A First Sergeant wants to 'copy' my leadership style

Ito ang mga miyembro ng 10th Scout Ranger 'We Lead' Company na aking pinamunuan sa Bulacan, Iloilo, Sulu at Basilan sa loob ng dalawang taon at dalawang buwan. Lahat ng mga miyembro ng aking yunit ay umuwing buhay sa kanilang mga pamilya, pagkatapos ng napakaraming pakikipagsapalaran sa mga lugar na iyon. (10SRC photo)

 

At around 10:00am today, I received a call from TSgt Jose Sachiro 'Toto' Legaspi, one of my former Team Leaders in the 10th Scout Ranger Company, the unit I commanded in Basilan and Sulu in 2000-2002.

 

Allow me to narrate to you our conversation in Tagalog. 

"Sir, ako na ang First Sergeant ng 10SRC dito sa Basilan. Inaayos ko ang disiplina ng mga bata dito sir at merong nagrereklamo na istrikto ako kasi di ako papayag sa mga di kanais-nais na gawain ng sundalo."

Natuwa ako sa kwento nya ngunit nabahala rin sa sinabing pinapalagan sya sa pagiging istrikto. Ang problema ay 'ginagaya lang daw nya ako na istrikto'.

 

Noong araw, merong mga insidente na 'nag-aaklas' ang mga sundalo sa ibang  yunit kapag hindi makatarungan ang paghihigpit sa kanila at tila 'walang puso' ang kanilang lider.

"To, ano ba kasi ang mga hinigpitan mo sa tropa? Basta nasa tama lang at huwag mong biglain, ipaliwanag mong mabuti ang dahilan."

"Gusto ko kasi sir na maging kagaya ng pamamalakad natin noon. Respetado ang NCOs at bawal ang sugal, sabong at paglapastangan sa uniporme at laging nagti-training ang mga Teams natin kapag walang combat operations."

Naintindihan ko ang kanyang kalagayan at alam kong nasa tama sya dahil ang mga NCOs dapat ang tunay na nagpapatakbo sa yunit dahil 'come and go' lamang ang mga opisyal na kagaya ko. 

"Maganda yan ngunit siguraduhin mo na coordinated kayo lahat ng mga officers at NCOs. Pero, bilang tulay sa mga opisyal at ng enlisted personnel, ipaglaban mo lagi ang kapakanan ng mga sundalo natin kagaya ng morale and welfare dahil dyan lang natin sila ma-motivate na magtiis dyan sa mahirap na field assignment."

Naging kampante sya sa aking munting advices na sya rin namang ginagawa namin noong araw sa yunit. Bilang Company Commander, totoo yon na mahigpit ako pagdating sa disiplina ngunit naitimpla kong mabuti na maging motivated sila dahil todo-suporta ako sa kanilang career at ng kanilang morale and welfare.

 

 Kapag wala kaming combat operations, either mag-training kami o magtanim ng gulay sa aming kampo. Nagsasawa kami sa sardinas sa bundok, at bihira ang gulay sa Basilan kaya pinagtanim ko silang lahat. Istrikto ako sa hitsura ng sundalo at ayaw ko yong pa-cute na nagpapahaba ng buhok at ayaw mag-shave para mukhang warrior kuno ngunit nagtatago sa malaking bato kapag bakbakan.

Nagtayo ako ng sarili naming weights room at entertainment area na nilagyan ko ng kauna-unahang Satellite Dream Cable noong araw para makapanood kami ng magagandang palabas. We train hard, fight easy ika nga sa kasabihan. Kapag panahon ng kasayahan, maximize din sila basta wag mag-maoy o mag-wala dahil malilintikan na naman sa akin.

Kami ay kampante sa isa't-isa sa lahat ng mga bakbakan kasi malakas ang loob namin na mas magaling kami sa walang training na Abu Sayyaf. Sila ang takot sa amin at hindi ang vice-versa. Hindi ako pumapayag na naghihimas ng manok pangsabong ang aking sundalo at malintikan sila sa akin kahit malaman kong nagsusugal sila.

 

Nang naalala nya ang 'tamang timpla' na sinasabi ko, mas naging malakas ang kanyang kalooban na kakayanin ang challenges ng isang First Sergeant.

"Gawin ko lahat na magampanan ko lahat ang responsibilidad ko sir at maging best unit uli kami."

Si Tsg Legaspi ay ang maipagmalaki kong NCO-leader sa aking kumpanya, noon pa man.

Isa syang 'antingan' at ewan lang kasi di sya tinablan at butas-butas ang uniporme sa isa naming madugong bakbakan noong Oktubre 2001.

Kampante din ako pag sya ang Team Leader kasama ko kasi sinusunod sya ng mga members nya pati sa kanyang katapangan na mag-maneuver at mag-assault.

Nagpapagalingan ang mga Teams sa combat accomplishments kasi properly led sila ng mga NCO-leaders na kagaya ni Legaspi.

Hindi ako nag-atubili na bigyan sya at ang iba pang mga kasamanhang enlisted personnel ng spot promotions tuwing nakakakumpiska kami ng mga armas mula sa mga bandido, dahil deserving silang maging future leaders. 

 

Sa isang pagkakataon na tila umuulan ng bala at RPG sa bakbakan namin sa grupo ni Abu Sabaya, kasama ko syang naghakot ng mga sugatan para gamutin sa casualty collection point.

Paulit-ulit syang nakipag-patintero sa Abu Sayyaf na bumabaril sa kanya tuwing lumabas sa open field para takbuhin ang kasamahang nakabulagta dahil sa tama ng bala.

 

Sya ang isa sa patunay na tama ang aking desisyon na i-promote sya nang dalawang beses during my incumbency dahil sa kanyang combat accomplishments.

Kahit na ako ay nasa airconditioned office na ngayon, nagpapaabot pa rin sila ng mga pagbati, magdulog ng problema o manghingi ng payo ukol sa pagdadala ng mga tropa sa field.

Masaya ako na pinagkakatiwalaan pa rin nila ako na makakatulong sa kanila, at na hindi ko sila tinatalikuran.

Kapag ma-duplicate din nya ang kanyang sarili sa kanyang mga tauhan, I have no doubt na tuloy-tuloy na magkaroon ng magagaling na NCO-leaders ang 10th Scout Ranger Company at ang buong First Scout Ranger Regiment.

Iyon ang isa sa aking fulfillment bilang pinuno na kasama rin nilang natutulog sa kasukalan ng gubat sa Basilan at Sulu.

Illegal settler shoots an Army Soldier at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani

FORT ANDRES BONIFACIO, Taguig City – An Army soldier was shot in the leg during a dialogue between personnel of Philippine Army Task Group Bantay (PATGB) and retired Technical Sergeant Proceso Casoy, an illegal settler at the Libingan ng mga Bayani 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Cpl Felipe Saldivar sustained a leg wound from a Caliber .45 pistol fired by Casoy who violently resented the presence of soldiers in his illegally constructed house located inside the memorial park reserved for fallen heroes.

Saldivar and was immediately brought to the Army General Hospital here for treatment. The attending military physicians have declared him out of danger.

Col Marcial O Constante Jr, the Commanding Officer of PATGB said that he sent a team of soldiers led by Lt Col Henry Fernandez to the house of Casoy, to negotiate the clearing operations affecting the latter's house at around 8:45am.

"My soldiers went there to negotiate with Casoy before his final eviction from the military reservation. Without any provocation, he fired his pistol, hitting Saldivar," he said.

Constante said that his soldiers did not retaliate but requested the presence of Taguig police to arrest the suspect. As of 1:00pm, the police was still negotiating for the surrender of Casoy.

"We are filing a criminal case of frustrated murder against Casoy for shooting my soldier. We are awaiting until he is finally arrested by the law enforcers," he added.

Land grabber

Constante said that Casoy is among those who illegally constructed their houses inside the memorial park known as the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

He said that the suspect used to serve as a member of Task Group Bantay, the unit that is tasked to protect the memorial park from professional land grabbers, including retired military personnel like Casoy.

"As a former member of TG Bantay in 2000, Casoy took advantage of his position just like his former superior officer in this unit who also constructed a house in this area. In addition, the area occupied by Casoy is a 'danger area' as this is within the flight path of the airplanes which land or take-off from the international airport just several hundred meters away," said Constante.

Casoy has invoked Republic Act 7279 which provides that 'underprivileged and homeless citizens should have access to land and housing, using this law in refusing to vacate the land'.

However, under the same law, those lands used for religious, charitable or educational purposes, cultural and historical sites, hospitals and health centers, and cemeteries or memorial parks are exempted from the coverage of the said Republic Act.

“The Libingan ng mga Bayani is a memorial park and a national shrine, therefore, it is not covered by RA 7279,” Constante said.

Constante said that Casoy has been given eviction notices when he was still in the service, even in 2011 during which he retired from the service.

"He consistently ignored these formal notices of eviction. Aside from that, we also offerred a staging area that he can temporarily occupy until he finds a new home," he said.

He also said that the TG Bantay also offered to assist Casoy in availing of the emergency land assistance from the Presidential Commission on Urban Poor.

Major Harold M Cabunoc, the Army Spokesperson, said that military personnel must serve as the best examples to others, especially in observing the laws of the land.

"We do not tolerate these land grabbers in the military organization who use their power and position for their selfish gains. Instead of squatting government lands, the soldiers can avail of the thousands of low-cost homes which are now offered by the President for soldiers and policemen all over the archipelago," he said.

Why are you looking at me maliciously?

Ang pagpasok sa public places kagaya ng mga tindahan, restaurant o mall ay dini-discouraged sa mga sundalo for security reasons, lalo na kung naka battle dress attire (BDA).

Maging ako ay hindi comfortable na pumasok sa mataong lugar na naka-uniporme na kung saan ay required ang sundalo to maintain his dignity as a soldier.

Maraming bawal kapag naka uniporme. Bawal ang manigarilyo, bawal ang standing on one leg, bawal ang naghuhubad ng upper uniform (lalo na kung upper uniform lang ang suot).

Kung tutuusin, bawal nga rin ang public display of affection kapag naka-uniform. Di pwede nakayakap sa girlfriend o asawa at maging HHWW(holding hands while walking)  o HKHN (hawak kamay habang naglalakad).

Mahaba ang listahan ng bawal kapag naka-uniporme: bawal humahalakhak na tila tambay sa kanto, bawal magpayong kung lumusob sa ulan, bawal mag-slouch o yong tipong parang mamamatay na ang hitsura, bawal ang long hair at me earrings, bawal ang istilo ng pagkain na tila ay patay-gutom na mauubusan ng pagkain sa laki ng mga nilalamon.

Kapag talagang tawag ng sitwasyon at hindi naman delikado ang lugar, pumupunta ako sa public places na naka-uniporme ng General Office Attire (GOA).

Ang isa sa napapansin ko kapag naka-uniporme na pumapasok sa mga establishment upang kumain o bumili, napapansin ko lagi na tila ang iba ay 'masama' ang tingin sa sundalong kagaya ko.

Ang iba ay iiwasan ka ng tingin na tila nakakakita ng multo na kumbaga ay meron pang bangungot na alaala ng Martial Law.

Meron ding tila ay titigan ka mula ulo hanggang paa, na tila ay Tactical Officer na nangingilatis kung ikaw ay nakapag shave, nakapag-shine ng buckles at sapatos at nakapagplantsa.

Ang iba ay nagtataka lang siguro kung bakit merong uniformed personnel na 'napahalo' sa kanilang mga sibilyan.

Siguro ang nasa isip nila ay dapat sa military camps lang makikita ang uniformed troops.

Ngunit, mas maiging makasanayan ng mga sangkatauhan kami ay kanilang sundalo na hindi dapat katakutan o kamuhian.

Kung tutuusin ay dapat mas feeling secured sila kung may sundalo na handa silang ipagtanggol sa kahit sino mang mang-aapi sa kanila.

Para naman sa Army, mas maiging makasanayan ng mga sundalo paano ang tamang pakikipaghalubilo sa mga sibilyan na mapanatili ang respeto at paghanga sa uniformed service.

Kung ikinahiya o kinatakutan ang uniformed personnel, kami rin ang may pagkukulang lalo na yong mga unit leaders.

Kapag naka-uniporme na makikita sa publiko, dapat ay karespe-respeto ang hitsura. Bawal ang utak bandido na yong pa-cute na warrior kunong nagpapahaba ng buhok, ayaw magshave at hinahaluan ng gulagulanit na suot sibilyan ang uniporme.

Kami rin ang may responsibilidad na pagsabihan yong mga kokonting tigas ulo na lumalabag sa mga regulasyon kagaya ng mga nag-iinom habang naka-uniporme at me baril, ang mga hitsurang Abu Sayyaf na nakasakay ng military truck at yong mga lasing sa kapangyarihan na nagsisiga-sigaan dahil naka-full combat gear.

Kapag ma-sustain ang pagbabago sa aming organisasyon, wala nang may 'masamang' tingin sa mga sundalo maliban na siguro sa mga tunay na masasamang tao. Libre na ring naka-smile ang mga sundalo sa public places na hindi nag-aalala na sasaksakin sa likod ng sino man.

Hindi na rin ako makapagsabi sa isip lang na: "Why are you looking at me maliciously?".

Goodbye, Master Sergeant Eleno Leopoldo!

I was preparing my gears for the final day of the Games of the Generals early morning yesterday (Sep 22) when my phone rang.

I was excited seeing the familiar name of my caller: Master Sergeant Eleno Leopoldo.

I pressed the accept button. "Hello, good morning Master!"

"Good morning sir," said the voice of a woman, in her calm but melancholic voice as if she was holding back her tears. 

I could not ascertain who she was so I asked: "Who is this please?"

"Sir, this is Mrs. Leopoldo. My husband has died on September 7 due to snake bite!"

"Whaaaaat?",  was all I managed to say after hearing the bad news for the day.

I was shocked by her revelation. It was only in July this year  that I shaked hands with the hero soldier who battled with criminals in his town.

Collaborating with shooting buddies, we had him rewarded by ARMSCOR with a brand new pistol, for defending his neighbors against armed robbers using a single-shot Cal 22 Rifle early this year.

(Click this link to read the story http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/tag/master-sergeant-eleno-leopoldo )

"He was cleaning our rice field when he stepped on a venomous Cobra. He was bitten by the snake but he managed to get home and asked to be brought to the hospital," she said.

"The only problem was that there was no anti-venom in the community hospital, prompting the doctors to send Leopoldo to a bigger hospital in Tandag City," she narrated. 

Mrs Leopoldo said that her husband died while being transported to a bigger hospital, hours away from their hometown in Cortes, Agusan del Sur.

I became more sad learning that health facilities located in small towns do not have the capability to treat snake bites. There could be more victims in this town in the near future, and there should be a solution to this problem.

She also said that her husband mentioned my name before his death.

"Sir, he remembered you and the reward that was given to him just hours before he died," she said.

Hearing that, I was at a loss for answers. It was like I lost my own brother and best friend.

I admired the man for his humility and especially for his courage under fire. Every soldier must really emulate his good deeds.

I was honored to have met him and I am also proud to have let him know that many people saluted him for his heroism when he was still alive.

And now, Master Sergeant Eleno Leopoldo, 50, is gone. The 'taps' has been sounded for the soldier who made the difference in the lives of others.

Our Supreme Commander, the only One God, has taken back his life just a few months before his retirement date in December 2012.

He left  behind 6 children and a loving wife. 

He will never be forgotten.

Master Leopoldo, may you rest in peace!

Jaro Cathedral, Iloilo City

During my second visit to the island of Panay, I dropped by the Jaro Cathedral in Jaro District, about 10-minute drive from downtown Iloilo City. This cathedral is also known as the Church of St Elizabeth of Hungary.  Built about 148 years ago (1864), it is one of the oldest churches in country and the first church to be built in Panay island. (Photo by Manny Cabasan)

It has been renovated many times after it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1948. Its blend of Baroque and Gothic style is a result of these renovations.

When I took a closer look, I noticed a crowd of people in an elevated altar just above the main entrance. I went to see what was in there. (Photo by Manny Cabasan)

I learned from the people that this glass-encased statue is the 400-year old Lady of Candles otherwise known as the Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria. Oral traditions say that the statue is continuously 'growing' making it a miraculuous relic to the believers who flock to this shrine once in a while. The annual fiesta celebration is held in her honor, a highly-anticipated event every 2nd day of February.

I took a glimpse inside and found the church filled with church-goers practicing their Catholic faith. There are large statues installed on the huge pillars, about 15ft above the floor.

This beautiful church is where Graciano Lopez Jaena, one of our national heroes, was baptized. Every Ilonggo is proud to declare that this cathedral attracted Pope John Paul VI who celebrated a mass here in 1982, and declared the Lady of the Candles as the Patroness of the Western Visayas.

Standing ramrod straight just across the church is the  belfry. It is intentionally separated from the main building to be used as a watch tower against armed attackers. It is also becoming one of the attractions here.

Paquibato Circus Bombing: "I am sorry" is not enough

I saw this video posted by an individual who loathed the communist rebels for their criminal act of lobbing a grenade at a gathering of people in Paquibato District, Davao City on September 1, 2012.

 

Pressured by the growing number of complaints from innocent people who are victimized by the NPA's violent actions, the Merardo Arce Command admitted that their followers staged the grenade attack which killed one and wounded 40 others including young children.

 

All they can say is 'I am sorry', a phrase popularized by someone who is accused of being insincere about its very meaning.

 

Are they going to say 'sorry' for deliberately killing people whom they accused of 'kasalanan sa bayan' and punished in the Kangaroo Court system? Are they sorry for  taking the life of  a civilian named Patrick Wineger whom they murdered in North Cotabao? What about the massacre of the  Lotino family in Daraga Albay? And, the killing of Jason Nierbesa in Camalig, Albay and Gino Olugar in Camarines Sur? The list seems endless.

To show sincerity of their words, they should surrender the perpetrators to the law enforcement agency so that justice will be served. 

 

Indenmnifying the victims  to compensate for the pain they have caused, is not what the people want. After all, they are taking their finances from the same people whom they have victimized through their extortion activities.

 

Also, they might want to finally lay down their arms and talk peace. They must  refrain from using the barrel of the gun to collect extortion money from individuals and private companies. Kung magagawa nila yan, magkakaroon na ng kapayapaan.

 

 

Be a military reservist, serve the people

ARMY RESERVISTS are regularly deployed for disaster response operations in calamity-stricken areas. In this file photo, members of the Seach and Rescue Unit (SARU) of the NCRRCDG, ARESCOM, PA are assisting people in flooded areas evacuate towards safer grounds during the onslaught of Habagat in Metro Manila. (Photo by Cpl Marlon San Esteban)

Since 1986, the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) has been organizing and administering reservists who are acknowledged as an integral part of the nation's defense against external aggression.

This assembly of reservists is in accordance to the Republic Act 7077 otherwise known as the Citizen Armed Force or Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act.

It stipulates the need of the state to maintain a reserve force (aside from the regular force) that is prepared to respond to the call of duty, especially in times of war, invasion or rebellion.

This act also cites the three major functions of the reserve force – peacetime, crisis and war time roles.

At times of order and peace, the reserve force assists in the operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities in the furtherance of its overall mission, as well as aid in socio-economic developments.

They exist through the concept of “Man in every Barangay”, mobilized for information gathering most especially at times of calamities.

During crisis, the reserve force units are engaged in nation-building activities such as disaster operation, rehabilitation operation and Medical and Dental Civic Action Program (MEDCAP).

It also provides service support, base defense and combat force when needed amid times of war.

With these roles, they have established their own worth over the years as a noble group called the Reserve Force.

Categories and Classifications of Reserve Units

Citizen soldiers or reservists are classified based on age – the first category, composed of able-bodied reservists whose ages are between 18-35, the second category, ages between 36-51 and the third category, ages above 51 years, but not more than 65.

They are also classified into three – the Ready Reserve, the Standby Reserve and the Retired Reserve.

As the name suggests, the Ready Reserve is comprised of reservists who are subject to be called at any time to augment the regular units of the military force during wartime or national emergency, calamities, disasters and other threats to peace and order or local emergencies and also to provide assistance in development activities.

Reservists belonging to the first category constitute the Ready Reserve together with qualified and fit for duty citizen soldiers from the second and third categories.

Meanwhile, the Standby Reserve is composed of the reservists from the second and third categories and are only mobilized or called for active duty only during times of war or national emergency.

However, being backups does not mean their skills are underdeveloped. In fact, non-resident and resident courses at training centers of the major services are set up regularly for that purpose.

The Standby Reservists could also volunteer to work on some of the Ready Reserve activities and could also upgrade their ranks in doing so.

Lastly, there is the Retired Reserve. As the name suggests, this is made up of citizen soldiers who have retired due to old age, disability or length of service. Sixty five is the retirement age.

A retired reservist could still be called for active duty at times of national and local emergencies as long as s/he is still qualified and fit to render his/her service.

As of July 2012, there are 42, 428 Ready Reservists and 69, 276 Standby Reservists.

Who are qualified to enlist as a reservist?

The Reserve Force is composed of different social groups which are as follows:

a) Degree holders who are Basic ROTC graduates

b) Out-of-school youth or undergrads who are graduates of the Special Basic Citizen Military Training (SBCMT)

c) Members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU)

d) Former enlisted personnel

What are the general qualifications?

There are certain qualifications to become a citizen-soldier which includes:

a.) Applicant must be a Filipino citizen

b.) Must not be less than twenty-one (21) years nor more than sixty-four (64) years of age at the time of appointment as reserve officer

c.) Must pass the physical examination standards conducted by an authorized AFP hospital or civilian / government hospitals and the physical examination report to be validated by the Major Service Chief Surgeons

d.) Must be a graduate of a baccalaureate degree / Honorary degrees except deserving Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) / Petty Officers (POs).

e.) Must take the AFP aptitude test battery (AFPATB) except the elected government officials, appointed government officials, holders of government licenses, Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) graduates and Armed Forces of the Philippines Affiliated Reserve Unit (AFPARU) Personnel.

f.) Appropriate Pre-Commission Training for individual applicants and Military Orientation Training for AFPARU applicants shall be required prior to Commission into the Reserve Force.

Can women enlist and be commissioned as reservists?

Women shall have the right to serve and as such, relevant standards for admission, training and commissioning of women shall be the same as those required for men.

However, essential adjustments shall be made in such standards due to physiological differences between men and women.

What are the necessary documents needed to enlist as a reservist?

For degree holders and ROTC graduates, Transcript of Records (TOR), diploma, ROTC Declaration of Graduate and Order of Merit are needed. For out of school youth and undergraduates on the other hand, medical certificates and local clearances are also required.

What is the process to be enlisted as a reservist?

An interested applicant, an undergraduate or an out of school youth, must undergo a Special Basic Citizen Military Training (SBCMT) course at any community defense center (CDC) for 15 consecutive Sundays to become a reservist.

ROTC graduates, CAFGU and former enlisted personnel should visit the CDCs to signify their intent of activation in the Reserve Force after getting an order of separation from their previous armed service.

What ranks and assignments will they be given?

For the basic ROTC graduates, they will be given a reserve enlisted rank and serial number and will be assigned in their provincial reserve units and mobilization centers. The ranks to be awarded shall be from private to sergeant. Those to be awarded ranks above private shall be chosen based on merit. The same goes for the graduates of the SBCMT.

To those who wish to continue to the advance ROTC course they shall carry their enlisted rank until after their successful completion of advance ROTC.

The graduates of advance ROTC on the other hand, shall be recommended for commission in the reserve force as second lieutenants and will also be assigned in their respective provincial reserve units and mobilization centers.

Those with manifest potential may be commissioned in the regular force as 2LTs; but, those who fail to complete the course shall be conferred the enlisted rank of Sergeant.

Will there be trainings after enlistment?

Trainings are conducted to enhance the readiness of individual reservists and reserve units to respond to the call to service. One of which is the Compulsory Training for the First Category Reservists, which takes about not less than thirty days but more than sixty days in a given year.

Voluntary Training is also encouraged for individual reservists, commissioned and non-commissioned officers to upgrade their proficiency.

What is the status of reservists on training?

Reservists on compulsory and voluntary training shall be subject to military law and shall not receive pay but shall be entitled to allowances and burial benefits as provided by law.

How about the status of reservists under mobilization?

When enlisted or officer reservists are called to active duty by virtue of mobilization, they shall receive all the pay and allowances, medical care, hospitalization and other privileges and benefits prescribed by law or regulations for officers and enlisted personnel of the regular force.

Who are qualified to be commissioned as officers of the Reserve Force?

a) Degree holders who are Advance ROTC graduates or have successfully completed the prescribed program of instruction for the Probationary Officer Training Course (POTC/MS-43) conducted by the Major Service RESCOMS

b) Degree holders requiring four (4) or more years of study in the courses of interest to the AFP and who are graduates of the basic ROTC

c) Elected government officials and presidential appointees who may qualify for commission

d) Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) COs/Petty Officers (Pos) of the regular force with outstanding records of service and technical experience and those who have rendered exceptional services in combat or other activity involving risk of life or limb

e) Graduates of the Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) conducted by the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP)

f) Key and Technical personnel of affiliated reserve units

g) Regular Officers who have resigned his/her commission and the acceptance of which was not for cause or Reserve Officer who are no longer qualified for Call to Active Duty (CAD) provided his reversion is not for cause

What is the process for application?

The AFP Reserve Command and the Major Services through their respective RESCOM are responsible for soliciting applicants for commission and all applications shall be thoroughly screened by the screening boards which shall recommend candidates for commission to the Major Service /AFPRESCOM Commanders then to the Chief of Staff, AFP.

The Reserve Commands, in this case, the Army Reserve Command, upon receipt of the complete application, shall request for a conduction of background information (BI). While BI is still ongoing, an Interim Clearance shall be issued so that the supporting documents can be processed.

The Chief of Staff, AFP, based on the evaluation and recommendation of the DCSRRA J9, shall recommend to the President, through SND, the commission in the Reserve Force, AFP of qualified candidates. The Adjutant General, AFP shall then publish the appropriate orders announcing the appointment of reservist officers commissioned.

 

 VOLUNTEER SERVICE. The Army reservists perform their jobs without any remuneration. They are recently hailed for their splendid performance during the heaving flooding brought about by continuous rains in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. (Photo by Cpl Marlon San Esteban)

'Lipat-bahay' tayo!

Noong 1990s, ang usong ginagamit na tactical radio sa Philippine Army ay ang URC 187. Kapag ito ang gamit, pwedeng mag-usap ang nasa Manila at nasa Mindanao.

Ang magaling ng mga radio operators ay merong sariling code words sa pag-gamit ng mga tactical radios.

Halimbawa, kapag gusto maglipat ng frequency ay sabihing 'lipat-bahay' tayo.

Si Lt Boloy ay merong kausap sa kabilang linya na isang radio operator dahil sa isang importanteng gawain. Ang problema mahirap silang magkaintindihan dahil pangit ang weather.

"Sir, 'lipat-bahay' tayo, di tayo magkaintindihan dito!" ang sabi ng kanyang kausap.

At, nagmamadaling pasan-pasan ni Lt Boloy ang buong radio papunta sa kabilang kubo dahil iyon ang pagkakaintindi nya sa salitang iyon.

Tinawanan si Lt Boloy ng mga kasamahang mga sundalo.

Huli na ang lahat nang malaman nya ang ibig sabihin ng 'lipat bahay'.

Citizen Soldiers Celebrate National Reservist Week

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City- The National Reservist Week kicks off today, September 8, with several activities lined up showcasing the reserve force of the AFP. 

One of the highlights of this year’s celebration is a grand symposium at the Armed Forces General Headquarters in Quezon City with the Department of National Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa, among the distinguished guests.

A parade was conducted at the Camp Aguinaldo Grandstand, followed by a Kinetic and Static Display featuring the capabilities of the so-called 'weekend warriors'.

The citizen soldiers, most popularly known as reservists, have been an integral part of the AFP defense and have been the frontrunners of socio-economic development efforts.

Over the years, they have proven their worth in peacekeeping, nation-building and crisis management as well as the ready-reserve force that can be mobilized during the time of war.

It is in no doubt that the reservists have established a name in a league of their own as unsung heroes providing true public service for the country and its people.

An Army Reservist’s Dream Come True

Among those men who not only give their time and effort to serve this country without expecting anything in return, is Lieutenant Colonel Herbert M. Bautista, the Brigade Commander of the 1502nd Brigade under the National Capital Region-Regional Community Defense Group.

Although Bautista grew up as a child actor in the 70’s, he shared that it has always been his dream to become a soldier.

“It was back in high school when I realized I wanted to be a soldier. I wanted to study at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), but it wasn’t possible because I was already an actor then."

He went on to finish his studies at the San Beda College and he later found himself in the political arena when he became the Vice Mayor of Quezon City in 1995.

“When I became vice mayor, I was made a Sergeant Major of a Light Armor Brigade, that started the fulfillment of my dream,” he said.

From then on, his rank advanced from by virtue of his elective position and in 1999, he enrolled in the National Defense College of the Philippines and graduated in 2000 prompting his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel by virtue of the law.

Bautista, as a Brigade Commander in Quezon City for three years now, leads two battalions which are active most especially during disaster response and relief operations.

“Our presence is most felt during disasters. We are what you can call the first responders,” Bautista said.

Bautista shared that during the recent onslaught of “Habagat”, he deployed 250 troops throughout Quezon City. In their own simple ways, they were able to help residents who were affected by the massive flooding.

To properly address the needs of Quezon City and for the brigade to be more responsive in times of crisis, Bautista intends to add a fully equipped battalion.

“I acknowledge that it’s going to be a slow process, but it will be worth it as I believe in the capabilities of the battalion,” he said.

The 1502^nd Brigade has satellite offices scattered all over Quezon City, one of which is located at the Quezon City Hall. Among its regular activities is the training conducted every Sunday in Camp Aguinaldo.

Importance of being a Reservist

Bautista who has been in the reserve force for 17 years now, revealed how the military changed him into a better person.

“The first thing I learned was to value time. I remember our training back then with Gen. Gutang. When he says to be there at a certain time, you have to be there on that time, not a minute late and not a minute early. If you’re a minute early, you could be ambushed or things like that, if you’re a minute late, the person you should be meeting might leave and worse could get ambushed, too. So timing is very essential. One must learn its value so good things could happen,” he said.

During their training, Bautista was assigned as a 'sweeper' who stays at the rear of the file formation during mock patrols. He said that in those training instructions, he learned the value of team work.

“I was always the person behind who would clean the tracks. All the while I thought it was just a janitorial job for someone who stays at the back, but then I’ve learned how important my role was. It is essential so the troop wouldn’t be followed by our adversaries. The sweepers are the ones in the troop who secures the rear and erase the traces of the soldiers' presence. There must always be teamwork. You work as a unit, you work as an individual but part of a bigger unit, each and everyone has a role to play.”

He also shared how he incorporates what he learns from the military into his actions as a local chief executive.

Bautista imparted, “Watching your back, making sure that everything is in order, completing staff work before you decide, planning, programming, the use of proper legislation and timing – these are the very essentials in which one way or the other I learned from going to military training and one way or the other I apply here in Quezon City.”

Encouraging More to be Part of the Reserve Force

A number of government employees are also reservists. Bautista even mentioned that this includes most of the barangay officials in Quezon City. He also stressed the importance of reservists visiting barangays with their uniforms on.

“It lures people’s curiosity. Once you explain to them what the reservists do, they are encouraged to join and be part of it too. Secondly, it also brings men in uniform closer to the public,” Bautista pointed out.

He also encourages more people to join and help with its mission, especially those in the private sectors with expertise.

“Engineers, doctors, nurses, those who know first aid, those who want to serve and everyone who is interested, we encourage you. The more people we encourage, the better for our force.”

Being a reservist is not a daunting thing to do. In fact, Bautista even disclosed how fulfilling this job is for him personally.

”Here in Quezon City, rescue operations are prevalent. It’s a very enriching action when you get to sacrifice your life for others. It’s the best feeling. Just like what most people say, it is a heroic deed when you don’t expect anything in return. You just want the person or the family to live. That’s it. That’s the reason we’re here and it’s the biggest fulfillment,” he shared.

A Message to the Reservists

With the celebration of the National Reservist Week, Lt. Col. Herbert M. Bautista gave a message to his colleagues in the reserve force.

“To all reservists, I salute you! What you’re contributing to the Philippine society is already an immense thing without expecting anything in return. Let’s do our best to widen the reach of volunteerism and the Bayanihan. Another thing, let’s not abuse our positions. Wearing a military uniform doesn’t give us the right to do so. We should be more humble when wearing the uniform. And to those who are planning to join the force, please do so. This is a respectable organization where you will learn so much. You may encounter challenges but these are all part of the job. What you should always remember is that we should willingly share and give our love for this country and lend a hand to our countrymen,” concluded Bautista.

Lt Col Herbert Bautista (Res) gamely poses for a souvenir photo with the OACPA staff.

Lt Col Herbert Bautista (Res) poses for a souvenir photo with the officers of the National Capital Region- Regional Community Defense Group (NCRRCDG), ARESCOM, PA.