Braving the storm: The story of Capt. Roland Narciso '95

Captain Roland Narciso proudly poses for a token photo at the cockpit of his aircraft. (Photo by PJ Enriquez/Inquirer Lifestyle)

Even well-experienced pilots would say that flying a plane during a storm is  a daunting challenge. As a Scout Ranger, I have no idea. All the time, I was just an ordinary passenger. Oh no, there was a time that I became crazy. During our airborne training in 1995, I boarded an aircraft and jumped out, hoping that my parachute would open wide!

Let's go back to the main topic: Is it more challenging to fly in the middle of a storm if your distinguished passenger is a man named Pope Francis? 

Let us hear from one of the pilots who was in the controls of PAL A320 flight PR 8010 which earned the call sign "Shepherd One". 

By the way, when I heard his name, it rings a bell--------Captain Roland Narciso, 41, the Chief Pilot. We both belonged to CCAFP's 4th Battalion. Back in 1991, I was a one of the mighty yearlings of Hawk Hunters; and, he was  kicking distance away as a dumbguard of the Golf Gallants.

One day, my mistah  introduced me to his famous companymate as they passed by in front of our barracks. He told me to ask the profession of Fourthclassman Narciso's father. 

With a tiger look which yearlings (2nd year cadets) were notoriously known for, I asked him the intriguing question.

"Mister You, what is the job of your erpats?"

He could not look at my eyes but he promptly answered: Driver sir!

I was not satisfied and pressed for more details. Thanks to the 'devilish' smile of my mistah, I got some clues that I need to ask more.

"Driver of what vehicle? Be specific!" 

He was cornered. Cadets are supposed to give direct answers. 

"Airplane sir," came the short reply.

Well, what can I say? I was a yearling then. "Sanamasita!" 

Anyway, it was not his fault that his father was a Pilot!

But hey, that is not the main story. It is about the very brave pilot whom I first met as a confused plebe. 

Let me continue, okay? If you're a plebe, say: "Sir, yes sir!"

Prior to their flight to Tacloban, everybody knew that tropical storm 'Amang' was already approaching the heavily-battered province of Leyte,  the same place that was devastated by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November 2013. 

Despite the storm warnings, the organizers of the Papal visit and even the pontiff himself made the decision to push through the planned meeting with the tens of thousands of people who patiently waited form him there. That is one of the main reasons why he visited the Philippines, right?

Perhaps, it was a twist of fate that PAL pilot Captain Roland Narciso, the son of a 'driver', was handpicked by his superiors for that mission. 

Why was he selected? I can only guess that he is one of the best pilots around. For five years as a young officer, he had flown military aircrafts like the T41. In addition, he had been a commercial pilot for 14 years now,  and was recently promoted as a Chief Pilot. Atin-atin lang,  he was probably selected because he can stand straight like a  plebe! Astig, di ba?

He said that government authorities selected the Airbus A320 because it was the most appropriate aircraft for the short and narrow runway of Daniel Z Romualdez Airport. 

A devout Catholic, Narciso was excited of the close encounter with the revered Pope inside the aircraft. So, like a dumbguard, his answer to the challenge to drive the Pope was a thunderous reply: "Sir, yes sir!" 

"I accepted the job because it was a blessing and an honor to serve the Holy Father," he said.

He did not know that the 'mission' would test his leadership and decision-making skills thereby thrusting him into the limelight.

The challenge

Aware of the inclement weather brought by the approaching typhoon, he knew that the plane would experience a turbulent flight. 

“The weather was still within the limits of the Airbus A320. This was our conclusion after thoroughly considering the cloud ceiling, wind condition, and visibility," he revealed.

The strong wind gusts brought by Typhoon 'Amang' caused the bumpy ride as they approached Eastern Visayas where Signal Nr 2 was already declared. 

When the plane safely landed at DZR Airport at around 8:30am, everyone on board was applauding, including the tens of thousands of rain-soaked pilgrims who waited for long hours outside.

Narciso said that his cadet training in the Philippine Military Academy and in the PAF Flying School mattered most during that flight. 

“I learned in PMA how to remain cool under pressure. I carried this trait when I began flying military aircrafts upon joining the Philippine Air Force and later, the Philippine Airlines," said Narciso, a member of PMA 'Marilag' Class of 1995 who had flown military aircrafts around the archipelago for about 5 years.

Painful decision

Later in the afternoon, he received advisories about the approaching typhoon which was about 80-100kms away by around 12:00nn. 

As Chief Pilot, he has to calculate the risks and make decisions. He consulted his fellow pilots including his PMA upperclassman, Capt. George Alvarez, about a proposal to leave at 1:00pm, 4 hrs earlier than the scheduled departure. He was aware that some people might be frustrated by the  shortened stay of the Pope but he needs to fly him out safely. 

"We knew it was a painful decision but we do not want to endanger our passengers, especially the Pope. We could be stranded there or fly in the middle of the storm which was not advisable," he said.

He was very elated that the organizers and the Pope agreed to cut short his trip and granted their proposal to depart by 1:00 pm.

The plane carrying the call sign 'Shepherd One',  made a smooth touch down in Manila at around 2:30pm, to the delight of the well-wishers who waited for Pope Francis at Villamor Air Base. 

"I sighed in relief upon landing safely, seeing the crowds of people which awaited Pope Francis. I got another shock of my life seeing the Pope entering the cockpit to congratulate us," he said. 

SUCCESS! Capt Roland Narciso smiles before a crowd of well-wishers who applauded the crew for safely transporting Pope Francis back to Manila. (Photo by PAO, AFP)

Proud mistahs

Learning that a 'mistah' (PMA classmate) piloted the plane that safely carried the Pope to Tacloban, Narciso received countless congratulatory messages from friends and classmates. Some of them proudly posted their messages of support on Facebook.

Captain Antonio Salgado, 42, the Class Baron of PMA 1995, said he was not surprised that Narciso was able to achieve his latest feat.

“Insong (Cpt Narciso) is responsible, dependable, and true. I know that the Pope was in good hands with him taking the flight controls," he said. 

"As the Chief Pilot, Roland has displayed the qualities of a leader. The PMA, our beloved institution has not failed in developing good leaders who are now serving in different organizations, "said Lt. Col Marlowe Patria, another mistah from the Philippine Army.

Bugo-bugo pilots

Actually, Capt Narciso was not the only Peemayer on board of the Shepherd One during that daring flight. 

He got reinforcements from upperclassmen Bugo-bugos (PMA graduates) like Capt. George Alvarez, his co-pilot and Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo. 

Alvarez is a member of PMA 'Bigkis-Lahi' Class of 1990 and Capt Tamayo was reportedly a member of PMA Class of 1974.

Because of their feat, I will render my snappiest salute to these gentlemen if I get the chance to meet them, especially the Driver's son whom I met more than two decades ago.

Saluting the Holy Father: The story of PMA's cadet Honor Guards

Cadet Denzel Corpuz leads the Honor Guard Battalion which rendered military honors for His Holiness Pope Francis at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 16, 2015). The Pope paid courtesy call on President Benigno S Aquino III as part of his State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines. (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

I have a story about two cadets who were directed to render salute to a Pope. 

A  lot of their mistahs, even upperclassmen,  envied them for their close encounter with the charismatic leader of the Catholic Church. 

Who are the lucky guys? Ladies and gentlemen....... please meet Cadet Denzel Corpuz, 20, and his mistah, Cadet Leoncio Nico De Jesus, 21. Chin in!

They are both members of the 'Gabay-Laya' Class of 2016. Actually, they are the so-called 'cows' (PMA lingo for 3rd year cadets) who will soon assume the posts as the Brigade Commander and Deputy Brigade Commander, respectively.

They got the opportunity to see the Pope because the firstclassmen (4th year cadets) are far away for training. In short, they are currently the 'Kings of the Barracks'. Swerte!

Thanks to the current PMA curriculum, the upperclassmen were sent to TRADOC to undergo rigorous training called the Officers' Preparatory Course. They are now sweating it out under the scorching heat of the sun! Sorry, guys!

Pride and honor

For cadets, representing the PMA as part of the Honor Guard Battalion is both their pride and honor. Also, they were making history as the first cadets to render honors to a Pope inside the Malacanang Palace. 

"I take pride in representing the PMA in this momentous event. At the same time, I am honored to meet a respected leader and a superstar," said Corpuz, the youngest son of Catholic couple Allan and Marlene, both 51 years old. 

For his part, De Jesus said that saluting the pontiff was a rare privilege. Meron na nga bang sundalong nakapagsaludo sa isang Obispo?

"Not all PMA graduates can have the opportunity to salute the Holy Father in a military ceremony. I am very proud of this experience," said De Jesus, a Born Again Christian. 

Pressure

During the Papal Visit, two distinct military ceremonies awaited the upcoming top 2 leaders of the PMA cadet corps.  Corpuz was assigned to lead the Arrival Honors while De Jesus was entrusted to spearhead the Foyer Honors during the pontiff's departure, both on January 16. 

Thinking about the big audience and the personalities involved in the ceremonies, both cadets felt the pressure that came with the job. They were aware that the VIP was both a Head of State and a Church Leader. 

They could not get rid of the mental baggage. The thought about the millions of people who will be watching on TV sets around the world also came to mind. They were likewise worried about the hot Manila weather.

Corpuz said that they were expected to show their best performance.

"Cadets are trained how to maintain composure despite the pressures. We are not supposed to be adversely affected by external distractions and sacrifice the quality of our performance," said Corpuz who is aspiring to become an Army Scout Ranger.

To achieve excellent performance, Corpuz prepared himself and his men for the tough job that was assigned to them. He wanted everyone to be conditioned mentally and physically so that they can attain perfection in all movements during the ceremony.

"Aside from our routine parade drills, we dedicated one week to practice our movements specifically for the honor ceremonies. We also watched our diet a few days before the D-day," he added. 

Meanwhile, De Jesus said that he wanted to showcase the PMA during the ceremony but he was worried  upon seeing that some cadets collapsed in formation during their practices.

"Our tactical officers demanded perfection and we echoed this to our subordinates. We also required the cadets to be in top shape all the time," revealed De Jesus. 

For one week, they led the members of the Honor Guard in practicing the movements during the daily drills which were held in Villamor Air Base. 

Star struck

During the arrival honors, Corpuz found himself a few steps away from the beloved pontiff. He said that he remained focused in order to avoid committing mistakes.

"I couldn't help but stare at him. Seeing him up close and personal inspired me to perform in the best manner I can," he narrated. 

Cadet Denzel Corpuz stands ramrod straight in front of Pope Francis during the Arrival Honors that was held at Malacanang Palace early morning on January 17. (Malacanang Photo Bureau)

De Jesus said that he was only about two steps away from Pope Francis during the Foyer Honors. As the ceremony started, he tried his best to stand straight, chin up high, and crisp. 

Who is 'rolling his eyeballs' in formation to stare at the Pope? Some of these cadets are actually guilty of violating this military regulation during the Foyer Honors. Cadet De Jesus is one of them. (PMA photo)

He remained almost motionless and held his sword tight. When the Pope was approaching, he couldn't help but 'roll his eyeballs'. He almost forgot to give the right command. 

"I was star-struck by his holiness. I was glancing at him while he was approaching and I almost failed to bark my orders," he said. 

Both cadets were very glad that they were able to accomplish their assigned mission 'with flying' colors. 

"I am happy of our humble contribution during the visit of Pope Francis. He had inspired us to raise the lid of our performance," said Corpuz.

They received accolades from their superiors who watched the event with their scrutinizing eyes, especially Major Vladimir Gracilla, their mentor.

"I am proud of these cadets who displayed the high standards of discipline that PMA is known for. My hardwork in supervising their daily drills paid off," said Gracilla, a member of PMA 'Sanghaya' Class of 2000.

Brave soldier frees a hostage-taking victim, hailed by local folks as a hero: TSgt Gilbert Ang's story

I was reading the news early morning today (Jan 11) when I received a message from my PMA upperclassman and fellow Scout Ranger, Lt. Col. Melencio "Meme" Ragudo, about the heroic feat of his subordinate. 

"My soldier was hailed as a hero after saving a child from a hostage-taker somewhere in Antipolo City yesterday. You might want to hear his story," he said. 

Hearing the initial details, I became excited. As a military leader, I am also inspired by the tales of heroism involving our everyday heroes, the enlisted personnel. 

"Sir, I will meet him at 1200H today. Please let him visit my office," I told him. 

Knowing the man 

When I arrived at the Public Affairs Office, a smiling soldier clad in snappily pressed Battle Dress Attire greeted me. He was soft-spoken and mild-mannered. 

I invited him to my own receiving area for a bolahan session. I made it a casual conversation like a kwentong kanto. I wanted him to share his thoughts freely.

His full name is Technical Sergeant Gilbert Ang, 39, of Antipolo City. He is married with a young daughter.

The eldest among 4 siblings, he was raised by his parents in the suburbs of Sta Mesa, Manila. His parents, Hernan, 65, and Leticia, 62, were both ordinary laborers.

"I belong to a close-knit family. My parents taught us the value of humility and kindness to others," he said.

Since his younger days as a Citizen's Military Training (CMT) officer, he had aspired of becoming a soldier. He learned the fundamentals of military leadership at that young age.

Determined to join the AFP, he took the ROTC while studying at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta. Mesa. Later, he also finished the Probationary Officer's Training Course (POTC) as his ticket for commissionship. 

The financial difficulties that his family experienced in mid-90's forced him to drop from school and enlist in the Army through the Army Reserve Command in 1996.

"At first, I was frustrated for not finishing my college education, but, I was also happy because I was able to join the profession that I love," he said.

Because of his solid military background, he easily adjusted to the regimented life of a soldier. 

His excellent performance, high standard of discipline, and leadership skills brought him to places. He was sent abroad for specialization training twice.He finished the Warrant Officer's Course  and the Explosives Inspector's Course both in Australia.

Heroic feat

Ang did not know that he will encounter a hostage-taking incident during his short weekend privilege. 

At noon time on January 10, he was on his way home on board a motorcycle when he spotted a commotion along Sumulong highway in Mambugan village in Antipolo City. 

A highly-trained soldier of the AFP Joint Special Operations Group (JSOG), he stopped near the crowd of people to investigate. A few meters away, he saw a deranged man probably in his 20's,  poking a knife on the neck of a child. 

Not far away from the crowd of bystanders, there were policemen who tried to negotiate with the suspect for the release the child. They were ignored by the knife-wielding man who kept walking, clutching the victim with his right hand. 

The sight of policemen with long firearms irritated the hostage-taker. He kept walking away followed by a growing number of villagers. By that time, the stand-off had dragged for about half an hour.

Worried that the suspect might become violent, Ang approached the policemen led by Police Chief Inspector Dogwe. He offered to help rescue the child. 

"I told them that I can do something with the help of a few unarmed civilians. I explained that the suspect might stab the child because he was very agitated and appeared to be emotionally unstable," said Ang.

Seeing the soundness of Ang's proposal, the policemen agreed. 

Risk-taker

Working with untrained civilians for a very delicate rescue mission, Ang was fully aware of the risks. 

Scanning the scene, he weighed his options and decided to carry on.

"I remembered my own 6-year old daughter. It could happen to her and someone has to save her too. I was willing to take the risks of getting harmed and even being blamed if I fail," he said.

He can still vividly remember that about two decades ago, he had also engaged two armed robbers in a shootout after the suspects threatened to shoot the driver and conductor. His superb marksmanship skills made him victorious against the criminals.

The main difference this time is that he is unarmed. His courage and his motorcycle are his only weapons.

When he asked for volunteers for a daring rescue attempt, two civilian volunteers came forward to help. 

He explained the 'concept of operation' and their respective tasks. 

"I assigned myself as the Main Effort, the civilians and policemen as the Supporting Efforts. It was like a military operation where I am the over-all leader and primary actor," he said.

As the Main Effort, he volunteered to ram his motorcycle on the left side of the hostage-taker's body in order to throw him off-balance, and allow the two civilians and policemen to grab the knife and the child. 

They all knew that it was easier said than done.

"I made sure that the plan was clearly understood by all players. During that time, the suspect had already walked about a kilometer towards Marikina-Infanta highway and was visibly exhausted."

Dare to fail

Ang and his hastily-organized team of rescuers, closely following the suspect to get a chance to launch the strike. 

In two occasions, he had to abort his plan because the suspect became suspicious and threatened to kill the child anew.

"I could not afford to see him kill the innocent child. I have calculated all the risks and dared to fail."

He patiently waited for the golden opportunity by continuously trailing the suspect. His team members were only a few meters away around the hostage-taker who was almost surrounded by usiseros and concerned citizens alike.

Seeing that the suspect was not looking, he raced towards him, aiming the front wheel of his motorcycle on the suspect's left leg. 

He hit the mark and he crashed just beside him as the crowd rushed in. He became dizzy after suffering cuts and bruises.

"I was not fully aware of the next scene because the angry mob promptly surrounded the man. I felt something hit my butt but I sensed the gnawing pain on my leg which hit the pavement," he narrated.

Lying on his side and grimacing in pain, he was relieved to see the child safely wrestled by his 'team member' away from the suspect . 

SP03 Jesus Magno, SPO1 Herbert Iligan and PO2 Roy Macuto of Police Community Precinct 1, Antipolo City wasted no time in disarming the suspect, who was later identified as Alvin Occidental, 28, of Pansol, Quezon City. 

Ang and the policemen also intervened when bystanders took turns in punching the suspect. He understood that the suspect was not in his right mind.

"I also pity him because I saw his face and his blank stare. He might have some personal problems that led him to do the unthinkable."

People also started gathering around Ang to congratulate him. Learning that he was an Army soldier, people started screaming "Iyan ang bayaning sundalo!" (That is our soldier-hero!)

Despite the accolades, Ang stayed humble and explained to them that he was just doing what is right. 

"I did what a father needs to do in that difficult situation. I am also a soldier so the more that I have to show the people that I can protect them when they need my help," said Ang.

Truly, Gilbert Ang is one of our everyday heroes in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Mabuhay ka!

My souvenir photo with TSg Gilbert Ang of the Joint Special Operations Group (JSOG) during our meeting on Sunday (January 11). He emerged a hero during a hostage-taking incident in Antipolo City by leading the bold rescue of the victim with a handful of civilians and policemen. 

The heroes of Inabanga: Honoring Bohol's warriors

LOST SON. Chona Bautista, 48, takes a glimpse of her beloved son 'Onad' a day before his burial in Inabanga town, Bohol on Saturday (Jan 10). Bautista is considered by his town mates as a hero like their ancestor, Francisco Dagohoy, who led the longest armed rebellion in Philippine history. (Photo by Ariel Bautista)

About 270 years after the uprising of homegrown Filipino warriors led by Francisco Sendrijas a.k.a. Francisco Dagohoy, Inabanga town in northern coast of Bohol has produced another warrior and hero, Army 1st Lt. Ronald Bautista, 27.  

He paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving the people in the hinterlands of Anitapan in Mabini town, Compostela Province, one of the NPA-infested provinces in the country.

The people of Inabanga are very proud of his feats as an Army soldier. They recognized  his active role in helping poor people far-away from home, in solving their community problems. He was dubbed as a 'peace and development' warrior.

Since the Spanish domination of the island centuries ago, this town had consistently gained prominence for its valiant heroes. Aside from being the site of the longest revolt of Philippine history, it is home to fierce warriors who fought the American forces during their occupation of Bohol in March 1899.

One of the notable heroes is Captain Martin Cabagnot, a local guerilla leader during the American occupation. Armed with bolos and spears, he led a handful of brave warriors in engaging the superior enemy forces in close combat, killing at least a hundred of the American invaders. 

During the attack of the Japanese in 1943, Inabanga once again kept the freedom alive when its proud sons organized a resistance movement that fought the enemies in several battles that lasted at least two years. 

       
Worst fear

Bautista's 48-year old mother, Chona, have good memories of his beloved son. 

She can still vividly remember 'Onad' patiently grinding rice from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, in order to cook bibingka (rice cakes) that would be sold the next day.

“He was already a very responsible child since his elementary school days. He wanted to help us earn more money so that we can send them to school,” she said, her voice cracking. 

Chona is suffering a parent’s worst fear – that of burying a child she raised and protected. 

On Saturday (Jan 10), she would have to let go of her “Onad” with a final goodbye in a military burial set for heroes. She will receive the Philippine flag that is used to cover the coffin of his son. 

Resourceful

Aside from selling rice cakes, Chona said “Onad” also earns money by patiently copying notes for his classmates. He was a favorite 'scribe' because of his excellent penmanship.

“He was very resourceful and he constantly found ways to earn extra income to support his studies. He was very determined to finish school,” she said.

Despite these challenges and distractions, little Bautista still managed to keep his grade up, even securing for himself a place on the top ten of his class, Chona said.

From Bohol to PMA

It was never Bautista’s dream to become a soldier, his mother Chona said.

Chona said it was the idea of a full scholarship and allowances that attracted Bautista to PMA. He was encouraged by a relative to take the PMA entrance exam when he was on his third year in agricultural engineering in CMU.

To him, it was another way to help his family. Bautista, apparently, did not mind the danger attached to the profession.

“I was even against his entering PMA. I was scared he might get killed when he becomes a soldier. I’ve seen on TV many soldiers die while in service,” she said, her tears flowing anew.

Chona was referring to the stories of soldiers’ deaths in Bohol during the 1990s when it was still a hotbed for insurgency. Among those who were killed in numerous encounters in Bohol was 2nd Lt. Socrates Que, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1998.

But, due to public-private partnership which proved an effective weapon against insurgency, Bohol was declared free of insurgency by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in 2009 alongside Cebu. Bohol today is considered one of the most peaceful places in the Philippines.

Pedro Bautista, 67, village captain and uncle of Bautista, said he had always known his nephew would grow up to become a good man.

“He was a good boy and active as a youth leader here,” Pedro said in a phone interview.

He added that Bautista was an active leader of Sanguniang Kabataan (SK). Even after he left Bohol to go to PMA, he would return home every break and meet up with his friends and neighborhood kids to impart the things he learned in the military school.

When he became a soldier, he still saw his friends during his free time to encourage them to become leaders themselves and dream of bigger things for their future.

Responsible

As he grew older, Bautista’s sense of responsibility grew with dreams of sending his own siblings to school, particularly his older brother Ariel, 28, who had to stop and provide for him while he went to college in Central Mindanao University in Bukidnon. 

Onad's  and Ariel, his older brother, worked together to send their younger brother Gelo, 25, to college.  Ariel opted to drop from school and worked as a basket weaver until young Gelo finished his Computer studies.


Later, "Onad" also supported Ariel's college education. He is now a fourth year Mechanical Engineering student.

Now that her helpful “Onad” is gone, Chona is worried about the education of her other four children, all of which are still in high school.

But, Chona need not worry for the AFP will award scholarships to his siblings through its Educational Benefit System Office (EBSO).

The AFP EBSO was activated August 2000 by virtue of General Orders Nr 920 dated August 22, 2000, by command of then General Angelo Reyes, and Presidential Decree 577 (PD 577) signed by former President Ferdinand E. Marcos in 1974. PD 577 was the first law ever enacted providing for educational benefit for soldier’s dependents.

Bearing its tagline “Leaving No Soldiers’ Orphan Behind” conceptualized by former AFPEBSO General Manager Commander Wenefredo Banua, dependents who will be included into the program will receive support throughout their college years from the AFPEBSO fund and partner-stakeholders from Department of Education (DepEd).

“We will facilitate the awarding of educational benefits for the younger siblings of Lt. Bautista and his companions who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the country. This is our own way to honor our fallen heroes,” said Lt. Col Danilo Estranero, the General Manager of AFPEBSO.

Special military honors

For his sacrifices, Bautista is set to receive posthumous award, the Wounded Personnel Medal from the AFP alongside the special military honors during his burial. 

The AFP Chief-of-staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. directed the Central Command to accord Bautista with appropriate burial honors fit for a hero. 

A firing party composed of soldiers from the Special Forces unit based in Bohol has been readied for the burial ceremony that will be held at around 2:00pm (Sat).

Officials from the local government and the military unit stationed in Cebu and Bohol will join the relatives during the said ceremony.

Local officials from Inabanga town will attend the solemn ceremony for Bautista in his hometown as a sign of respect for the very first PMA graduate of their town that they now see as a hero and an inspiration for Bohol in years to come.

Sincerity

Senior government officials dared communist rebels to show sincerity and  to “walk their talk” toward resuming the peace talks.

“We strongly condemn the pointless violence exercised by the CPP-NPA-NDF. If they are truly serious in their call for the resumption of peace negotiations with the government, we challenge them to walk their talk and stop harassing development projects, civilians and unarmed soldiers on holiday. There is no way to peace but through peace,” Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said in a statement on New Year's eve.

Aside from murdering Bautista and his men during the Christmas season truce, the NPA bandits had also abducted a jail warden in Compostela Valle,  and burned down heavy equipment used for development projects.

“In blatant disregard of the Christmas season, when our people desire and expect peace and goodwill, the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front) reciprocated the government’s gesture of a month-long unilateral ceasefire with acts of senseless violence,” she added.

NPA bullets thwart a soldier's family reunion: 1st Lt Ronald Bautista's story

1st Lt. Ronald Bautista, 27, of Nabanga, Bohol was brutally killed by NPA bandits while travelling home for New Year. Prior to his death, Bautista was deployed to Anitapan village, Mabini, Comval Province to carry out community outreach activities. 

He was returning home from a remote field assignment in Compostela Valley to reunite with his family during Christmas truce,  but  enemy bullets claimed his life.

 

Released for the New Year's break, 1st Lt Ronald Bautista, 25, a member of the Philippine Military Class of 2011, was travelling on a civilian motorcycle with  two military personnel when NPA bandits blocked their path and  murdered them in cold blood at around 9:45 am on December 29, 2014 in Candinuyan village,  Mabini, Compostela Valley. 

Among the victims of the murderous attack were Private First Class Albert Amor and militiaman Renel Baluca. 

 

Bautista and his men came from a hinterland village of Anitapan where his platoon was deployed for community outreach activities during the yuletide season.  He was enroute to  Davao City where he was supposed to board a plane bound for his home province in Bohol.

 

Family reunion

 

Knowing that 'Onad' (Bautista's nickname) was coming home in their hometown of Nabanga for the New Year, his father, Eulogio, was very excited. 

 

"At about 6:00am on December 29, he called his mom to tell that he will bring gifts for his parents and each of his 7 siblings. He was very generous and kind to all of us," said Eulogio, a 59-year old chainsaw operator.

 

Eulogio said that another son, Gelo, 26, coincided his vacation trip from his workplace in Cebu City to join the annual family gathering. 

 

He narrated that he and his wife, Chona, 48, were harvesting rice in the field when they were fetched by crying relatives. 

 

"When they broke the sad news, we were both devastated. We did not expect that he will come home in a coffin during our reunion," he said in between sobs.

 

The elder Bautista said that he is very proud of his son who finished secondary school by helping them sell rice cakes.

 

"Through his hardwork, he became the first PMA graduate in this town. We are honored to have a faithful soldier in our family who readily offers personal sacrifices in the service of others," he said.  

 

Like brothers

 

Private First Class Jacquel Cantuba, 30, of Masbate City has fond memories of the slain officer. He said that they considered each other as real brothers since they first met when Bautista reported to the 71st Infantry Battalion sometime in August 2011.

 

He said that Bautista was very simple and approachable despite his stature as an officer. Their assignments to remote areas brought them closer as friends. 

 

"He was both my mentor and close friend. We normally sleep and eat under the same tent deep in the forests," said Cantuba. 

 

"He shared to me and my fellow enlisted personnel all military skills that he learned as a PMA cadet. He taught me how to navigate with a map and compass and also the use of the global positioning system (GPS) receiver."

 

Cantuba also said that they consider each other as brothers. 

 

"He would buy a pair of shirt of same brand and color. The other one is for me. In rare occasions, I would also buy a pair of cheap shirts that I can afford so that I can give him in return."

 

He said that Bautista always motivated them to perform their jobs faithfully as they served the people in far-flung communities.

 

"Lt. Bautista was a strict disciplinarian especially when it comes to our engagement with the people. He did not want us to commit abuses against civilians."

 

After about 3 years of serving in different field assignments together, Bautista was transferred to Charlie Company of the same battalion, leaving Cantuba behind. 

 

Despite the distance that separates them, they maintained their communication through cellular phone. They would consult each other about some personal problems and challenges at work.

 

"He called me during Christmas day to greet my wife Winchel and our two children. We agreed to meet after my vacation to receive a gift from him," said Cantuba who was in tears.

 

"The last time that we talked was at around 7:00 am on the day that he died. We are supposed to meet at our battalion headquarters later that day to handover the gift that he promised."

 

Cantuba felt the shock of his life when a colleague told him that the Executive Officer of Charlie Company was killed by NPA bandits in Mabini town.

 

"I was speechless because I couldn't believe the news. I volunteered to accompany the group that was tasked to recover them," he said.

 

When he saw the bullet-riddled body of his friend a few hours later, he felt like losing a dear brother. 

 

"I couldn't help but cry because he was very close to my heart. I consider him part of my family," said Cantuba.

Sincerity

Like many other soldiers who are deployed in hinterland villages, Bautista and his men fell victim to the 46-year old internal armed conflict with fellow Filipinos. 

While the CPP-NPA-NDF is floating an idea of resuming peace talks with the government, their armed wing has continuously mounted senseless attacks against unarmed members of the security forces during the government declared unilateral suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) during the yuletide season. 

If they are indeed sincere in pursuing peace, they must stop committing crimes such as murdering off-duty soldiers.