Army soldiers kill 2 NPA bandits in Samar island

In this file photo, a military chopper conducts aerial reconnaissance over Samar island which was also badly hit by supertyphoon Yolanda (intl name: Haiyan) in November 2013. A small group of NPA bandits are still challenging the peace and security of the province despite the government's call for peaceful resolution to the four decades-long armed conflict. (Photo by Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc)

MATUGUINAO, SAMAR-  Two members of the NPA bandit group were killed in a clash with an Army patrol in an upland village of Mahayag here late afternoon on Monday, May 26.

Lt. Col. Glen Calambuhay, the Commanding Officer of the 43rd Infantry Battalion, said that a platoon-size of his troops were conducting security operations in the hinterlands of this town when they were fired upon by unspecified number of bandits at around 5:30pm. 

"My soldiers engaged the NPA bandits who were hiding in the bushes.  My unit's effective delivery of accurate fires caused the bandits to retreat in disarray, leaving behind two dead comrades and three high-powered firearms," said Calambuhay, a member of PMA 'Sambisig' Class of 1991.

The soldiers who scoured the encounter site confiscated three long firearms which were left behind by the fleeing bandits. The firearms haul include one Cal. 56mm M16 Rifle, one Cal 5.56mm M653 and one 40mm M203 Grenade Launcher.

No one was hurt among the operating elements who figured in the clash.

Major General Jet Velarmino, the Commander of the 8th Infantry Division lauded the unit for its latest accomplishment. 

However, he expressed his sympathy to the families and relatives of the NPA rebels who were killed. 

“It is very tragic that they have taken arms against the Filipino nation when only through peace can development and social justice be attained.” 

While some of the troops are conducting security patrols in bandit-infested hinterland villages, another group of soldiers are supporting the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts of the government. 

Both of the Army's 801st and 802nd Brigade are collaborating with stakeholders in implementing community projects including the 'Bangka ng Buhay, Bunga ng Bayanihan' project that is funded by Metrobank Foundation Incorporated. 

This aerial photo shows the San Juanico Bridge that links the island provinces of Leyte and Samar. Both provinces are under the jurisdiction of the Army's 8th Infantry Division. (Photo by lt Col Harold M Cabunoc)

CRSAFP gets a new commander

Brigadier General Romeo Gan receives the command flag from Lt General Virgilio Domingo, the TDCS, as outgoing commander, BGen Rolando Jungco looks on. (Photo by Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc)

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City- A seasoned civil-military operations officer has assumed command of the AFP's Civil Relations Service during a simple turn over of command ceremony held here at 9:00am today.

Brigadier General Romeo Gan, 53, received the command flag from Lt Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the Deputy Chief of Staff. He is a member of PMA Class of 1983 where the Army chief, Lt Gen Hernando DCA Irriberri belongs.

Gan replaced Brigadier General Rolando Jungco who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56.  He had served in the same unit for ten years in various staff and command positions. 

In his acceptance speech, Gan vowed to pursue the plans and programs initiated by Jungco. He also proclaimed the CRS headquarters as a 'No smoking zone'. 

A paint artist and a peace advocate, Jungco is credited for the completion of the 'longest peace mural in the world' that can be found along the walls of Camp Aguinaldo.

"After my vacation, I will continue participating in various Bayanihan activities as a civilian and probably, as a military reservist. I will find more walls where I can paint peace murals like what we have in Camp Aguinaldo," he said. 

A member of PMA Class of 1982, Jungco thanked his subordinates, peace partners and family members for the support given him during his 16-month stint as CRS commander.

"I want to thank you all who supported me. I and my wife can now dedicate our lives for our 'apostolic duties'," he said. 

"Actually, what I meant is that we will take care of our apos (grandchildren) full time during my retirement," he said in jest.

Negros Oriental clash kills 4 NPA bandits

File photo shows Army soldiers resting after a combat training exercise in the field. (Photo by Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc)

TANJAY CITY- Four members of the New People's Army bandit group were killed after engaging the Army soldiers in a series of firefight in Sitio Pitawa, Sto. Nino village of this city on Saturday, May 24, at around 4:00 pm.

Lt Col Harold Anthony Pascua, the Commanding Officer of the Army's 79th Infantry Battalion dispatched a platoon of soldiers upon receiving a 'hot info' about the presence of heavily armed bandits.

"They were approaching the bandits' reported location when they were met with automatic fires. My troops retaliated and assaulted their positions, prompting them to flee," said Pascua.

"My soldiers pursued the bandits who dragged their wounded and dead comrades. The bandits were forced to leave behind four of their dead and one of their M16 Rifles," said Pascua. 

The soldiers had transported the cadavers of the bandits to the village center for proper identification. 

"These are our fellow Filipinos who are misguided by their leaders. I am saddened by their deaths but we have to do our job of protecting the people against their criminal acts," said Pascua. 

One soldier named Cpl Melbert Dapilaga was slightly wounded. He was immediately treated by the combat medic who was part of the patrol.

To ensure that they get immediate medical attention during firefights, the Army has issued Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) for every soldier and the Combat Life Saver Kit (CLSK) at the platoon level. 

Surviving the menace of Balangiga: Two stories about community leadership

I visited the coastal town of Balangiga in Eastern Samar to attend the turn-over ceremony of the first set of motorized fishing boats for 150 poor fishermen who lost their boats during the onslaught of super typhoon 'Haiyan' (local name Yolanda). Funded by Metrobank Foundation Inc., the project was implemented by TOPSOLDIERS and the Army's 801st Brigade. Behind me is the historic St. Anthony's Church and the tower where the renown Balangiga bells were once installed. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)

Ooops, the people of Balangiga did it again!  

Unlike the other communities in Samar and Leyte where thousands died during the onslaught of super-typhoon Haiyan, Balangiga suffered only 13 dead out of its 13,000 population. How come? What made the difference?

I would say that it was an extraordinary feat that could be accomplished by strong and respected leaders. I was impressed and began asking questions. What can be learned from them? 

I consider this as a repeat of a historical event that occurred in Samar island 112 years ago. Owing to the excellent leadership provided by the likes of Abanador, most of the Balangigan-ons (local term for residents of Balangiga) survived the gruesome massacre carried out by American forces. Sorry to General Jacob 'Howling' Smith, his real targets, the Balangigan-ons were nowhere to be found! 

Narrative accounts tell us that under the instructions of General Smith, an expedition of American soldiers scoured the different communities and killed everyone above 10 yrs old. It was a punitive expedition aimed to avenge the deaths of at least 46 U.S. Army soldiers at the hands of bolo-wielding Filipino warriors led by Valeriano Abanador in the public plaza of Balangiga. 

American writers put the tally of massacre victims at around 2,500; but, Filipino historians had a higher casualty count based on 'realistic' research. Well, only God knows which is true. What I am quite sure is that the Americans have kept three Balangiga Bells as war trophies up to this day.

The descendants

I had the chance to visit this town during the turnover of motorized fishing boats donated by Metrobank Foundation Inc. on May 22, 2014. 

I stopped for a souvenir photo at the San Juanico Bridge that links the provinces of Samar and Leyte. I was accompanied by Major Lemuel Baduya, the Project Coordinator of the boat project funded by Metrobank Foundation Inc. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)

I had read many stories about the Bells of Balangiga and the tales about the extraordinary courage displayed by our ancestors against the American colonizers.

There were discrepancies in the historical records, depending on who the author (Filipino or American) of the publication is. I decided to find out more untold stories by talking directly to the descendants themselves. 

"Please find me direct relatives of Police Capt Valeriano Abanador, the local hero of Balangiga. I want to have a chat with them about their great grandpa," I told Major Lemuel Baduya, the Coordinator of the 'Bangka ng Buhay, Bunga ng Bayanihan' boat project that I facilitated in Eastern Samar.

Thanks to Lemuel's resourcefulness, he was able to find two surviving relatives of Abanador named Rufina Abanador Nacionales, 74, and Milagros Abanador Cabales, 71. They were the  daughters of Juan Abanador, the nephew of Kapitan Bale (the popular name of Valeriano Abanador). 

They gladly met me upon my arrival in Balangiga town on May 21. Both of them have sharp memories about their uncle despite their old age. 

"My father was the favorite nephew of Kapitan Bale. He was running errands for him as a child and was told about the exploits and adventures of his uncle," revealed Cabales.

I met two of the grand nieces of Capt Valeriano Abanador, the leader of the Balangiga incident. Mrs Rufina Nacionales (left) was accompanied by her younger sister Milagros Cabales. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)


This is the narrative account about the attack on the American forces as told by Abanador's grand nieces: 

She said that only a few people from Balangiga fell victim to the punitive actions carried out by American forces a few days after their humiliating defeat at the hands of Capt Abanador and his men.

They survived the ordeals experienced by countless other Samarenos during the military operations that followed. Practically, the whole Samar island was turned into a 'howling wilderness' when American troops began killing people including children over 10 years old, pillaging and burning houses along the way. 

"The residents of the town were already evacuated hours before the planned attack on the American unit. Kapitan Bale ordered all women and young children to leave the town and stay in the designated areas in the forests," said Nacionales who has no idea if her husband is directly related to the lone female planner of the attack, Casiana "Geronima" Nacionales. 

This photo was taken from the 2nd floor of the town municipal hall. Behind me is the public plaza where most of the American troops were billeted. Farther behind is St. Lawrence the Martyr Church where some American officers stayed since their arrival in August 1901. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)

Balangiga Town Council Secretary Marciano Deladia Jr. said that only a few residents around the peripheries of the town were killed by the responding elements of Golf Company, 9th US Infantry led by Cpt Edwin Bookmiller, who came by boats from their base in Basey town about 40 kilometers away. 

"On September 29, 1901, American troops burned all houses here and stole all three  bells from St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in retaliation for the worst defeat that they experienced in their conquests during that time,"said Deladia.

Surviving Yolanda

Deladia said that the recent actions of the Balangigan-ons during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) was comparable to their great escape in September 1901.

"We received warnings from the national government about the coming of a super typhoon in Samar island. Mayor Viscuso 'Viscoy' De Lira directed the Municipal Disaster Management Office to plan and coordinate the evacuation of people to designated areas where they can take shelter," he said. 

"As early as November 6, Wednesday, we had a 'bandillo' (mobile public announcements) using several vehicles including our ambulance. We roamed around town to remind people to pack their essential things and head towards safer places in the interior, away from the coastal communities."

Deladia said that the spirit of Bayanihan was alive in his town in the same manner that almost all families took part in attacking the American soldiers who committed abuses in their peaceful community over a century had passed.

"The people who hosted the evacuees actively helped in preparing food provisions for those who came to take shelter in their community. We are very proud about this practice during emergencies in our town," he said.

Ernesto Delantar, 43, was among the fishermen who followed the orders from the local authorities. He tied his boat on a tree at the back of his house and took the engine with him as he brought all 7 of his children towards an evacuation center a day before the typhoon arrived.

"We brought only a few clothes and kitchen utensils with us. I carried the boat engine because it might be stolen while I am away," said Delantar, a widower, whose main income source is fishing.

Arthur Sabadlab, 36, is also one of the fishermen who deserted their coastal community in Bgy Singko in order to escape from the howling winds and high waters. Like Delantar, he also carried his boat engine with him as he led his wife Precy, 25, and 4 young daughters towards an evacuation area. 

"I heard from our leaders that the wind brought by the typhoon was too strong and that our kubo (nipa hut) might be torn to pieces. Though we only had enough food to eat that day, I decided to leave with my whole family," said Sabadlab who left his boat that was bought out of his 2-year savings as a fisherman.

No one among the family members of both Delantar and Sabadlab were harmed when the typhoon struck in the morning on November 8, 2013. 

I met the survivors of super typhoon Haiyan, some of whom are relatives of the Balangigan-ons who survived the punitive expeditions carried out by American forces after their 'terrible defeat' at the hands of Filipinos. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)


Thirteen people who refused to leave their homes in danger areas along the coast lines, did not survive the strong winds that brought flying debris and surging waters.

Returning to their sea side community the following day, Delantar and Sabadlab found out that they had no houses to return to. Both of them also lost their boats which were carried by raging floodwater. 

"I felt like it was the end of the world for me. I had no idea how to feed my big family during that day,"said Delantar, one of the 50 beneficiaries of the boat project implemented by the TOPSOLDIERS and the Army's 801st Brigade. 

Healing session

Nacionales said that despite the clamor by Balangigan-ons for the return of the church bells, they had welcomed some descendants of the American soldiers who came to make friends with them. 

"It was in September 2001 when I received a visitor named Jean Wall, the daughter of Pvt Adolf Gamlin, a survivor of the Balangiga encounter," said Nacionales. 

"Ms. Wall said that Adolf Gamlin, her father, was having nightmares for many years. Her father revealed later his harrowing experience during the attack on his unit by the people of Balangiga during the Filipino-American war," said Nacionales.

Nacionales said that Gamlin was knocked unconscious by Kapitan Bale himself before the latter raised his 'baston' (cane) to signal the multi-pronged attack by hundreds of his followers. 

"Ms Wall was told that the hack wound suffered by his father was inflicted by a Filipino. She decided to visit Balangiga despite the negative remarks made by her friends and relatives," said Nacionales.

"She was told that the people in Balangiga are fearsome individuals who could not be trusted at all. She insisted to come and found out that even we, Kapitan Bale's descendants, were very warm and hospitable towards her," added Cabales. 

Both Cabales and Nacionales said that the visit was like a healing session for all of them. They said that Ms Wall returned a year later with his brother. 

"They were always excited to see Balangiga, the place where their grandfather once served. We don't have any bitter feelings towards the each other because of this event in the past," said Nacionales.

For the survivors of supertyphoon Yolanda, we had our own 'healing session' when I facilitated an exchange of experiences among them. 

All of them are ready to rise and face the upcoming challenges in life because they are the proud children of Balangiga. However, they have a simple wish that is still unfulfilled after more than a century of waiting:

"Return the Bells of Balangiga!" 

Photo collage of the 'Bells of Balangiga' that are put in display in two military camps in Wyoming, USA and South Korea. This framed photo is now hanging at the little museum in Balangiga town that is dedicated for the local heroes like Abanador. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)

Sorsogon firefight kills 5 NPA bandits

MATNOG, Sorsogon- Five members of the NPA bandit group were killed after a clash with Army soldiers here at around 5:45am today (May 23). 

Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala, the Commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, said that he sent a combined elements of the 31st Infantry Battalion and the local police force in order to apprehend the suspects of an extortion activity in Sitio Hukdong, Balukawe village here. 

Kakilala said that the bandits fired their weapons upon seeing the members of the security forces, triggering an intense firefight. 

An hour-long running gun battle ensued when the bandits attempted to flee towards the bushes. 

"The security forces pursued the bandits using fire and maneuver until they splintered into small groups, leaving behind 5 dead comrades and 5 high-powered firearms. Two others were arrested when they were cornered by the operating troops," he said.  

Kakilala said that the troops accounted two Cal 5.56mm M16A1 Rifles, two Cal 5.56mm M653 Rifles, a 40mm Grenade Launcher, two MK2 fragmentation grenades, two improvised bombs, two tactical radios, a sniper scope and a laptop computer among the recovered items. 

A resident who came to the scene of the firefight named one of the fatalities as a certain Ka Randy, a ranking NPA leader. He also claimed that one of the arrested personalities was a PUP student who recently joined the armed group. 

Kakilala said that he is saddened by the NPA's continuous recruitment of young students from state universities. 

" I pity the parents of these poor young students who sent their children to school to pursue education. The NPA recruiters brainwashed them into embracing armed violence which is not the right way to solve social problems," said Kakilala, a Presidential Lingkod Bayan awardee and one of the recipients of The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS).

The dead bandits were brought to the village center to be identified by the residents before they are turned over to relatives. 

The arrested bandits were brought to the local police station for inquest proceedings. The suspects are facing a string of criminal cases including illegal possession of firearms and extortion.

No one was hurt among the members of the security forces.

Scout Rangers: Kasagutan sa mga katanungan

Ang simbolo ng Philippine Scout Rangers ay ang Black Panther. Dahil wala namang Panther sa Pilipinas, ang natatagpuang Civet Cat o Musang ang nakagawiang ihinahambing sa mga Scout Rangers kaya naman sila ay nakilala sa tawag na 'Musang'. (Photo by SSg Cesar Cuenca)

Sa dami ng queries na nakatambak sa aking inbox tungkol sa Scout Rangers, marapatin kong ipaliwanag ang mga bagay na karaniwang hindi naipapaliwanag at nagdudulot ng kalituhan. 

Halimbawa, maraming aplikante ng Candidate Soldier Course and nagtatanong paano magiging Scout Ranger. Eh, hindi po pwedeng mag-Scout Ranger ang isang sibilyan kundi mga regular na sundalo lamang. Katunayan, bago matanggap sa kurso ng Scout Ranger Course ay required na dapat 3 taon na ang aplikante sa active military service, maliban pa sa napakahaba pang listahan ng basic requirements. 

Tila, hindi naiintindihan ng karamihan ang kaibahan ng Scout Ranger bilang kurso, bilang sundalong graduate nito at ang yunit ng mga Scout Rangers. Magulo ba? Actually, hindi naman maliban kung magulo kang mag-isip. 

First Scout Ranger Regiment

Okay, simulan natin para maging maliwanag ha. Unahin natin ang yunit na tinatawag na First Scout Ranger Regiment o FSRR. Ang yunit na ito ay kasalukuyang naka-base sa Camp Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan. Ito ay isa sa tatlong units na kabilang sa Special Operations Command (SOCOM) ng Philippine Army. Ito ay binubuo ng mga Scout Ranger Companies na under naman sa apat na Scout Ranger battalions na nakadestino sa iba't-ibang sulok sa kapuluan.

Ang FSRR ay ang yunit na kinabibilangan ng mga organic personnel na Scout Rangers. Ang Musang patch sa kanilang balikat ang palatandaan na sila ay miyembro sa FSRR.

Ang FSRR ay yunit na kinabibilangan ng mga sundalo na Scout Ranger graduates at maging non-SR qualified. Kasama sa mga non-graduates ay ang mga support personnel kagaya ng taga Medical Company, iilan  sa mga mekaniko at driver, at mga IT personnel. Lahat na mga female soldiers na naka-assigned dito ay non-Ranger qualified. Wala pang babae ang pinag-undergo ng regular course ng Scout Ranger sa napaka-obvious na rason. 

Ang mga sundalo lalo na yong mga officers at NCOs na hindi nakaka-graduate ng SR Course ay hindi mabibigyan ng leadership position. Ah, baka di mo alam na ang SR course ay combat leadership course at hindi lang ito palakasan tumakbo at patigasan ng apog! 

Actually, ang mas importanteng natutunan sa kurso ay ang techniques, tactics and procedures (TTPs) sa patrolling missions, at pati ang mga specialized skills na hindi itinuturo sa ordinary infantryman. 

Paano ka nga naman mamuno ng mga Rangers sa combat patrols ng isang Ranger unit kung hindi ka naman pala Ranger qualified? Di ba parehas yon sa papayagan mong magpiloto sa eroplano ang hindi graduate ng flying school? Dahil dyan, kapag natitigok ang opisyal o EP sa SR Course, alam na nyang malabo ang kanyang chance na magiging unit leader sa FSRR. Kalimitan ay iyong mga newly assigned na 2LTs at mga Privates lamang ang mga non-Rangers na makikita na nagpapatrol sa SR companies.

Para maging maliwanag, ang dapat tawaging Scout Ranger ay iyon lamang sundalo na naka-graduate sa regular course. Kung non-Ranger qualified o hindi SR course graduate pero organic sa FSRR, hindi pa rin sya pwedeng tawaging Scout Ranger kundi FSRR assigned o 'organic personnel' lamang. 

Ating tandaan, ang Musang patch na nasa balikat ng uniporme ay sinusuot ng lahat na organic personnel at hindi ito ang qualification ng pagiging Scout Ranger qualified personnel. Kahit nakatapos ka ng SR course ngunit hindi ka miyembro ng FSRR, hindi ka dapat mag-suot ng Musang patch maliban na lang kung ikaw ay assigned sa mismong First Scout Ranger Regiment. 

Ang SRDU ay ang ipinalit sa 'Black Fatigue' uniform ng mga Musang. Ang Black Panther na nasa larawan ay syang simbolo ng mga Scout Rangers. (Photo by Cpl Marlon San Esteban)

Ang palatandaan na ang isang sundalo ay graduate ng SR course at authorized na magsuot ng mga patches na ito ay ang SCOUT RANGER tab (nasa larawan, sa itaas ng AIRBORNE tab), at ang Tabak (knife) na kinakabit sa dibdib ng uniporme. Ang ibig sabihin, pares iyan na makukuha ng sundalo na magpapawis at makatapos sa SR training. 

Ang Tabak na nasa bulsa (left pocket) at ang Scout Ranger tab (nasa itaas ng Airborne tab) ang syang patches na pwedeng suutin ng mga nagsipagtapos ng Scout Ranger Course. (Photo by Rico Laurel)

Eh, papaano raw pag graduate ng Scout Ranger Orientation Course? Sa totoo lang, wala silang patches na pwedeng suutin. Imbento lang yon ng mga ignoranteng sundalo na kung SROC graduate ay authorized diumano magsuot ng tab na 'RANGER', eh iyan ang isinusuot ng mga graduate ng U.S. Ranger Course! (Lalong hindi nila pwedeng suotin yon dahil maging mga Scout Rangers ay hindi pwedeng magkabit noon, except sa mga nakapagtapos ng US Ranger Course sa Fort Benning, Georgia). Naguluhan ka ba o naliwanagan? 

Scout Ranger Training School (SRTS)

Ang training institution ng FSRR ay ang SRTS na syang nangangasiwa sa iba't-ibang kurso kagaya ng Scout Ranger Course, Scout Sniper Course, Scout Ranger Orientation Course, PT Trainers Course at maging Candidate Soldier Course. 

Ang SR course ay open din sa mga non-organic personnel kagaya ng mga taga Special Forces Regiment Airborne (SFRA), Light Reaction Regiment (LRR), Infantry Divisions, PNP SAF at NAVSOG. Dahil dyan, merong mga Scout Ranger qualified personnel na hindi naman organic sa First Scout Ranger Regiment.

Ang Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) ay pre-entry training ng mga sundalo. Dahil authorized ang SRTS na mag-conduct ng training na ito, ang CSC ay isa sa mga kurso na ginagawa para sa mga organic personnel ng FSRR every year. 

So, kung ikaw ay aplikante at sa FSRR ka mag CSC, automatic, magiging organic member ka ng unit na ito. Pero, hindi ka pa Scout Ranger nyan! After 2-3 years exposure sa line unit, ipapadala ka ng iyong unit commander sa SRTS para mag-undergo ng iilang buwang training at magiging ganap na Scout Ranger o Musang.  Klaro na?

 Black Suit vs Scout Ranger Distinctive Uniform (SRDU) 

Ang traditional na 'formal' attire ng organic members ng First Scout Ranger Regiment ay ang Black Suit na kilala rin sa tawag na 'Black Fatigue'. 

Noong 1980s, nakagawiang gamitin sa combat patrols ang Black Suit sa paniniwala ng ibang Scout Rangers na ito ay ang pinakamagandang night camouflage. Siguro, naimpluwensyahan din sila sa kulay ng Black Panther na syang simbolo ng mga 'Musang', although obvious naman na ang Panther ay iba sa Musang (Civet Cat).

Maraming rason kung bakit nawawala ang interes ng mga Musang sa Black Fatigue na uniporme. Unang-una, kung sinu-sino na lang gumagaya sa pagsusuot nito kasama na ang K9 unit, PNP Swat, Security Guard at maging MILF! Pangalawa, napatunayan na hindi ito ang mabisang night camouflage. Kitang-kita ang outline ng sundalo na nagsusuot nito sa gabi, lalo na kung gamitan ng NVG. Pangatlo, ang init ng kulay na itim kung sa araw mo ito suutin. Pang-apat, hindi naman ito akma na gamitin sa combat patrols kundi ang camouflaged uniform o yong Battle Dress Attire (BDA).

Noong ako ay Company Commander ng 10th Scout Ranger Company, isinusuot lamang namin ang Black Suit tuwing may bisita sa kampo. Ang BDA pa rin ang aming isinusuot tuwing combat patrols. (10SRC photo)

Caring soldier sends poor kid to school

 Through the help of his brothers in the Army, Arnold Batawan, 20, finally earned his high school diploma on March 28, 2014. He was accompanied by 1st Lt. Abel Porto, the current CMO Officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion. (Photo by Abel Porto)

Memories of his sister's selfless role in his own survival from the farmlands of Tinambac, Camarines Sur inspired Army 1Lt. Abel Porto, 30,  to pass on his own contribution to the life of a young boy whom he met in the hinterlands of Sultan Kudarat 4 years ago.

Porto was patrolling in an NPA-infested village of Sucob in Columbio town  when he was approached by two villagers. 

One of them was Arnold Batawan, a frail looking, 15 year-old boy. He was accompanied by his uncle who brought the sad news.  

"Sir, I want you to take good care of my nephew whose father was killed by suspected NPA bandits. He was traumatized by the untimely death of his father and his mother could no longer afford to feed all four of his children," the nervous uncle said.

A poor farmer's son himself, Porto felt the urge to extend a helping hand upon learning the sad plight of the young man. 

"I can mirror myself in his situation so I decided to extend a helping hand to give him an opportunity to face a bright future," said Porto.

"Ate Jael was single and 24 years old when she took responsibility of me and my other siblings.  She knew our parents couldn't afford to send me  to school so she devoted herself to support my education until I was admitted to PMA. I want to return the favor not only by supporting the education of my other siblings but also helping a poor kid this time," said Porto, the seventh of 10 children.

Volunteering as the foster Kuya, Porto brought young Arnold to his command post in Columbio town where he sought the permission of his Commanding Officer, then 1st Lt Richard Dinayugan, 31.

Knowing that Batawan had only finished primary education, Porto also recommended to Dinayugan that they send him to school. 

Aware of the child recruitment efforts by the communist rebels, Dinayugan allowed Porto to take good care of Arnold inside the camp and  encouraged his men to support Batawan's education by providing him anything he needed. 

"Arnold was very diligent and good-mannered despite his lack of good education. My subordinates learned to love him as a brother so they provided him with clothes and even contributed an amount from their food allowance to support his high school education," said Dinayugan, a member of PMA Class 2006 and a native of Kiangan, Ifugao. 

Hardwork and perseverance

Due to his educational deficiency, Arnold underwent special tutorial at Koronadal Comprehensive High School to improve his writing and reading skills.

Occasionally, the soldiers themselves, especially Porto and Dinayugan, served as his mentors. They gave him guidance and extra instruction to help him learn the lessons easily. 

Later, they enrolled him at Tupi National High School for his secondary education.

Tsg Jerry Iranzo, the Company First Sergeant, said that all soldiers belonging to Bravo Company unanimously decided to give financial support for Batawan so that he will be motivated to finish secondary education.

He said that they were like a 'band of brothers' who look after a poor child.

"Every soldier contributed P10.00 from our allowance so that Arnold can have something to spend while attending school, " said Iranzo, a father of 7 children. 

Motivated by the genuine care provided by his new family, Batawan burned candles to keep up with his school requirements. 

He learned not only to read and write but also how to cook various Filipino dishes.

Through his hardwork and perseverance, Arnold, now 20, finally graduated on March 28, 2014. 

He proudly marched with his fellow graduates to receive the much coveted diploma which is the product of four long years of hard work.  

Because his mother was busy tending the farm in his far-away village, he requested his Kuya, Lt Abel Porto, now the CMO officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion, to witness the momentous event. Porto gladly obliged to accompany Batawan and share his glorious moments during the graduation ceremony.

"We know how poverty can mislead children to insurgency. We didn't want him to become like that so we ensured that he finish school and get more opportunities," he said.

Entering a new chapter in his life, Batawan has expressed his intention to become a soldier. 

"I want to serve the people  like my brothers in Bravo Company. I also want to help my family rise from poverty by sending my own siblings to school. I learned that there is hope through education," said Batawan who is currently taking a vocational course. 

The Army Dragon Boat Team's trade secrets

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Team Army paddlers raise their paddles after capturing its second gold medal in the 1st Davao City Dragon Boat Festival that was held in Queensland Baywalk on May 2-3, 2014. The team also bagged the Overall Championship in the Men's Events of the said competition.

A lot of people including our foreign friends had been asking why Filipinos had emerged as among the strongest paddlers in the world. Due to our country's past accomplishments (including the world record in 200m Men's Open, Standard Boat), we have gained the respect and admiration of our fellow sportsmen in the international sports arena. 

As Mike Haslam, the IDBF President said in August 2011: "The World Dragon Boat Championships is like the World Cup in Football without Team Brazil".  

Having eight veterans of the World Championships in our crew, we have the edge over all other local club teams. Of course, our main asset is the high level of military discipline that we strongly adhere in our daily lives. Using the same discipline that we learned as the 'boys from the barracks', we built the team based on the concepts of unit integrity, unity of command and positive mental attitude. 

To reach this level of performance, our athletes paddle for 2-3 hours each day, spend another 2-3 hours running and working out in the gym.

The soldiers' positive attitude towards the sport is exemplary. With or without extra food provisions, they religiously follow the training schedule to earn the slot during competitions. Ayaw nilang maging pasahero lamang. Since there are 28 athletes in our club, we have to design a strict selection process that is transparent. Matira ang matibay at positibo ang pag-iisip!

Also, everyone knows each other including their respective family members, making them the best of friends. Some are neighbors, relatives and kumpares. Moreover, they know each other's strengths and weaknesses. They complement each other in the boat.

It is therefore common sense that when our soldiers are mixed with 'outsiders' to form another team, there will always be problems that would lead to failures. Does it make sense? 

Davao adventures

Despite all odds, we made it to Davao City for the first ever dragon boat competition that was scheduled from May 2-3, 2014. 

We were excited to see action and showcase our team as the undisputed king of the Men's events of this rapidly growing sport, having dominated the national regatta in the past 3 years.  

To attain our goal of capturing all three gold medals that are at stake in Men's events, the team spent several weeks harnessing its paddling skills, improving  both speed and synchronization.

Learning that the strong teams from Camsur wouldn't make it to Davao, we were saddened. The Bicolano fishermen-paddlers had given us a stiff competition last year. They had proven that they can beat us when we relax too much. We sometimes ignored the teachings Suntzu.

Anyway, the newly formed Philippine Air Force Dragon Boat Team has gradually risen to challenge our team. They are in high spirits after outracing the Philippine Coast Guard team during the most recent competition in Manila. However, our morale and our level of competitiveness is a notch higher due to our extensive preparation and 'combat experience'. 

Our bonus was that almost everyone agreed that the Army is the team to beat in the Men's events. There was a joke among our friends from competing teams that 'only a miracle' can lead to the defeat of Team Army.

Despite of that psychological edge, I always required the team to do its best and beat their own records  regardless who our opponents are. 

The 'miracle'

In the 2,000m event, there were two 'heats' (releases). The rule was that the team with the fastest time record wins the race.

Our main competitor, Team Air Force, was part of the first heat. We closely monitored their time. In our unofficial clock record, it took them 8 mins, 2 secs to clear the finish line. The official time record according to the time keeper was 7 mins, 5 secs. 

In the second heat, we logged 8 mins as our unofficial time record. The time keeper's official time was 7 mins 53 secs. We 'lost' to Team PAF by 48 seconds or approximately 300m distance difference!

We filed an official protest because we believed there was something wrong about the time records. Who knows there was a possible human error in recording of the time?

We just used common sense in our computations such as follows:

• The best time for the Premiere Open Standard, 2,000m event during the World Championships is 7:48.920 as shown. If Team Air Force's best time in 200m is 50.86 secs (equivalent to 508.6 secs in 2,000m), then it is not statistically possible that it can finish 425 secs (7.05secs) in 2000m!

The table above shows the official result of the Grand Finals of the 2,000m Premiere Open event during the World Championships in 2013. 

• If indeed, the team finished the 2,000m at 7mins, 5secs (425secs), then their average time every 200m is 42.5secs. This is not possible because the boat has to take a turn every lap, therefore, it has to slow down. Common sense also dictates that you can log 42-45 secs only if you paddle in the sprints like the 200 m event. 

Well, our protest was not considered because the officials strongly believed that the Timekeeper's record was correct. Sadly, there was no video to disprove our claim about the perceived error. As a result, our country has logged perhaps one of the world's fastest record (if not the fastest time) in 2,000m event, Standard Boat. Miracle? Maybe. What you think?

We may be frustrated but we accepted the result like real sportsmen. No more blame game. Our lesson? Record a video in events such as the 2,000m.

Because of our loss, our team became more motivated to get even in the last two events (200m and 400m). 

We tried our best to surpass our fastest record time (41.27secs) logged in 200m Standard Boat during the race in Bohol a year ago. 

When it was time to prove our worth in the sprints, the team was determined to capture the gold. 

Unlike in the 2,000m event, the winner is obvious this time. We logged 42.51 secs against Team Air Force's 50.86 secs.

The video shows the action-packed 200m grand finals wherein Team Army showcased its awesome power in the sprints by clocking 42.51 seconds against Team PAF's 50.86 secs.

The PDBF Elite Team, composed of mixed civilians and military personnel, clocked 45.660 seconds during the World Championships in 2013.

In the 400m, we captured our second gold, ensuring our team's place as the Overall Champion in the Men's Events. Our brothers from the Team Air Force gave us a good fight and we are proud of them too! 

Vindicated after our loss in the 2,000m event, we became more motivated to pursue our dream of conquering the World Championships come September 2014.