Philippine Navy advisory

Congratulations to the following applicants who passed the Entrance Examinations conducted in   Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) on July 26-28, 2013:

Naval Officers Candidate Course

CALINGACION, EARL R
PALMIANO, ALFER
MOLINA, MARIE FAYE V
MOROS, NINO XEDRIC M
GANDOL, ALDEN T.
MADELOSO, DONNABELLE S
MIRANDA, RACHELLE ANNE L
VILLEGAS, ROBEL A
AMBUYO, CYNA C
JAMON, MIKHAIL T
CALINGACION, JEFF R
LORIA, RISTY B
GARZA, CARL CLYNTON B
MOSATALLA, JOMAR M
OBORDO, MARK JASON A
DE LA LUNA, HAROLD A
PENARUBIA, SHELAH MARIE B
LUZURIAGA, LORIELAINE L
FERNANDEZ, ALYN A
DINO, KARL MELVYN G
LLANTERO, CHRISTIAN M
BARREDA, NOEL R
BALDERAMA, BEN LAURENCE O
NAVARRO, KENNETH JAY A
PARCIA, FERNANDO JR P
BOLA, JAY-ARR B
GABITAN, JHONSEN D
ASIS, ADRIAN B
LORIN, ALFREDO E JR. VII
PELOJERO, JESSIE L
CORPORAL, JO-FRANCIS R
PELONIA, VINCENT LOUIE L
DOGILLO, SAMUEL T

 Basic Seaman Course

MONTERO, MARK ALLAN J
BELMONTE, HYZLYN JOY M.
BELEN, JUNDEL M.
COMPLETO, MYKA DIANE A
MOYA, KRISTINA RUTH MARIE V
NATAY, RODNEY N
ALARTE, ARJAY B
REFUERZO, MA ZARAH JERAZH E.
BONGOLAN, ALDRIN B
CABRIA, ROMEL S
CID, NIKKO JAVE B
BUERE, DELVIC JOHN M
CAO, JEFFERSON C.
GOYENA, JESSA R
MANGENTE, JAMES JR E
PACHECO, KRIS ANTHONY B
GUERRERO, ELIJAY V
BERMILLO, CHRISTIAN A
CARULLO, DIXTER C
SABANAL, GERARD D
VIBARES, JEROME F
VALENTIN, VERA P
MORAUDA, NORIEL V
AGUIRRE, EXELL O
APIN, LEA C
AMISOLA, KATE LESLEY B
CERIOLA, JOSE JR C
SINFUEGO, RAYBAN E
MADRIDEO, JENNERY A
GUETA, MARICRIS M
BIGCAS, DEAN MARK E
DACLESON, ANDREW M
MAGISTRADO, HIPOLITO II B
CEDILLA, DIEGO JR G
JAVELOSA, BEN GERALD
BASMAYOR, MARVIN B
ANDALIS, ARVIN DR
GUZMAN, VINCENT OLIVER M
CAPITAL, EDMUNDO JR D.
LERAY, JELLY M
PORTUGAL, MARLON JR F
BELARMINO, FRANCIS B
BINAS, ACE JOSEPH P
PORTUGAL, JERUM T.
MONTERO, MARK ALLAN J
BELMONTE, HYZLYN JOY M.
BELEN, JUNDEL M.
COMPLETO, MYKA DIANE A
MOYA, KRISTINA RUTH MARIE V
NATAY, RODNEY N
ALARTE, ARJAY B
REFUERZO, MA ZARAH JERAZH E.
BONGOLAN, ALDRIN B
CABRIA, ROMEL S
CID, NIKKO JAVE B
BUERE, DELVIC JOHN M
CAO, JEFFERSON C.
GOYENA, JESSA R
MANGENTE, JAMES JR E
PACHECO, KRIS ANTHONY B
GUERRERO, ELIJAY V
BERMILLO, CHRISTIAN A
CARULLO, DIXTER C
SABANAL, GERARD D
VIBARES, JEROME F
VALENTIN, VERA P
MORAUDA, NORIEL V
AGUIRRE, EXELL O
APIN, LEA C
AMISOLA, KATE LESLEY B
CERIOLA, JOSE JR C
SINFUEGO, RAYBAN E
MADRIDEO, JENNERY A
GUETA, MARICRIS M
BIGCAS, DEAN MARK E
DACLESON, ANDREW M
MAGISTRADO, HIPOLITO II B
CEDILLA, DIEGO JR G
JAVELOSA, BEN GERALD
BASMAYOR, MARVIN B
ANDALIS, ARVIN DR
GUZMAN, VINCENT OLIVER M
CAPITAL, EDMUNDO JR D.
LERAY, JELLY M
PORTUGAL, MARLON JR F
BELARMINO, FRANCIS B
BINAS, ACE JOSEPH P
PORTUGAL, JERUM T

They will undergo physical/medical exams upon confirmation by the Philippine Navy.

 

 

(Photo by the

 

Tarlac encounter leaves 7 bandits dead

 

 

 

 

 

CAMILING, Tarlac- At around 8:45pm last night, a team of the 32nd Mechanized Infantry Company encountered unknown heavily armed men in Bgy Bobon, Caarosipan, Camiling, Tarlac.

 

Seven of the bandits were killed in the firefight with the Army soldiers. 

 

The soldiers seized 7 high-powered firearms from the dead bandits who were left behind by their comrades who ran to save their own lives.

 

No one among the soldiers were harmed in the said firefight.

 

The identities of the dead bandits are still unknown as of this time.

 

The cadavers were brought to the nearby village center to be claimed by relatives and to be given a decent burial.

 

A small group of bandits are still roaming in the outskirts of Tarlac.

 

Soldiers regularly received reports from residents about the extortion activities of the bandits.

Brigadier General Danilo Lim: Ang aking idolo sa mga reporma

 

 

 

Kilala ko si Brigadier Gen Danny Lim na ipinaglalaban ang isang bagay na sa tingin nya ay tama.

 

Halimbawa, nang ako ay siniraang puri at ipinatatanggal ng iilang 'powerful forces' sa aking pwesto sa Scout Ranger Training School noong 2004, agad akong nag-report sa kanya upang maghayag ng intensyon na magbitaw sa pwesto.

 

Natamlay sa mga maling paratang sa akin sa pamamagitan ng anonymous letter na pinatulan naman ng iba, ipinahayag ko sa kanya ang hangaring magbitiw na lamang sa pwesto.

 

Hindi sya pumayag na ako ay mag-parelieve sa yunit dahil gusto nyang itaguyod ang mga reporma na aming sinimulan.

Doon ako naniniwala na hindi kayang tibagin ng mga mahangin na mga  nilalang ang pundasyon ng prinsipyo ng katinuan at kagalingan na aming naipakita sa organisasyong aming ginagalawan.

 

Dahil sa kanyang suporta, nanagumpay kaming baguhin ang mga bagay na syang ikakaganda sa aming yunit.

 

Harinaway, hindi rin sya tuluyang mag-resign at maging bahagi ng kasaysayan sa pagpapatupad ng tunay na reporma sa Bureau of Customs.

 

Dapat syang suportahan ng lahat kagaya ng pagsuporta nya sa akin noong ako naman ang nasa parehas na kalagayan.

 

Mas marami kaming naniniwala sayong katapatan sa sinumpaang tungkulin sir! Ipaglaban ang tama!

 

 

 



 

 

Photos by: General Danny Lim

Sail with the lord of the seas: Join the Navy!

 

If you want to see places and explore the high seas, think of joining the Philippine Navy.

 

There will be a Mobile Recruitment Team which will conduct pre-screening and examinations in the following areas:

  

 a. Cebu (University of Cebu-Main Campus) – July 26-28, 2013

 b. Albay  (NAVFORSOL, Rawis, Legaspi City) – July 26-28, 2013

 c. Tuguegarao City (University of St Louis) – August 1-3, 2013

 d.  Davao City (Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Panacan, Davao City)  – August 9-11, 2013

 e. Dumaguete City  (Siliman University) – August 9-11, 2013

 f. Bacolod City (John B Lacson)- August 16-18, 2013

 g. Zamboanga City  (NAVFORWESTMIN, Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City) – August 16-18, 2013

 g. Tacloban City  (Eastern Visayas State University) – August 23-25, 2013

 h. Iligan City (MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology) – August 23-25, 2013

 

 i. Bonifacio Naval Station, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City---Every Thursday.

 

 

Initial Requirements:

 

a. Transcript of Records

 

b. Birth Certificate

 

c. Diploma

 

d. NBI Clearance

 

e. 2X2 ID Picture with white background for Naval Officer's Candidate Course candidates

 

 

 

 The Naval officer candidates must:

 

 

a. A natural born Filipino citizen and of good moral character;

b. Between 21-28 years old;

c.  Single;

d. Be a graduate of a 4-year baccalaureate degree (preferably technical courses);

e.  Have height of at least 5' 0 " for both males/females;

f.  Have no pending civil/criminal case;

g.  Be physically and mentally fit for training;

h.  Pass the AFPATB, IQ and SWE exams.

 

 

 

 The candidates for the Basic Seaman's Course must:

 

 

 a. Be a natural born Filipino citizen and of good moral character;

 b. Be 18-23 years old;

 c. Be single;

 d. Be a holder of at least 72 units or graduate of a 2-year vocational course (preferably technical courses);

 e.  Be at least 5' 0 ft tall for both males and females;

 f.  Not have no pending civil/criminal cases;

 g. Be physically and mentally fit for training;

 h. Pass the AFPATB, IQ and SWE exams.

 

 

Basic salary

 

 P 11,265. 00 basic salary for enlisted personnel  and an additional monthly allowance of P 5,660.00 plus other allowances and benefits

 

P27, 425.00 basic salary for officers and an additional monthly allowance of P 4,400.00 plus other allowances and benefits

 

 

AFP Chief-of-Staff among nominees for N-Peace Awards

 

 

His sensitivity regarding gender issues and equality and his reputation for being a “soldier of peace” gained General Emmanuel Bautista, Chief-of-Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, a slot among the nominees in the international N-Peace Awards for peace-builders and advocates all over the world.

Gen. Bautista is among those who were nominated to the category of Men Who Advocate For Equality which features male national leaders who champion women's rights in their respective organizations and workplaces.

In his usual serious and leveled voice, General Bautista said that he believes that the cohesiveness of the Armed Forces as an organization lies in mainstreaming gender issues among its employees.

“Making each employee in the Armed Forces part of gender mainstreaming is a good way to ensure better performance in the future,” he said in a phone interview.

True to his word, he is closely monitoring the gender mainstreaming of training programs in the AFP and is making sure that top military officers under him are properly trained on women, peace and security.

He is also an advocate of the Magna Carta for Women. Among his contributions is the development of the AFP into a more welcoming place for women to work in. He also continuously campaigns for the increase of recruitment of women into the AFP.

He has also fostered the inclusion of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 into the training program for peacekeepers. The additional training on the UN resolution makes peacekeepers aware of the strategies on how women can be included at all levels related to peace and security.

 

Due to this effort, more women peacekeepers are sent to the UN Peacekeeping Operations during the past few years.

He said that he hopes that if he wins the award, his subordinates and the Filipinos would take it as their source of pride.

“It will further motivate me to advance more causes for the men and women of AFP,” he said.

Bautista is one of the men behind the formulation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (Bayanihan) which encouraged and directed the AFP to create partnerships with other sectors of Philippine society in securing peace and development especially in the conflicted and remote areas of the country where insurgency is still a problem.

As a soldier serious in his career, he was decorated seven times in combat before receiving his fourth star this year.

He had also received seven Distinguished Service Stars, a Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action, and a Bronze Cross Medal for bravery. He also received three Outstanding Achievement Medals, 29 Military Merit Medals, several Military Commendation Medals and various military campaign medals and ribbons.

He was a recipient of a distinguished alumni award from Philippine Military Academy and University of the Philippines College of Business Administration.

The list of awardees in the N-Peace Awards categories will be revealed on the N-Peace website www.n-peace.net at the end of the month of July after online voting closes. The awarding ceremony will be on October 2013.

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My US Visa experience

While participating in the International Volunteers Leadership Program (IVLP) in November 2012, I visited Washington DC  using the 10-year visa that was granted to me in 2009. I love the scenic spots there but I love the Philippines more. (Photo by Elena Aben)

Kung hindi ako nagsundalo, sa palagay ko hindi rin ako nakapunta sa United States of America, ang lugar ni Superman at Wonder Woman na pinapanood ko noong aking kabataan. 

The first time I set foot in this land was in 2004 when I was sent by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to attend a military training in the US Infantry School in Fort Benning, Georgia. 

I had no problems with the visa application during that time. They were all arranged by people in JUSMAG. Nagsulat lang ako sa form, dala ang passport at Travel Authority mula sa Department of National Defense, at sila na mismo ang nagsama sa akin para mabigyan ng B1/B2 Visa. No long queues. No kulitan interviews. Easy? Yes, very easy if your travel is sponsored by the US government. Eh kasi naman tsong, dumaan na rin sa screening process sa AFP ang mga candidates para sa foreign schooling.

Nang nagbalik ako sa US noong 2007 para suriin ang nabili ng AFP na night-fighting equipment sa supplier nito sa Arizona, halos ganon din ang procedures. Easy lang kagaya noong una kong apply kasi katuwang ng AFP liaison officers ang JUSMAG officers para sa pag-apruba ng aming travel.

Kaya lang, me problema. We were granted short duration non-immigrant visas. Pinagkasya lang yong mga araw na nakalagay sa itinerary. I always made sure that I return to the Philippines as scheduled and within the allowed time frame. 

Kung sakaling gustuhin kong mag-travel uli para mag-gallivanting sa US kasama ang pamilya, hindi na pwede ang aking dating mga visa. 

My US visa application

Pagkatapos ng aking paninilbihan bilang UN Military Observer sa Sudan noong 2009, minabuti kong mag-apply ng visa muli kasama ang aking asawa at anak. 

Dahil bakasyon ang aming purpose, sariling sikap na ang lahat. No more AFP liaison officers. No more JUSMAG friends. I did it on my own. 

Ito yong mga steps na aking ginawa:

1. Nag-apply kami online ng non-immigrant visa (NIV) sa US Embassy Manila website;

2. Nagbayad kami ng visa fees online gamit ang credit card at print namin ang resibo;

3. Tumawag sa US embassy hotline (02) 982-5555 para magpa-sked ng visa interview.

I read the instructions about the visa interview procedures. Inaral ko yong pwedeng itanong. Inihanda ko yong mga dokumento na pwedeng hanapin kagaya ng sumusunod:

1. Appointment as a Major of the AFP (Promotion Order);

2. NSO-certified  birth certificates naming tatlo at ang Marriage Certificate;

3. Latest income tax return;

4. Statement of Assets and Liabilities;

5. Bank books para maipakita ang kapiranggot na kayamanan kuno.

6. Government-issued IDs;

7. Lahat na dokumentong nakasaad sa Visa Interview (i-click ang link para makita) kagaya ng Confirmation Letter at yong US Visa application form mismo.

Syempre, tiningnan ko rin ang mga do's and don'ts kapag nagpapa-interview ng US visa. Nagtatanong din ako sa mga kaibigan para sa tips:

1. Outfit. Bawal ang hitsurang bandido o yong tipong 'detachment mentality'. Dapat presentable. Mas maigi raw naka-coat and tie. What? Kinakati katawan ko sa Americana ah. Sanay ako sa Battle Dress Attire!

2. Electronic equipment. Bawal dalhin ang kahit anong uri ng electronic equipment. Bawal ang cellphones, I-pad, USB at kung anu-ano pa basta 'electronic gadgets'. Gets mo ba?

3. Truthfulness. Ika nga, 'say nothing but the truth'. Wag mambola. Wag evading sa mga tanong. Dapat maging totoo dahil dyan ka mabulilyaso!

4. Discipline. Wag pakalat-kalat sa loob ng embassy grounds. Sumunod sa instructions. Wag magtapon ng kahit ano. Wag maingay na tila palengkera. In short and simple language, wag kang pasaway!

Interview Day

Dahil 8:00am ang pinili naming Visa Interview, minabuti naming pumunta doon 6:00am pa lang. Binulabog ko ang aking pamilya 4:30am pa lang. Wake up, wake up! Reveille, reveille!

Suot ang aming coat and tie, tila ay sa Kongreso ang pasok namin ng anak ko na si Harvey ang kanyang Ina na naka-porma din parang mag-attend ng SONA ng Presidente.

Naghanap ako ng parking lot sa harap mismo ng Embassy at nilakad naming patawid papunta sa entrance.

Sinuri ng gwardya ang aming passports at Confirmation Letter pati ang na-fill up na visa application form (DS-160) na downloaded sa internet. 

Don ko naman nahimas sa aking bulsa ang maliit kong phone. Bawal ito. Nasulyapan ko ang snappy na pulis na nakabantay. Special Action Force sya at nakasuot ng tabak ng Scout Ranger. Ahhh kakampi.

"Musang, pwede akong makisuyo pakibulsa muna itong comms ko nakaligtaan ko iwan sa Patrol Base?". 

"Yes sir!" Alam agad nya na parehas kaming Pusang Gala. Binola ko pa sya ng konti.

"Ang talas ng tabak mo bro, naitaga mo ba sa Tango Mike?" Proud sya. Iba na talaga pag me ka-Musang.

Dalawang posts ng gwardya ang nadaanan namin. High-tech yong security check sa pangalawa. 

"Sir, meron kayong dalawang electronic equipment".

Nagtaka ako. Iniwan ko na lahat sa pagkaalam ko. "Anong klase yang gadget na yan?"

"Sir, broadband internet nyo andyan sa bag ni Maam!"

Napatawa na lang ako. Binitbit ko palabas at nakiusap muli sa Musang para sa usapang 'hide sites'. 

Pagkabalik, pumila uli kami para kumuha ng designated number sa pila. Idinikit ito sa aming application form.

Pagkapasok sa pintuan, merong lounge na kung saan mag-aantay para sa pre-interview process. Ito ay nasa loob ng compound ngunit nasa labas ng main building na kung saan magaganap ang interview.

Maraming upuan doon at mukhang kasya mga 200 ka tao. Merong nagtitinda ng inumin at snacks at merong napakalinis at mabango na comfort rooms. 

Iisa lang ang pinakamaingay doon. Sya yong designated guide ng US embassy. Sila ang nagsisigaw ng mga numero na susunod sa pila para pumasok na sa main building. 

Pagkapasok,meron uling gwardya para sa security check. Lahat ng bags ay sinusuri bago ito ibalik sa may-ari at paupuin kami sa waiting area. 

Bago ang interview ay merong dalawang proseso. Una ay ang document screening. Pagkatapos ay pipila uli para sa finger printing na kung saan ay meron ding iilang mga katanungan. Tinatatakan ng 'Captured' ang application form kapag natapos na itong proseso, then antay na sa tawag para sa actual na Visa Interview. 

Dahil matagal ang tawagan ng visa interview, nakikiusyoso kami sa mga Q & A ng mga nasa harap sa amin. Sa window para sa mga Sea Farers, halos lahat ay pasado. 

Sa mga aplikante ng tourist visas, maraming luhaan at nakalaylay ang balikat pagkatapos ng interview. 

Ang aking tsismis: "The Buzz"

Sanay ako sa training ng military na kung tawagin ay 'Recon and Surveillance' pati ang Listening Post operations. 

Ito ang aking mga naririnig sa interviews ng iba't-ibang nilalang:

1. Mag-ina (mother and daughter) na pupunta ng Hawaii. 

    

   Consul: So you're going back to the United States? 

    Mother: Yes sir.

   Consul: You were there in 2002 for two months. Did you work there?

   Mother: Yes, I stayed with my cousin. I didn't work. 

   Consul: Are you sure you didn't have an employment? (Tinitigan sya sa mata)

   Mother: Ahhhhhh. No. No. My cousin is a Nurse. (Bulol na ang sagot)

   Consul: Why are you bringing your daughter along? She has not graduated in college yet.

   Mother: I want her to see Hawaii to see the scenic spots there.

  Consul:  Okay, you can return some other time when she is already old enough. (Ibinalik ang passports dahil disapproved).

2. Si Ate na gusto mag-tour sa USA

   Consul:  Why do you want to visit the United States?

   Ate:       I want to see places like the Grand Canyon.

   Consul:  Who is paying for your trip?

   Ate:       My parents. 

   Consul:  Do you have a job here?

   Ate:      None. I am receiving financial support from my parents. 

   Consul: Okay. You can apply for a Visa when you are already old enough and ready to support yourself (Booooom! Binalik ang passport)

3. Si Tita na 'negosyante'

   Consul:  Do you have a  job here?

   Tita:  I am self-employed. I earn at least P150,000.00 a month. I have a water refilling station and a gasoline station in Mindanao.

    Consul: Why do you want to visit the United States?

     Tita: I want to visit Disneyland.

     Consul: You have a relative in New York, aren't you visiting him?

     Tita:  Nope. I just want to visit Disneyland and nothing else. I can take care of my own trip.

     Consul: So you are not seeing anyone? Just Disneyland? Which Disneyland?

     Tita: Yes. It is somewhere in California. 

     Consul: Where in California?

     Tita: I am not quite sure but it is there. (Bulol-bulol na). 

     Consul: Okay, you can re-apply for a visa when you already know where that Disneyland is. Thank you!

Our visa interview

Seeing teary-eyed people whose application papers and passports were returned, I became nervous. Hindi pala madali ang interview. Dapat straight answers. Yon lang ang sikreto. Makakasagot kaya kami nang mabuti lalo na ang aking anak?

Parang pupunta din ako sa gyera sa Basilan at kasama ko ang aking pamilya. I didn't know if we were going to win. "Watch and learn!"

Sabay-sabay kaming tatlo na humarap sa Consul pagkatawag ng aming numero. Agad kung isinuot sa slot ng window ang aming mga dokumento. 

Consul:   Aha, you're going to the United States as a family?

Me:        Yes sir, I want to spend a vacation with them this time. 

Consul:   What is your job? (Nagtanong pa kahit alam naman nya yon)

Me:        Sir, I am a professional soldier and a public servant. I am an officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

Consul:   So, why are you bringing your family to the US?

Me:        Sir, I have just returned from my 1-year United Nations deployment in North Africa and I had promised to reward my family with a vacation after my long absence. 

Consul:    And, what is your job? (Lumingon sa aking misis at tinanong ang bagay na alam na rin nya kasi nasa application form nakasulat)

Misis:       I am the Finance Controller of Big Buddha Restaurant Incorporated, a chain of Chinese restaurants that operates Super Bowl of China.

Consul:     What about you young man? How old are you? (Pinagbalingan ang aking 9 yr old na unico hijo)

Harvey:     I am 9 years old and will turn 10 in October (Wow, gusto ko pumalakpak nakaka-straight English ang bugoy). 

Consul:       Where are you studying?

Harvey:       I am now studying in Don Bosco School.

Consul:       Okay. Enjoy your trip. Your passports will be sent to you in 1-2 weeks time. 

Kaming tatlo: Yeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! (silent na hiyaw).

See? It's more fun in the US embassy. What is the secret for a visa approval? No secrets. I have shared them all.

Albay clash leaves 2 NPA bandits dead

 

 

 

OAS, Albay-  Two members of the NPA bandit group were killed after engaging Army soldiers here early morning today.

 

Lt Col Andrew Costelo, the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Infantry Battalion said that the clash occurred at around 6:0am in the upland village of Badbad.

 

He said that he sent a team led by 1st Lt Rogelio Velano after receiving a 'hot info' from concerned residents about the presence of heavily-armed bandits who were collecting money and foodstuffs from them.

 

"The soldiers were approaching the reported location of the NPA bandits in the outskirts of the village. Sensing the presence of my soldiers, the bandits promptly engaged the soldiers in a firefight," said Costelo.

 

"The soldiers retaliated and outflanked the rebels using selective fires, hitting them one by one. The bandits retreated to the bushes, bringing along their casualties."

 

Costelo also said that Vilano and his men chased the bandits until they dispersed to save themselves from the advancing troops.

 

They later found two of the dead bandits still holding their respective M16 Assault Rifles.

The dead bandits were identified by the civilian residents as a certain Dennis and Peter.

 

"Ka Dennis is the leader of the bandits who extorted us from time to time," said one angry resident who refused to be identified for fear of reprisal.

 

It can be recalled that high-ranking members of the bandit group perished in the clash against government forces in Juban town, Sorsogon last week.

 

Col Joselito 'Joey' Kakilala, the Commander of the Army's 903rd Brigade based in Castilla town, Sorsogon said that his unit is regularly receiving tip-offs about the bandits' activities.

 

"Our text hotline is working and we are showing the people that the Army is always ready to defend them against these NPA extortionists. We are closely coordinating with the local police to arrest these criminals and bring them to justice," said Kakilala.

 

Navy specops troopers seize high-powered firearms from NPA bandits

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY--Crack teams from the Philippine Navy captured 3 NPA bandits and seize high-powered firearms in an early morning raid today.

Receiving a tip-off from concerned residents, members of the elite Navy Seals stealthily carried out the attack against the bandits led by Dionisio Almonte a.k.a. Maeng and 4 other cohorts in South Naonao, Port Barton, San Vicente town, Palawan at around 7:00 am.

The troops were able to surprise the unsuspecting bandits, forcing the latter to surrender without a fight. 

They were able to seize a Cal. 50 Barrett Sniper Rifle and a Cal .50 Heavy Machinegun, as well as 2 drums containing improvised bombs. 

Another group of Marine troopers reinforced the Navy Seals and helped in scouring the place for hidden weapons. 

At around noon, the troops unearthed an arms cache containing assorted weapons and explosives. 

They were able to confiscate 5 high-powered firearms and 9 low-powered firearms from the bandits. 

The bandits were believed responsible for the recent attacks against policemen and local traders in the province.

Police marksmen kill kidnappers in Davao City

 

DAVAO CITY- Three members of a kidnap for ransom group were killed in a shootout with members of the local police here at 12:30pm yesterday.

 

Acting on a tip-off, a crack team of police marksmen led by Senior Superintendent Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa, positioned themselves in strategic locations inside the Allied Bank premises in C.M. Recto St. here, as the convoy of vehicles carrying the kidnap victim Sally Chua and her abductors approached.

 

The kidnappers were about to facilitate the withdrawal of P15,000,000.00 from the account of the victim when they were surprised to see the policemen.

 

Instead of raising the arms to surrender, the suspects traded fires with the police. Outgunned, three of the suspects were killed instantaneously while another one was captured.

 

The two other vehicles fled the scene, leaving behind their companions and the kidnap victim who was not harmed.

 

Chua was abducted by the suspects in Quezon City but was brought here by the suspects a few days ago.

 

A member of the Philippine Military Class of 1986, Dela Rosa is one of the finest marksmen in the Philippine National Police.

 

He was also cited for acts of heroism during the bungled attempt by a Malaysian terrorist to detonate a bomb in downtown here several months back, resulting to the killing of the terrorist.

 

 

PMAers lang ba ang magaling sa AFP?

Marami ang nagpapalabas ng istorya na ang dominated daw ng mga PMA graduates ang Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

Halos lahat daw ng namumuno sa AFP (at pati sa PNP) ay mga PMA graduates. Totoo yon. Majority ng mga nahirang sa liderato ng AFP ay mga PMA graduates except din sa iilan na magagaling at nabigyan ng pagkakataon na mamuno. Ang ibig sabihin ba nito ay PMAers lang ang magaling?

Ayon sa mga news articles na lumalabas, me naghihinanakit diumano na hindi raw 'napagbibigyan' na mamuno ang mga non-PMAers kagaya ng mga nagtapos sa Officer Candidate School, Officer Preparatory Course at yong nanggaling sa ROTC. Hindi ako sang-ayon sa sinabi na yon. Ang pipiliin dapat ay ang pinakamagaling at mapagkatiwalaan na opisyal. Hindi pwede ang sistemang 'pagbigyan'. 

Kung meron kasing nagsasabi na mas magaling si Juan dela Cruz na non-PMAer, dapat itong suriin. Baka naman sya lang nakakaalam na magaling pala sya? Meron namang tinatawag na 360-degree feedback. Tanungin ang lahat ng taong nakasama nya (pati enlisted personnel) at halungkatin ang records nya. Kung totoong mas magaling, so be it. Dapat nga syang marekomenda sa angkop na posisyon o ano mang career advancement steps.

Sa mga nagyayabang na magaling dahil PMAer sila, hindi tama yon. Maaaring lamang sa napag-aralang mga theories at practices sa military leadership ang nag-aral ng apat na taon sa Philippine Military Academy, ngunit nasa attitude ng bawat opisyal mag-matter kung magiging magaling siya sa serbisyo. 

Marami na rin akong nakasamang mga PMAers na tinatalo ang performance sa mga non-PMAers. Hanggang yabang na lang sila na sa pinaka-prestigious military institution sila nagtapos ngunit mga balasubas sila magtrabaho at hindi pang-PMAer ang inaasal. 

In general, bilib ako sa mga opisyal na taos-puso kung magserbisyo at hindi pangsarili lamang ang hinahangad. I don't care kung PMAer sya o hindi basta matino at maayos magtrabaho. Gusto kong makatrabaho ang mga opisyal na asset ang kagalingan at katinuan na napapakinabangan ng organisasyon, at hindi yong laging nag-iisip kung ano ang 'para sa kanya'. 

Performance rating

Para sa akin, ang isa sa paraan upang umangat sa leadership positions ang mga matitino at magagaling na opisyal, dapat seryosohin ang performance rating system. Hindi ito kinakamas-kamas. Hindi ito pinipikitan dahil malaki itong responsibilidad.

Ang isang halimbawa na lang dito ay ang Officer Evaluation Report (OER). Me iba akong kilala na leaders na tinatamad gawin ito. Sa iba, parang utang na loob mo pa na gawin nya ito para sayo kung ikaw ay isang opisyal o subordinate na naninilbihan sa kanya. Nasubukan ko nang tipong mag-makaawa na i-rate ng isang senior officer dahil for promotion na ako. Deadma lang. Di ko sya makalimutan.

Ang OER ay isang tool upang mahubog ang leadership ability at performance ng bawat sundalo. Para sa mga nagri-rate na mga officers, pagkakataon nilang mabigyan ng gabay ang mga subordinates sa kanyang opisina o yunit. Sa pamamagitan nito, nabibigyan nya ng pagkakataon ang subordinate na i-improve ang sarili kung merong pagkukulang dahil responsibilidad ng rating officer na i-counsel ang kanyang tauhan. 

Dahil ito ay isang tool para maiangat ang antas ng performance ng bawat sundalo, ginagawa ito periodically like every 6 months. Responsibilidad ito ng lider. Hindi pwedeng iba ang magsulat ng rating at pirmahan na lang nya. That is sanamagan!  

Sa ibang abusadong lider, ginagawa rin itong tool para takutin at pag-initan ang tauhan na hindi nya type. Binabagsak nya sa rating kaya hindi  ma-promote at hindi makapag-schooling. Ito ay maling-mali at isang abuse of power ng mga ungas na opisyal. Pwede itong ireklamo!

Lingid sa kaalaman ng marami, me nakasaad sa ilalim ng OER na komento ng ni-rate na opisyal kung payag ba sya sa rating na ibinigay sa kanya, at kung nag-counselling ba ang nag-rate sa kanya na superior. 

Halimbawa, kung ako ay tinigok sa leadership at sinulatan ng kasinungalingang mga paratang para matimbog, pwede ko itong ireklamo. Ilagay ko na "I don't agree with the rating officer". Ito ay ayon sa polisiya. 

At......kung talagang 'no go' talaga ang ni-rate ay dapat ilagay talaga ang katotohanan. Isalang kaagad sa attrition kung sya ay incorrigible.

 Para sa akin, hindi pwede ang 'awa-awa' system kung tipong ang mag-suffer ay ang organisasyon kapag manatili ang isang sundalo/opisyal sa AFP na tipong wala namang "K" na mag-stay dahil balasubas ito. Naayon ito sa principle na "Retain only the best and the brightest". Mahirap atang merong umangat sa mataas na posisyon tapos balasubas pala. Mas marami ang apektado!

It should be emphasized na walang tinitingnan na source of commission kung mag-rate ng subordinate. Walang pabor-pabor. Walang 'bata-bata'. Walang 'mistah-mistah'. Walang 'bro-bro' system. Walang 'kabayan' system. Ganyan ang professional military officer.

Ang karugtong nyan, ito dapat ang basehan para sa promotions at designations sa AFP. Hindi na tinitingnan ang source of commision. Hindi tinitingnan kung magaling itong mag-aral at laging Dean's List sa school. Hindi tinitingnan kung sino ang kadikit na pulitiko.

Ang dapat titingnan ay ang kagaya ng OER simula sa pagka-tenyente. Titingnan diing mabuti kung meron  syang accomplishments. Titingnan din kung ito ay matino at mapagkatiwalaan based sa feedbacks mula sa superiors, peers at subordinates.  

Makikita dapat  yong sino ang mga kupal o kurakot based sa service reputation. Makikita kung sino ang maraming kaso o ginawang kabulastugan noong kabataan nila. Makikita kung sino ang inaamag ang paa sa airconditioned rooms sa garrison ang mga past assignments.

Iyan lang ang paraan para pantay-pantay ang lahat. Walang maghinanakit dahil hindi 'napagbigyan'. Walang mabigyan ng posisyon na 'kung sino-sino na lang'. Walang magkomento na 'snappy-shabby, same salary'. Walang mag-sabi na 'second-class citizens' lang sila na mga opisyal. Walang magyayabang na magaling sila simply because they are PMAers.

At, sa mga kagaya kong nagtapos sa the best military school in the Philippines, dapat namin itong panindigan at hindi makiki-ride on lang sa kagalingan ng mga nauunang mga seniors na nagpatingkad sa pangalan ng Philippine Military Academy. 

Sa lahat ng panahon dapat ipakita namin ang kagalingan at katinuan ayon sa itinuro ng aming institution na nagmatigasan na sundin namin ang prinsipyong: COURAGE, INTEGRITY and LOYALTY.

Kung merong naging magaling sa amin na galing sa ibang source of commissionship, bukang-loob din dapat  na ito ay aming tatanggapin.

Five soldiers die fighting for peace in the Moroland

WHILE PEACE negotiators are finalizing the annexes of the so-called Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the preliminary peace agreement that was signed in Malacanan Palace in October 2012, the so-called 'spoilers' of the peace process waged a series of attacks against government troops in Central Mindanao on Saturday (July 6).

The first attack was carried out by heavily armed men against the troops of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion which is stationed in Sito Dam, Bgy Damalabas, Datu Piang, Maguindanao at 10:40am, killing one soldier.

At around 11:10am, troops of  the 5th Special Forces Battalion were fired upon by heavily armed men in  Sitio Mapangkaya, Bgy Paidu, Pulangui Pikit, North Cotabato, triggering an intense firefight. One soldier was killed while another one was injured in the said incident.

Later in the day, another group of armed perpetrators attacked the troops of the 68th Infantry Battalion stationed in Bgy Bakat, Shariff Saydona, Mustapha, Maguindanao. Three soldiers including  a young officer were killed while two others were wounded in the clash. 

Committed to the peace process

Despite the recent attacks, the AFP remains committed in supporting the peace process which is believed as the only way to end all armed conflicts in Muslim Mindanao. 

I myself had participated in the military operations there in the late 90s but the end was nowhere in sight! We may had flushed the 'enemies of the state' out of the communities that they attacked during that time but the 'Moro problem' has remained. 

It is the reason why the soldiers are among those who fully supported the primacy of the peace process. Sa dami ng namatay sa amin at pati sa mas marami pang nalagas sa kabilang panig, di rin natapos ang patayan kasi hindi natugunan ang pinakaugat ng problema ng mga Moro. 

That is why we want to make the Framework Agreement that calls for the creation of an autonomous political entity called 'Bangsamoro', work. We will support the government to make it a success story. 

Spoilers of the peace process

I strongly believe that majority of our Muslim brothers in Central Mindanao are yearning for lasting peace in their land. Sino ba naman kasi me gusto ng tuloy-tuloy na patayan at pagkakaroon ng pamilyang mag-bakwet (evacuate)? 

However, despite the fact that the largest armed group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, had officially 'silenced' their guns, several clashes among clans and sub-groups occurred. 

We must not neglect the fact that there is a bed-ridden old man named Umbra Kato who has loyal fans following his evil orders. He is a former MILF commander who made a name for himself by carrying out sporadic attacks against government forces in 2012 , triggering the focused-military operations against his armed followers.

In many cases, feuding clans also carry out violent attacks against each other. Muslim brothers against Muslim brothers, settling clan disputes through warfare. It should be noted that there were several cases where the military, through the help of the local government leaders and MILF leaders, were able to end bloody confrontations among these warring clans, such as the case of the 40th Infantry Battalion.

And, we also have armed followers of warlords who used to (and will always want to) dominate the political arena, enlisting the help of either MILF or MNLF members who are their relatives. This scenario brings more confusion to the scene. It is very hard to distinguish 'who is who' in the middle of an intense firefight!

I am hopeful that everyone  is enlightened about this sad reality. Kung alam natin ang katotohanan, alam din natin paano solusyonan kasi kung hindi, walang humpay ang patayan.

Army soldiers kill 8 NPA bandits in Sorsogon

SUNRISE IN SORSOGON. In this file photo taken in 2010, the sun rises over Sorsogon Province. Mt Bulusan, an active volcano, dominates the landscape in the background. Juban town is located on the left side of the volcano. (Photo by Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc)

 

 

JUBAN, Sorsogon-- Eight NPA bandits were killed by operating troops belonging to the Army's 31st Infantry Battalion  at 6:00am today, a military official said.

Colonel Joey Kakilala, the Commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade which has jurisdiction over the provinces of Sorsogon and Masbate, said that the clash broke out in Calmayon village here between a platoon of soldiers and at least 20 heavily-armed bandits.

Kakilala said that the heavy exchange of fires lasted for at least half an hour after which the beleaguered members of the bandit group dispersed and ran away from the scene of the firefight.

 

Among the fatalities were two female members of the bandit group. The soldiers have brought the dead bandits to the village center for identification and turn over to their relatives.

 

Not anyone among the operating troops led by 2nd Lt Ayo was harmed in the encounter.

 

The troops confiscated seven high-powered firearms including three (3) M653 Rifles (Baby Armalite), 2 M16 Rifles and two 40mm M203 Grenade Launchers. An improvised bomb was also seized by the soldiers from the fleeing bandits.

 

Kakilala had expressed his gratitude to the people who pinpointed the location of the bandit group who is responsible for the extortion activities and attack against unarmed members of the military in the area.

 

"We do not rejoice over the deaths of these kababayans but we have to perform our mandate of protecting the people from these criminal groups. I call on the remnants of the bandit group to consider laying down their arms and abandon the use of armed violence. We can help each other pursue our advocacies," Kakilala said.

 

It can be recalled that 8 bandits were also killed by Scout Rangers in Pilar town here on September 2009.

 

It was followed by the death of 3 bandits and the recovery of 7 firearms in February 2010.

 

 

Ang paghahanda sa field assignment (Leadership Experience Part 2)

Ang mga dugong mandirigma kasama ang mga parada boys na aming hinubog bilang warriors sa shortened version ng Scout Ranger Orientation Course. Lahat sila ay umuwing buhay sa kanilang mga mahal  sa buhay pagkatapos ng napakaraming mga bakbakan na aming inabot sa Sulu at Basilan simula Setyembre 2000-Mayo 2002.

Maliban sa kaalaman ng iba, hindi lamang sa paghahasa ng soldiery skills ang inaatupag ng mga opisyal ng Scout Ranger Company habang ito ay nag-retraining.

Kasama sa pinagkakaabalahan naming ay ang pag-saayos ng administrative requirements para magampanan naming ang aming mga tungkulin.

Sabihin na lang natin na bilang Company Commander, para rin akong isang Manager ng isang business firm o kaya parang Barangay Captain.

Owwwwws, talaga? Baka magtaas ka ng kilay.

Hey, man we are not just 'skill patay'. We are both leaders and managers. Yessssssss. We lead people to combat. We manage their day to day lives.

Ganito yon. Ang aming pinamumunuan ay mga human beings as in mga nilalang na me pakiramdam.

Sila rin ay nagkakasakit, napapagod, nalulungkot at natutuwa. Hindi sila robot.

Kaya, kailangang magaling din kami sa management. "Hmmmmm. Bola".

Ganito yon uli. Ang mga Scout Rangers ay hinuhubog namin bilang mandirigma pero kailangang kinakalinga rin namin ang kanilang morale and welfare.

Maliban pa don, inaatupag din namin ang mga material resources ng aming yunit. Andyan ang completeness ng mga supply kagaya ng armas, bala, office equipment, at kung anu-ano pa.

Gumagawa rin kami ng admin tasks kagaya ng recurring reports, battle reports, promotion board, investigation board at supply inventory. Remember, English ang ginagamit ha. Baka akala mo Taglish kagaya ng blog na ito!

Tinitingnan din namin kung well-maintained at maayos ang andar ng aming mga sasakyan, kung nagagamit ng maayos ang POL (petroleum, oil and lubricants), at ang pag-gamit ng kuryente at tubig.

Pati ang pag-gamit ng computer para sa aming administrative functions ay itinuro ko sa aking mga staff NCOs. Mahirap atang ako na lang gagawa sa lahat dahil mas gamay nila ang type writer! 

Show window

Kasama sa aking requirement sa aking yunit ay ang pag-require sa sundalo na maging show-window ng yunit. Dapat karespe-respeto sila.

Para sa akin, ang sundalo ay dapat maayos ang hitsura at hindi mukhang Abu Sayyaf ang porma. Ayaw ko yong pa-cute na nagpapahaba ng buhok, ayaw mag-shave, at binabalasubas ang uniporme.

Gusto ko na sila ay disiplinado yung tipong hindi abusado na nanunutok ng baril at nakikipagsuntukan sa inuman.

Naniniwala kasi ako na ang mga bandido lang ang dapat matakot sa sundalo. Ang sibilyan ay dapat pumapalakpak sa tuwa kapag merong sundalo na tagapagtanggol sa kanila.

Hindi naman sa galit ako sa manginginom, ngunit hindi ko ito ini-encourage. Dami na kasing mababait na nagkalat kapag nakainom.

Merong nambabastos ng babae, nang-aaway at nag-sasayaw na ala-macho dancer sa publiko. Yuck! Kadiring sundalo di ba?

Dahil dyan, malinaw ang aking direktiba. Walang uminom kapag duty. Walang uminom kung walang rason (Hey, birthday mo ba?). Walang uminom kapag walang NCO na mag-supervise. Walang mag-maoy. Walang magkalat sa pinag-inuman. Walang humawak ng baril lalo na magpaputok kasi ipa-discharge ko agad. Grrrrr! Madali lang akong kausap di ba?

Commander's vehicle

Ang paboritong issue na vehicle ng mga punong mandirigma noong araw sa FSRR ay ang 1/4 ton M151 Kennedy Type Jeep. Maganda ito dahil 4x4 at pwede pang-off road. Ang problema, me kalumaan na. Tira-tira ito ng mga Kano. Nasa 'manager' na lang talagan kung magaling itong mag-maintain. At kung hindi ito barat sa maintenance then kung hindi balasubas magmaneho ang mga drivers nya.

Nang ako ay umupo bilang Commander noong Marso 6, 2000 inabutan ko ang Kennedy na me tapal-tapal ang flooring. Nilagyan ito ng tabla. Whaaaaaat? Yes. Tabla. Kinulayan din ng itim para di halata. he he he

Gula-gulanit na ang hitsura at tila mahihiya akong sumakay dahil sa andar pa lang, tila dinosaur na nabilaokan sa nilamon na buwaya. Baka minsan eh Cadillac pa. What? Yes, kadilakad ang abutin kapag tumirik. Grrrrr!

Kinantyawan ko ang aming Driver na si Sgt Virtudez na taga Pagadian.

"Sanamagan, ayaw ko yang sakyan! Baka biglang tumimbuwang yan. Baka ma-tetano ako dyan. Mukhang dyan pa ako mapunta sa libingan!"

Di ako papayag na kakaawa at kakahiya ang hitsura ng aking sasakyan. Isinaludo ko ito sa aking mga boss hanggang sa Headquarters Philippine Army.

"Sir, pupunta ako sa gyera. Kakahiya ang aking sasakyan. Mas dadami ang aking accomplishments kapag maayos ang aking transport pang marketing, troop insertion at iba pa".

Aba, maliban sa bagong makina at mga gulong ng aking Kennedy, nabigyan pa ako ng bagong M35 truck sa unang pagkakataon.

Inilaan ko ang pondo para ito ay maayos from top to bottom. Bagong makina, inayos lahat ng parte ng Kennedy pati ang pintura. Siguro proud sa akin si Jack Kennedy na kapangalan nya.

Pagkatapos ng humigit kumulang sa isang buwan na pag-trabaho, djaraaaaaaaaaaaan! Ang aking sasakyan ang pinakamaganda. Me bonus pa. Nilagyan ko ng sounds baby! Jologs kasi kami kapag nasa kabihasnan. Di kaya pwedeng mag-sounds pag nasa gubat!

Financial literacy

Noon pa man ay gusto ko na makakatipid ang sundalo sa mga basic commodities. Laging nagkakagulo sa management ng coop store at nagsisihihan kaya binuwag ng naunang namuno sa akin.

Ibinalik ko ito at sinigurado na ito ay service-oriented at hindi nakafocus sa profit. Lahat ay miyembro. Dapat mas mura sa mga tindahan sa paligid ng kampo.

Para maliwanag ang kitaan ng investment, naka-post lagi ang in and out ng aming pera sa coop. Transparency and accountability. Magaling ang aking mga financial managers kagaya ni Sgt Greg Manzolim at Cpl Mauro 'Jojo' Casimiro. Mapagkatiwalaan at hindi balasubas.

Samantala, ang lahat ng Private na ranggo ay 'sapilitan' o required o under orders sa akin na magtabi sa kanilang AFPSLAI account ng di bababa sa P3,000 monthly savings. Hawak ng First Sergeant ang passbook at hindi pwedeng kunin unless emergency. Pwedeng sila na magtago ng passbook kung maging Private First Class na sila after one year of active service. Diktador? Yes, kailangan. Ganyan ang Financial Literacy 101 sa military. Di ko naman sinarili pera nila. Sa kanila yon. Me reklamo? Nooooo seeeer! Wala daw eh. Yon narinig ko sa mga Privates nang tinanong namin ni First Sergeant.

Di rin ako basta-basta pumipirma sa loan. Inis ako sa London (loan dito, loan don) na walang klarong patutunguhan. Ang iba inuuna pa ang appliances kaysa pagtabi ng pera pang tuition at pang gamot pag nagkakasakit. Laging loan ang solution. Pinaliwanag ko na dapat savings ang inaatupag at tumulong ang misis na maghanap-buhay kung pwede naman.

Para bumaba pa lalo ang gastos, nagpa-garden ako ng gulay at me alaga kaming pato sa kampo. Sa Basilan ay pinalitan namin ng gulay ang mga damong taguan ng Cobra. Instead na bilhin pa namin yon, mamimitas na lang sa kanya-kanyang garden para mag-pinakbet si Lakay Msg Abubo na tubong Pangasinan. 

Leadership

Malaki ang pamumuhunan ko sa aking mga unit leaders. Binibigyan ko sila ng responsibilidad. Sila ang nagpapatakbo sa yunit. Ako lang ang Direktor. Ayaw ko na tipong pakialaman pa ang mga bagay na ginagawa ng mga unit leaders (Teams/ Sections).

Kapag me pumalpak na tao, ito ang tanong ko: "Sino ang Team Leader?" Hindi ko direktang pagsabihan o pagalitan yong tao kundi yong Team Leader.

Para maging cohesive sila bilang team, parating merong Team activities maliban sa training missions. Merong takbuhan by team, best-best sa inspection by team, best-best sa pag-parada, at pati best-best sa paglinis ng area.

Syempre, lahat mga beterano sa gyera ang aking mga Team Leaders at sila ay lagi kong kinakausap tungkol sa kanilang mabigat na responsibilidad.

"Kung palpak ang team nyo, walang sisihin kundi kayo dahil kayo ang lider. Kung palpak ang ating kumpanya, walang sisihin kundi ako dahil ako ang Company Commander".

Ipinamumukha ko sa kanila na ang iniuutos ko sa kanila ay aking ginagawa.

Ipinakita ko sa kanila ang tunay na transparency at accountability sa aming unit fund. Galit  ako sa kurakot na tila ginagawang gatasan ang posisyon.

"Open book ang ating kapiranggot na pondo. Mag-open tayo ng LBP bank account at ito ay nakapangalan sa tatlo: kay EX-O, Kay First Sergeant Jerios at kay Sgt Manzolim. Ang cashbook ay pwedeng usisahin ng kahit sino. Ang approval ng malakihang gastos ay dapat aprubado ko."

Sinigurado ko ring open ang lahat na magdulog ng problema sa pamamagitan ng chain of command. Gawan ng paraan ng Team Leaders at kung di kaya ay elevate nila sa akin. Alangan naman pati sa nahilaw na kanin ako pa ang mag-solve di ba? Hellooooow!

"Kung me reklamo pa kayo, ewan ko na lang sa inyo. Ang para sa inyo ay para sa inyo kaya gawin nyo rin ang para sa ating yunit. Kung magdulog ng problema, magbitbit din kayo ng solusyon!".

Binigyan ko rin sila ng pagkakataong mangarap kagaya ng aking pinapangarap.

"Lahat ng pinuntahan kong Company ay naging Best Company maging sa Admin o Operations kagaya ng 7th SRC at 12th SRC. Ang ating kumpanya ay hindi pa nakasungkit ng Best Company Streamer. Ito na ang ating pagkakataon na umangat at ipakita ang ating kagalingan bilang yunit. Di ko ito magagawa kung ako lang."

Tinapos ko ang aking pag-share ng panaginip sa isang tanong:

"Sino ba sa inyo ang gusto na tayo ang tatanghaling Best Company at masasabitan ng streamer ng Commanding General ng Philippine Army?"

Lahat sa mga present ay nagtaas ng kamay. Iyon ang unang hakbang para sa pag-abot namin ng tagumpay.

Hmmmm. Hindi madali ang makipag-compete bilang Best Company kasi maraming magagaling na Company Commanders at ang kanilang yunit ay nakakalamang sa karanasan at sa 'kayabangan'. 

Dalawa ang pinag-aagawan na Best Company streamer sa FSRRR: ang Best Company for Administration at ang mas prestigious Best Company for Operations.

Mahirap na masungkit yon. Dapat magaling ang Company Commander sa admin para maging matatag, highly-motivated at highly-skilled ang mga tauhan. Ang problema nga lang kung kahit gaano ka kagaling, wala namang opportunity dahil madulas pa sa palos ang kalaban o kaya ay di marunong ang force employer na unit kagaya ng Brigade o Battalion.

Para sa akin, dapat managinip kami na makamit ang naturang streamer na magdadala ng unit pride. Iyon ang aking vision na maging magagaling ang tropa sa aming misyon at ma-minimize ang casualties. Kaya nga sabi ko sa kanila na dapat maging disiplinado para makauwi kaming buhay lahat. At, hindi ako mag-hesitate na tanggalin ang pasaway na hindi makapag-keep in step sa lahat.

Naiintindihan ng tropa ang aming vision at kung ano ang aming mission. Inanyayahan ko silang maging parte sa pagkamit ng aming panaginip na maging pinakamagaling na SR company.

(Ipagpatuloy)