other 'tunnel diggers' like the Japanese laborers who migrated to Manila, most of whom were later discovered as soldiers spying for the Japanese military.

The current administrators have not explored all known exits of these tunnels. I just tried to visit one of the chambers which has a water source.

The preservation of the Fort Bonifacio tunnel as a heritage site and its opening for public viewing is welcomed by Armed Forces of the Philippines. This is part of the BCDA's initiative to honor the unsung heroes who sacrificed their lives in pursuit of our independence.

The project aims to contribute to the people’s understanding and appreciation of the history of the former military camps.

I am very proud to have visited the Fort Bonifacio tunnels. I can now proudly say: "I have not missed half of my life".

(Photos by Cpl Marlon San Esteban)

Budul-budul sa bahay ni Colonel Boloy

Isang araw, nakatanggap ng tawag ang kasambahay ni Colonel Boloy.

 

Caller: Inday, si Colonel Boloy ito. Buksan mo ang aking kwarto at kunin mo yong mga alahas at dalhin mo dito sa may kabilang kanto.

 

Inday: Siguradu ka na ikaw yan? Niluluku mu ko eh!

 

Caller: Sigurado! Oh, di ba nakilala kita. Ikaw si Inday!

 

Inday: Huy! Lulukihin mo tatay mu. Di ikaw si Colonel Boloy, siguradu aku! Budul-budul ka siguru!

 

Caller:  Paano mo nasabi yan?

 

Inday:  Eh di naman Inday tawag sa akin ni Colonel Boloy eh!

 

Caller: Eh ano nga?!

Inday: Swithart tawagan namin! Bleeeeeeh! Akala mu ha!

My kababayan joins the Army, hears my advices

NEWLY COMMISSIONED Army officer, 2nd Lieutenant Jay-R Sabud (2nd from right), intends to serve in the infantry. His father, Nestor Sr., is very proud of his son's initial accomplishment of surviving the rigorous pre-entry training. (Photo by Cpl Marlon San Esteban)

I was watching my fave cable news channel at home just before noon on Saturday, August 25, 2012 when my phone rang.

My kababayan, Mr. Nestor Sabud Sr. was the man behind the familiar voice . He sounded very happy as if he won the lotto jackpot prize worth millions of pesos.

"Sir, my son, Jay-R, will be commissioned as an Army 2LT today. I would like to invite you to come during the party that will be held in his honor at 6:00 pm tonight," he said ecstatically.

"Because you are my idol, you must come to attend this simple celebration so that you can share some insights about the military service," he added.

I can sense that Nestor was very proud having a son in the military. But, knowing his family background, I began asking questions.

They come from the upper middle class family who owns business establishments in our town.

He sent his children to reputable schools and his little Jay-R finished nursing in college. He just frowned in the past when told by my father about sending one of his sons to PMA.

I have not heard of anyone from his closest relatives who got interested in military service.

Intrigued by the mere fact that he allowed his son to join the military, I became more decided to attend the celebration.

God's will

When we finally met at around 6:00 pm that same day, I had the chance to ask all the questions that lingered in my mind.

While leading the prayer before our simple salu-salo attended by close relatives and a couple of other kababayans from our hometown in Dangcagan, Bukidnon, I was able to piece together the story behind Jay-R's adventures in the military.

He was already happy when his son finished nursing in college.

One day in 2011, he got the 'shock' of his life when Jay-R asked for his permission to join the Army through the Officer Candidate School.

He was stunned and dumbfounded by the expressed intention of his beloved son. He didn't know what to say during that moment but asked for more time to think a 'million times'.

He mentioned that he had always sought God's 'Divine Intervention' the day he allowed his son to join the military service.

He compared it to the act of Abraham of  readily offering his only son, Isaac, to God.

He said that though apprehensive, he never discouraged his son in serving the Army.

"To arrive at my final decision, I asked for God's guidance. We went to church together as a family to pray and ask His blessings and enlightenment," he narrated.

"It was later in the evening that I finally gave my nod to him. Since then, I had been praying every day that he will make it, knowing that the pre-entry training is very rigorous".

"When I received his call that he is one of those who luckily survived the 1-year long military training, it was a huge relief for me", said Nestor whose other son, a licensed Chemical Engineer, is also invited to join the Philippine National Police.

Brotherly advices

Knowing that I had my own share of valuable experiences in my 18-year long career in the Army, he asked me to share my insights and most importantly, my advices for his son.

When I started telling the real life of a soldier, everyone in the family got interested.

Aside from Jay-R, Nestor's wife and  children as well as  a few relatives gathered around me to pick some of my 'punch lines'.

I started by saying that I never regretted my decision of joining the Army because it is a very rewarding experience.

"The Army has taught me to become a better person and I always see to it that I give back to the organization by rendering my services honorably at all times," I shared.

Our conversation gradually became a 'Q&A'. As I answered all the questions, I always inserted my pieces of advices for the new Lieutenant.

Let me summarize some of them:

1. Always strive for excellence in everything you do. Consider every work given to you as an 'obra maestra' with your name on it. Be ashamed of your mediocre performance especially if you never exerted your best effort. You can only set the example to your soldiers if you always strive to be the best in everything.
2.  "Obey first before you complain: to all LEGAL orders only!" When the order is illegal, feel free to tell your superior, and that he must take responsibility for his own actions.  
3. Don't marry within 3 years of your service. Avoid the 'First Assignment Syndrome', which is marrying a girl whom you meet in your first duty assignment somewhere in the boondocks. Focus on your job as a Platoon Leader first before finding the best partner in life who can support you in your challenging jobs in the Army.
4. Save for the future. Slash at least 50% of your salary for your capital contribution in AFPSLAI that earns at least 16% annually. Don't indulge in vices like gambling, womanizing and excessive drinking of alcohol.
5. Remember the basic tenets taught in school like Integrity and Honesty. Fight corruption. Don't steal unit funds. Be conscious of the fact that you are carrying the name of your father whose reputation is unblemished in our community. Always remember two things: 'Walk the Talk' and 'Practice what you Preach'.
6. Acquire more skills. Buy some books, watch educational TV shows and learn from other well-experienced people. Be hungry for knowledge. Don't waste your time playing PSP or watching Koreanovelas, instead, relearn the tools of our trade like the Troop Leading Procedures (TLP) and TTPs in combat operations. Learn how to talk in public because the local officials in the remotest barangays will invite you as their Guest Speaker during important events. Practice your public speaking skills in front of your soldiers by sharing ideas and knowledge.
7. Be the teacher to your soldiers. Learn how to impart your gained skills. Effective leaders are excellent teachers. 
8. Always pray. Don't fear death because only God knows when it is the time for us to die. Even those who avoided combat assignments die in their airconditioned offices. Lead your soldiers in praying especially before dangerous combat missions.
9. We are warriors and  public servants. As soldiers, we are the protectors of the people, not their tormentors. We must use our power to help others and not to commit abuses against our own people.
10. Balance family life and military career. You can't claim to be a successful military man when you have a broken home. I don't want to see you become a General whose son is a criminal or a drug addict. 

P-Noy leads the National Heroes Day commemoration rites

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – His Excellency President Benigno C Aquino III spearheaded the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at the Libingan ng mga Bayani here honoring our national heroes, today (Aug 27) at 8:00 a.m.

Aquino was joined by the Defense Secretary Voltaire T Gazmin and the AFP chief, General Jessie D Dellosa. The event was witnessed by members of the Diplomatic Corps, cabinet officials, local chief executives, foreign dignitaries, and a crowd of attendees including soldiers, Girl Scouts and pupils from nearby schools.

Upon his arrival, a 21-gun salute from the Honor Guard battalion composed of units from the three service branches, greeted the President . Escorted by Dellosa, he immediately proceeded in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where he led the wreath-laying ceremony in honor of all departed heroes who are part of over 47, 600 individuals who are interred inside the 117-hectare facility.

With the theme,“Pilipinong tapat, magiting, at makabayan: Ikaw ang bayani sa Tuwid na daan”, the commemoration calls on every Filipino to be heroes in their own way in all circumstances. It was not only about remembering the heroism of our combat heroes, but also recognizing the modern day heroes --- the ordinary folks who risked their lives during disasters and other events.

In her welcome remarks, Taguig City Mayor, Maria Laarni Lopez-Cayetano said that heroes had emerged during the recent Habagat that wreak havoc in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

“Sa mga pagsubok na ito nakakita tayo ng mga bayani, mga kawani ng pamahalaan sa nasyonal at local na antas na hindi natinag ng hangin at ulan hatid ng Habagat. Nagsilbi, sumagip, bumangon,” she said.

In his speech, Aquino said that the occasion was also offered to those who might have lost the fight but stood for their principles and gave us examples to do what is right.

“Iniaalay din natin ang okasyong ito sa mga bayaning nabigo man sa laban ay nanindigan pa rin sa katwiran, at binigyan tayo ng magandang halimbawa upang gawin ang tama. Dahil higit sa anumang bagay, sinusukat ang ating tagumpay hindi sa yaman, sa dami ng medalya o sa katanyagan, kundi sa ating prinsipyo, at sa halaga ng ating nagawa para maiangat ang ating kapwa” he said.

Aquino alsosaid that he considers as heroes the ordinary people who face the challenges, hardships and complexities of this extraordinary time.

“Sila ang mga karaniwang taong humarap sa mga pagsubok ng isang di-pangkaraniwang panahon. Sila ang mga tinimbang, sinukat, at hindi nagkulang. Sa panahon man ng pananakop ng mga dayuhan o sa pagmamalabis sa kapangyarihan; sa panahon ng mga kaguluhang dulot ng masasamang elemento o sa paghagupit ng mapaminsalang bagyo; hindi nila ipinapahamak ang kapwa, binibigkis nila ang Pilipino upang lampasan ang bawat pagsubok,” Aquino added.

 Aquino concluded his speech with a call to every citizen to join him in his continued call for “Tuwid na Daan”, saying:

“Nananalaytay sa dugo natin ang diwa ng bayanihan. Kaya nga tinawag na bayani ang mga tinitingala natin: sila ang nagpaalab sa mga damdaming nagbuklod sa mamamayan, at naging tulay upang makamit ang nagkakaisang layunin ng buong bayan. Ang isang makatarungang bansa ang magbibigay-saysay sa ipinaglaban ng ating mga bayani; ito rin ang nais nating patunguhan sa tuwid na daan, at nais ipamana sa susunod na henerasyon ng Pilipino. Sama-sama po nating ipaglaban ito".

A home to heroes

The LNMB serves as tribute and resting place not just for the Filipino soldiers, but also for citizens who are considered as heroes and martyrs. It is a home to deceased Presidents, Dignitaries, National Artists, Scientists, Boy Scouts, and AFP Chiefs of Staff.

Among those interred are two past Presidents including Carlos P Garcia and Diosdado Macapagal.

There are 20 Dignitaries, 40 National Artists, nine AFP Chiefs of Staff, and 200 Generals buried in these hallowed grounds, and also thousands of soldiers who perished in the 2nd World War and the Korean War.

Up to this day, the LNMB is the preferred burial place for our present day combat heroes. It is also the burial site for the seven Medal for Valor awardees, and many other soldiers who perished while battling against insurgents all over the country.

           

The latest combat hero to be interred here was Cpl Jose Marvin V Talamante, who died while fighting the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sumisip, Basilan on July 26.

(Note: Photos are taken by TSg Jess Nermal and Cpl Marlon San Esteban)

DILG Secretary Robredo given full military honors upon arrival in Manila

Dressed in their gala uniform, the soldiers who composed the 120-man strong Battalion Honors stood at attention as the Fokker plane carrying the remains of DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo arrived in Villamor Air Base at around 10:00am on Friday (Aug 24).

The flag-draped casket was carried by 4 pairs of pall bearers from the Army's Security and Escort Battalion, as AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa escorted the Robredo family. The band played "Nearer, My God, to Thee". I can see tears shed among those who attended, including the soldiers.

Please play the video to hear the song that was played by the band for an outstanding public servant like Secretary Jesse Robredo.

The casket was laid down about 10-meters in front of the formation area for the arrival honors. During this time, 4 ruffles and flourishes can be heard. The 'ruffles' are played by the drummers while the 'flourishes' are sounded by the buglers. The soldiers rendered salute while the civilians stood at attention as required in  military honors like this.

The honor guard battalion was composed of soldiers from the 3 service branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and, also the General Headquarters.

When the ceremony was over, the casket was again carried by the pall bearers towards the hearse which was awaiting nearby. The honor guards stayed in the formation area until the time that the limousine was able to disappear amidst the crowd of supporters who were waiting eagerly outside.

Nepalese co-pilot of Piper Seneca plane, found floating at sea



Combined elements of the AFP, PNP and PCG divers scour the vicinity of the crash site in order to locate the missing Nepalese co-pilot of the ill-fated Piper Seneca plane which plunged into the deep waters off Ibingin village.

It was about 8:00am today when a local fisherman found a cadaver of a man believed to be the missing Nepalese pilot, Kshitiz Chand. The dead man was wearing a white shirt, black pants and a pilot badge. The rescuers fetched the cadaver and brought him to a funeral parlor where some relatives were awaiting. In the background, the damaged plane lie in waiting after it was retrieved from the seabed about 800m from this location.

 This is the wreckage of the Piper Seneca plane which crashed while trying to land in Masbate airport on Friday, August 17.

When Chand was positively identified by his father, Task Force Kalihim authorities declared 'end of mission. The soldiers, sailors and policemen were applauded for their selfless dedication which led to the success of the mission.


(Note: Photos were submitted by SSg Dante Callueng of the 1st Special Forces Battalion)

Photos of the Search and Retrieval operations in Masbate

Task Force Kalihim chief Major General Eduardo Del Rosario hears the mission briefing attended by scuba divers from various agencies including volunteers from civilian dive sites.

Army combat divers from the elite Special Forces and Rescue Teams from the 9th Infantry Division prepare their gears before going into action. 

Military divers wrapped up their preparations before proceeding to the crash site in order to retrieve the two pilots who are still inside the ill-fated plane.

Combat divers wade through the water towards the waiting motorized boats which will take them towards the crash site about 800 meters away from the shoreline in Ibingin village, Masbate City. 

The body of Capt Jessup Bahinting was brought to the surface and was taken by NAVSOG personnel. 

Joint elements of the Task Force Kalihim await to carry the body of pilot Capt Jessup Bahinting which was retrieved at around 5:00 pm, August 22. 

These photos were taken yesterday by the Special Forces divers led by Cpt Jerry Jaucian, who were tasked to help in the ongoing search and retrieval operations.

The one raised from the water is the cadaver of Capt Jessup Bahinting which was plucked out of the water at around 5pm yesterday, Aug 22.


The Army divers started working with NAVSOG divers to retrieve to body of Capt Jessup Bahinting at around 3:30pm yesterday.

The Special Forces divers are part of Task Force Kalihim led by Major General Eduardo del Rosario which is tasked in the Search and Retrieval operations. Along with the NAVSOG and PCG and PNP divers, they were working with the civilian tech divers who volunteered in the search operations.

Army Chief Lt General Emmanuel Bautista has earlier directed the Special Forces to help in the SAR when DILG Sec Jesse Robredo and 2 others went missing after the fatal plane crash off Masbate Airport on August 17, 2012.

Army soldiers seize highpowered firearms in Nueva Viscaya clash

BALER, Aurora---Army soldiers seize two highpowered firearms after a clash with communist rebels in Nueva Viscaya early morning today (Aug 22).

Lt Col Kurt Decapia, the Commanding Officer of the 48th Infantry Battalion said that patrolling elements of his unit clashed with at least 15 NPA bandits in Sitio Dilactan, Galintuja village, Alfonso Castaneda town at around 6:45am.

The rebels scampered away after about 15-minutes of exchanging fires with the Army soldiers, dragging along some wounded comrades.

The soldiers found two Cal 5.56mm M16 Rifles abandoned by the rebels near the encounter site.

One soldier sustained minor injuries but he was declared in safe condition after being given immediate treatment by the Army's combat medics.

Major General Alan Luga, the Commander of the 7th Infantry Division, has directed the pursuit operations to hunt down the remnants of the bandit group who are responsible for the extortion activities in the province.

Two communist extortionists nabbed after a clash with government troops in Sorsogon, 4 firearms seized

JUBAN, Sorsogon- Two NPA bandits were nabbed by combined forces of the Army and the Philippine National Police after a brief clash  in this province on Monday, August 21.

Lt Col Teody Toribio, the Commanding Officer of the 31st Infantry Battalion here, said that the clash occurred in the hinterland village of Abad Santos, Bulan town at around 9:00am.

He said that he sent a team of soldiers led by 1st Lt Rory Esico and a team of  local police  led by P/Insp Rufino Noog upon hearing a complaint regarding the NPA's extortion activities in the said village.

"Through the help of a civilian tipster, the troops have directly pinpointed and collared the two armed extortionists who were caught red-handed with their firearms. They raised their hands upon realizing that they were completely surrounded," he said.

The soldiers confiscated a Cal 5.56mm M16A1 Rifle and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol from the two suspects identified as Alex Gerandino,24, a.k.a. Monique and Florence Galos a.k.a. Audrey.

Both suspects came from the village of Macawayan of Irosin town in Sorsogon and were turned over to Bulan Municipal Police Station for inquest proceedings.

During their detention, the policemen extracted information about the existence of an encampment in nearby San Juan Daan village of the same town, prompting Toribio to send another group of soldiers to check the veracity of the information.

While approaching the vicinity of the encampment at around 10:00am, a clash erupted when the soldiers and policemen were met with automatic fires from at least 15 rebels, triggering a running gun battle which lasted about 20 minutes.

The bandits hastily scampered to various directions, some of whom used civilian residents as human shields by mingling with a crowd of farmers.

Toribio said that the soldiers spotted bloodstains along the trails used by the fleeing rebels.

"I believe that  a number of them  got wounded or killed as indicated by the blood traces in the encounter site. The rebels left behind another Cal. 5.56mm M16 Rifle and a Cal .45 M1911A1 pistol, along with several improvised bombs and bomb accessories," said Toribio.

No one was harmed among the government forces who have continuously pursued the rebels, guided by the civilian tipsters through text messages.

The detained suspects are facing serious criminal charges including illegal possession of firearms and explosives and extortion.

Bayanihan Song

This is the visual expression of Bayanihan that the military is advocating through the Internal Peace and Security Plan. Another version of this song is coming, featuring a popular singer.

PMA entrance exams set on August 26

The Philippine Military Academy will conduct the PMA Entrance Examination (PMAEE) on August 26, 2012 in thirty-seven (37) examination centers nationwide.

The PMA Entrance Exam is the first stage in the selection process for admission in the premier leadership training school in the country.

 

 The PMA accepts applicants with  minimum height of 5 ft, both for male and female.

The changes in the minimum height requirement came about when it was observed during the conduct of the Limited Physical Examination (LPE) in different exam centers, that many are denied the chance to go through the first phase of the selection process, solely for the reason of not meeting the height requirement. 

Addressing one of the major issues that usually deters interested applicants from entering the Academy, PMA has made a firm stand on its policy against maltreatment in the Cadet Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP).

The Academy is aggressively implementing a “No Maltreatment Policy” among the cadets.

It teaches cadets strict adherence to the provisions of human rights, the international humanitarian law (IHL) and the rule of law, starting from their cadetship during which they are moulded to become future military leaders.

Other requirements for cadet admission are the following: Natural-born Filipino citizen, physically fit  and of good moral character, single and has never been married, at least high school graduate,  no administrative/criminal case, must pass the PMAEE, and should be born from April 01, 1991 to April 01, 1996.

Being a PMA cadet gives an individual a noble privilege of serving the country. As a cadet, one can avail of a free college education with a well-rounded curriculum.

Cadets also receive monthly pay and allowances as  members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

After graduating from the Academy, one is guaranteed a progressive career as an officer in the Army, Navy or Air Force, and a distinct privilege of serving the country through the military profession.

Successful applicants will compose the PMA Class 2017 which will be officially received as cadets in an Oath-Taking Ceremony and Reception Rites on April 01, 2013.

Walk-in Applicants: Those who were not able to submit their application forms on time may apply as 'walk-in' applicants. Usually, the processing of walk-in applicants is in the morning of the examination date, except, when the OIC of the Examination Team in the area schedules a separate date for them. It is also heavily dependent on the availability of testing materials.

Examination Centers:

Manila City (Universidad de Manila)

Quezon City (Ramon Magsaysay High School)

Baguio City (Philippine Military Academy)

Laoag City (Northwestern University)

Dagupan City (University of Pangasinan-PHINMA)

Bontoc, Mountain Province (Mt Province General Comprehensive High School)

Bayombong (Nueva Vizcaya State University)

Tuguegarao City (Cagayan National High School)

Cabanatuan City (Araullo University)

Tarlac City (Tarlac State University)

City of San Fernando, Pampanga (Angeles City National High School)

Calapan City (Divine World College)

Lipa City (Fernando Air Base)

Puerto Princesa (Holy Trinity University)

Lucena City (Quezon National High School)

Legaspi City (NAVFORSOL, Rawis)

Naga City (University of Nueva Caceres)

Bacolod City (West Negros University)

Iloilo City (Iloilo National High School)

Kalibo,Aklan (Northwestern Visayan Colleges)

Cebu City (Southwestern University)

Dumaguete City (Siliman University)

Tagbilaran City (Holy Name University)

Catbalogan (Samar State University-Mercedez Campus)

Tacloban City (Leyte Normal University)

Zamboanga City (Western Mindanao State University )

Butuan City (Agusan National High School)

Cagayan De Oro City (Camp Evangelista Gymnasium, 4ID PA)

Ozamis City (Cong Hilarion J Ramiro Jr City Gymnasium)

Davao City (University of Southeastern Philippines)

Gen Santos City (Mindanao Polytechnic College)

Tacurong City (Notre Dame of Tacurong College)

Iligan City (Iligan City National High School)

Cotabato City (Notre Dame of Cotabato-Boys)

Jolo Sulu (Notre Dame of Jolo College)

Basco Batanes (Batanes National Science High School)

Tawi-Tawi (MSU Bongao Campus Prep High Gym)

 

(NB.  Application Forms can be downloaded from www.pma.ph. Applicants can also apply on-line in the said website. For more information, call (074) 446-8002, (02) 913-6286, 09494270584, 09273810493 or write the Office of Cadet Admission, Philippine Military Academy, Fort General Gregorio H del Pilar, 2602, Baguio City. )

*** Lifted from the Press Release of the Public Affairs Office, Philippine Military Academy