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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pride and honor

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

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

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

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

Pressure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Star struck

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 Philippine military-inspired menu that you do not know

Marami ang namamangha paano pinagkakasya ng mga sundalo ang kanilang subsistence allowance na mas kilala bilang S. A. (Subsistence Allowance). 

Kung susumahin namin kasi, kahit sinong genius sa Math ang mag-kwenta ay hindi ito magkasya kung ihambing ito sa kasalukuyang presyohan ng mga bilihin. 

Just imagine, ang daily meal allowance naming mga sundalo ay nagkakahalaga lamang ng P90.00 o P30.00 bawat kainan. 

Kung pupunta ka nga naman kahit sa mumurahing restaurant, alaws na atang makitang pagkain na ang halaga ay P30.00. Baka ganito oorderin mo:

"Isang cup na kanin po,  ulo ng payat na galunggong, libreng sabaw at dalawang kutsarang ketchup please!"

Anyway, para sa mga sundalo, may diskarte kami para mapagkasya iyang aming kapiranggot na mess. Di kami nagrereklamo hangga't kaya naman talaga. Don't say "Huh???". Yes, mapagkasya namin. Ito ay dahil sa tinatawag na consolidated messing na kung saan ay si Mess Sergeant ang dumidiskarte paano makamura sa pagbili ng mga pagkain sa mga suking tindahan at paano naman nya ito paghati-hatiin sa buong 'sambayanan'.

Dahil sa katitipid namin sa aming mess, merong mga kakaibang menu na halos kami lang din nakakaalam ano yon. Read more.

1. Onse (11). Ano yon? Kapag sinabing Numero Onse o Eleven ang ulam, iyon ay isang kapirasong hot dog na may kapares na isang pirasong tuyo. Kitams? 

2. Diyes (10). Bago yan ah. Yes, iyan yong kahalintulad ng isang tuyo at isang pirasong hard-boiled egg. Ipagtabi mo. Kitams? Dies!

3. O-Tin. Hoy, wag green-minded! Ito yong Odong bilang soup at partner ay isang payat na Tinapa. Ipagsama mo ang first syllables ng dalawang ulam, iyon na! Pang breakfast kalimitan ang O-Tin.

4. Pantakbo. Ang labo ba? Ito yong tawag sa ulam na manok kahit ano man ang luto nito. Kapag manok daw kasi ang paulam ni Sarge, malayo ang liliparin! Kung nasa training, malamang 20 kilometro ang abutin sa jogging. Samantala, kung nasa field duty ay malamang merong 2-week long patrol. Kapag manok ang ulam, nagdududa na agad ang mga tropa sa plano ni C.O.

5. Bicol Express. Generic term ito sa mga ginataan ni Sarge kagaya ng langka at kalabasa. Binubudburan nya ito ng siling labuyo para molten lava ng Mt. Mayon ang init na maramdaman. Masiram? No, maharang!  

6. Pa-tsam. Ito yong kung anu-anong hitsurang dahon na napupulot ng mga Ilokanong sundalo sa gubat at nilalagyan ng sardinas at sinasabawan. Minsan pako, gabi, alukbati at marami pang ibang tila ay pagkain ng alagang hayop. Masarap din at napakagaan sa bulsa! Savings din sa Mess yong Pa-tsam na menu di ba?

(Note: Yong savings namin sa Mess, hidden secret namin iyon sa aming mga misis!)

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.

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)

Honoring the battling bastards of Bataan: My short trip to the battlegrounds of World War II

For us in the military, the Holy Week is also a chance to spend time with the family. During this time, the AFP allows military personnel to take turns in spending short vacation.

While others took time fulfilling their religious obligations such as the traditional Visita Iglesia or participating in the Stations of the Cross, I decided to visit Bataan where a big cross was erected in honor of soldiers who defended our country.

Our precious destination is Mt. Samat, the site where the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) stands up to this day.

I tagged my son along in this trip. I wanted him to appreciate history and learn more about the essence of soldiery as a profession. As an absentee father, I am also fulfilling my duty of spending memorable bonding moments with my son.

I have a short list of tasks to accomplish: We will visit historical places. I will teach him how to hunt and to survive in the woods. I will let him taste the  local dishes. 

Travel plan

Since we are leaving my wife behind, we planned for a 2-day, 1 night trip to Bataan.

Travelling by car, we left Manila at around 8:00am on Maundy Thursday (April 18, 2014). 

I was told that the regular travel time by car is about 3 hours. When we were approaching the toll gate in Balintawak, I realized that we were heading towards a traffic jam. Bad timing!

Moving in a snail pace along NLEX, we had to endure about 3.5 hours until we reached SCTEX toll gate. The sight of lesser number of vehicles gave us some relief. 

I briefed Harvey about the lahar flow along Pasig-Potrero River in Porac town, Pampanga that destroyed communities downstream after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in June 1991, during the time when I was still a 2nd year PMA cadet. He enjoyed the sights as we traveled along 93.77 km Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), the longest 4-lane e in expressway in the Philippines.

I showed him the beauty of Mt. Malasimbo in Dinalupihan town, Bataan. I told him that I once stayed on top of this mountain when I supervised the military operations of the Scout Rangers against NPA bandits in 2004. I told him the legend of Mt. Malasimbo as told by the local folks whom I met there: "If there is a cloud over Mt Malasimbo, a typhoon is coming!" 

The highway towards Mariveles was 'stress free' during that day. We appreciated the excellent scenery along the way.

I showed him the battlegrounds of World War II like the mountainous terrain in the background that can be found in the borders of Limay, Mariveles and Bagac towns. We were mesmerized by the captivating beauty of the countryside.

We spent our day treading the same paths followed by the Filipino warriors who fought against the Japanese in these grounds. He experienced the difficulties in navigating through thick vegetation, crossing creek lines, and foraging for food in the forest. 

I showed him the species of wild deer and boar that roam free in the hinterlands of Bataan. It was the first time that he personally saw these wild animals. Not the ordinary kambing or baboy ha?

Too exhausted and feasted on by gnats and tiny insects, we opted to stay in this hotel in Limay town for the night. Our deal was that the next time, we will set up camp in the forest to experience the life of a Scout Ranger and that of the Filipino guerillas of World War II.

The next day (Good Friday), I toured him around Limay town, the place where the first medical hospital for both American and Filipino forces was established. It is also the place where MGen Edward King surrendered his forces to the Japanese on April 9, 1942.

We headed to Pilar town to see the Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) that can be found on top of Mt. Samat. I told him the story about the 'Battling bastards of Bataan' whose heroic actions are extraordinary and worthy of emulation.

Photo shows the landmarks that can used as reference in going to Mt. Samat. This is one of the Death March markers that can be found along Bataan Provincial Expressway up to San Fernando town in Pampanga which is more than a hundred kilometers away. I told Harvey the unthinkable hardships experienced by more or less 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers who walked towards San Fernando for at least 5 days without or with less water and food.

There is a motorcycle terminal near the direction marker. Those who are into serious 'penitensya' either jog or walk their way up to the revered shrine that was erected to honor the heroes of World War II.

Ohhhh, it was a Good Friday! Some of the die-hard Catholic devotees perform this religious ritual though it is not really encouraged by the Church. We saw these young boys along the road towards Mt. Samat.

We stopped at the site of the Final Battle of Bataan. We thought about the thousands of soldiers who died fighting for 4 months until they capitulated due to lack of food and critical war supplies on April 9, 1942. 

The gradual upward climb starts from this point located at the foot of the mountain. We spotted a lot of back packers who opted to lose some weight by inching their way up the summit on foot. 

For P25.00, you get a ticket to see the museum and use the public parking spaces inside the premises of the shrine.

The scenery below us was breath-taking. Harvey took this photo of me and my buddies Marlon and Jay.

The reward

For wholeheartedly joining this memorable trip, we treated ourselves to a simple meal here at Choco-Late de Batirol.

You can find this at the fuel station near the road intersection towards Mt Samat.

I was attracted here because I was reminded of the 'cocoa' that my mother Puring would personally prepare for us for our 'painit' every morning and even during merienda. 

I remembered that harvesting the 'cacao' fruits, drying them and grinding the roasted seeds, were among my chores during weekends. For that reason, I learned how to prepare 'espiso tsokolate' from scratch. 

I am very lucky to have enjoyed the 'food for the gods' according to the Mayan and Aztec traditions, during my younger years. As a child, I always thought it was the food for the poor because we could not probably afford to drink Nescafe during that time.

So, I urged Harvey to taste my childhood favorite drink. "Son, let's try the food for the gods!"

Our journey towards the battlefields of Bataan was a success. 

It was our bonding time and a quick review of our military history. 

It was our simple way of honoring our heroes, my fellow soldiers who fought for our country.

April Fools' Day Reception of the new PMA cadets: My personal experience

Ang April Fools' Day ay ang pinakaunang araw ng mga Plebo (1st year PMA cadets) na makaranas ng mga pahirap bilang kadete sa PMA. Kasama ko sa larawan si Cadet 2nd Class Nelson Aluad nang pinag-'double time' namin sa unang pagkakataon ang mga plebong sina Cadet Paras at Cadet Alvior ng PMA Class 1996. Itinataas namin ang aming mga kamay upang abutin ng kanilang tuhod bilang dagdag challenge na maabot ang mataas na 'standards' ng tinaguriang creme of the crop. (Photo by Lt Col Nelson Aluad)

Ang April Fools' Day (April 1) ay ang traditional na araw na kung saan ang normal na behavior ay ipinagbabawal. Ang ibig sabihin, ang mga 'kalokohan' at mga practical jokes ay authorized sa araw na ito. 

Ang tinatawag na Reception Day sa PMA ay itinataon din sa April Fools' Day marahil sa iyon ang araw na karamihan sa mga bagong recruits ay naiisahan kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng reception. 

Isa rin ako sa 'naisahan' dito dahil akala ko naman ay kainan ang reception at tipong may background music pang awit ni Luciano Pavarotti. Eh, kaloka nga naman ang 'Reception Ceremony' sa PMA di ba? Dito pala ay mananakit ang iyong buong katawan dahil sa samo't-saring ehersisyong iyong pagdaraanan sa unang pagkakataon. Dagdag pa riyan, maaaring maubos din ang iyong boses sa kasisigaw ng "Yesss suh!" at "No suh!" nang paulit-ulit. 

Secondclass cadet (3rd year) na ako noong naranasan ko naman ang maging kasapi sa mga tinatawag na Plebe Details na syang mag-receive sa mga bagong kadete na miyembro ng PMA 'Mabikas' Class of 1996. 

Kainitan ang hapon na iyon ngunit malamig pa rin ang simoy ng hangin nang kami ay nakaantabay sa pagdating ng mga bagong Plebo (1st year cadets) na aming 'patikimin' ng 'karinyo militar' sa unang pagkakataon. 

Sa mga usap-usapan namin noon, gusto naming 'makabawi' sa aming karanasang 'maisahan' sa Reception na akala namin ay bonggang kasayahan at naglipana ang masasarap na pagkain. 

"Tingnan natin sino ang hindi ma-drawing ang mukha sa pagkabigla at pagka-warshock sa unang salvo ng military training," sabi ng isang mistah.

"Makikita natin iyong mga tipong di na alam ano ang gagawin at maluha-luha sa maranasang mase-mase," sabi ng isa. 

Matatandaan kong memorized namin ang mga pangalan ng mga kadeteng aming i-receive sa araw na iyon. Ang ginagawa kasi ng mga Plebe Detail members ay isinisigaw ang last name ng mga kadeteng maging miyembro ng squad nila. 

Sa orientation pa lang kasi, sinasabi na sa amin na kami ay tatawagin sa aming family name kapag maging miyembro na ng militar lalo na sa mga Plebo. 

Minsan nga lang ay nagkakagulo rin sa Reception Day dahil dito. Halimbawa ay merong mga first name at last name na pwedeng magkapalit na nangyayari sa kagaya ng kadeteng lumilingon sa  pangalang Cadet Juan Melchor.

Sa example ni Cadet Melchor ay nagkamali ang tailor na gumawa ng uniporme nya. Instead na MELCHOR ang ilagay sa name patch eh JUAN ang inilagay. 

Sa pagsigaw ng kagaya kong team leader, syempre basahin namin ang name cloth sa dibdib ng 'war shock' na Plebo: "JUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!"

Syempre, lalong natulala ang plebo kasi ayaw itong mamansin. 

"Sanamagan, bakit ayaw mong mamansin hijo?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata sa takot sa tila multong nakita, sumagot ang plebo: "Sir, hindi ako si Juan! Ako si Melchor!" Patay kang bata ka. 

Kung memorable sa amin ang Reception Day bilang Plebo, ganon din ito ka-memorable sa hanay ng mga 2nd Class Cadets na syang 'magpalaki' at mag- mentor sa mga kadete sa unang pagkakataon. 

Pare-parehas kaming mamamaos sa kasisigaw sa organized chaos na idinadaos sa Borromeo Field, ang 'sacred ground' ng PMA para sa mga nag-kadete dito. 

Ang Reception Day ay ang isa sa mga memorable topic na pinag-uusapan maging ng matatandang retiradong Heneral kapag nagkikita sa kahit ano mang okasyon. 

Kung makakita ka ng mga sundalo na nagtatawanan sa isang sulok, malamang ay kasama sa usapan ang karanasan sa April Fools' Day.

The current PMA Honor System

Sa wakas, pwede ko nang ilahad ang kapiraso ng puzzle na makapagpaliwanag sa katanungang bumabagabag sa isipan ng marami nating kababayan: Ano yong akusasyong "irregularity" dahil sa nabagong boto ng Honor Committee na kung saan ay galing 8-1 (Guilty vs. Not Guilty) ay naging 9-0?

Maging ako mismo ay naguguluhan paano nangyaring merong tinatawag na 'chambering' sa Honor Committee trial. 

Ang 'chambering' o executive session kapag may dissenting vote ay hindi parte sa procedures noong aming kapanahunan na kung saan ay minsanan lang ang secret balloting at kung ano ang resulta, tapos na. 

Sa aking nabanggit sa naunang artikulo, nagkaroon ng mga pagbabago sa Honor System pagkatapos ng pag-aaral ng PMA tungkol sa naaakmang procedures na angkop sa kasalukuyang panahon. Hindi naman ito nakapagtataka kasi maging sa United States Military Academy ay nagkaroon din silang mga pagbabago hanggang ma-establish nila ang kasalukuyang sistema ng pagpairal ng mahigpit na panuntunan ng Cadet Honor Code. 

Tanggapin na lang din natin na kailangan din ng PMA ng mga positive changes na naaayon sa pangangailangan ng panahon at ang layunin ng lahat ng ito ay upang maipagpapatuloy ang main purpose nito na mag-produce ng leaders of character na maninindigang gawin ang tama sa lahat ng panahon. 

The current Honor System

Merong malaking pagbabago ang nangyari sa Honor System sa PMA. 

Unang-una, tinanggal ang dati nang nakagawian na 'ostracization' na kung saan ay ang kadeteng pinili ang mag-stay sa Cadet Corps pagkatapos na mahatulan ng Guilty verdict ay binibigyan ng 'cold treatment' ng lahat ng mga kadete. Kapalit naman nito ay marami ang sinubukang sistema kagaya ng 'Remediation' na kung saan ay binibigyan lamang ng touring punishments at re-indoctrination ang mga offenders at hinahayaan silang mag-rejoin sa academy. 

For some reasons or another, nagkaroon din sila ng problema dito at kaya naman napagpasyahan na gawin uling Separation from the Academy ang hatol para sa mga mahatulang guilty sa Honor Committee trial. 

Nagkaroon din ng malaking pagbabago sa sistema ng Honor Committee trial. 

Ayon sa parte ng panayam kay  Colonel Rozzano Briguez, ang Commandant of Cadets, sa Philippine Daily Inquirer, "The procedure agreed upon by all cadets that is followed by the Honor Committee is that in a 7-2 or 8-1 vote, the committee members will go into a jury type executive session termed chambering.”

Dagdag pa ni Col. Briguez: “It is like an additional explanation where all of them would go to the ante room and discuss what are the reasons why they voted guilty or not guilty. This has been their procedure since they started fourth-class year until first year and everybody accepted it conscientiously.”

Ayon sa isang junior officer na dating miyembro ng Honor Committee, walang sapilitan sa isusulat sa secret ballot pagkatapos ng naturang executive session. 

"Pinag-uusapan lamang doon ang mga punto na pwedeng gamitin sa desisyon sa pag-sulat ng final vote na syang pamantayan sa decision ng Committee. May pagkakataon pa nga na naging 7-2 pagkatapos ng chambering at ito ay nirerespeto ng Honor Committee."

Dagdag pa ng naturang opisyal, kapag sa initial voting ay 6-3 (Guilty vs Not Guilty), hindi na kailangan ng 'chambering' ayon sa kasunduan sa kasalukuyang Honor System. 

Tabuada vs Lagura: Who lied?

Ayon sa statement ni Commander Junjie Tabuada, sinabi diumano ni Cadet John Lagura na isa sa miyembro ng Honor Committee member na "pinilit" sya para baguhin ang boto. 

Ito ang parte sa kanyang affidavit na nalathala sa article ng rappler.com:

"When he was about to leave I called him, 'Lags, halika muna dito,' and he approached me and I let him sit down in the chair in front of my table. I told and asked him, 'Talagang nadali si Cudia ah…..ano ba ang nangyari? Mag-tagalog or mag-Bisaya ka?' He replied, 'Talagang NOT GUILTY ang vote ko sa kanya sir,' and I asked him, 'oh, bakit naging guilty di ba pag may isang nag NOT GUILTY, abswelto na?' He replied 'Chinamber ako sir, bale pinapa-justify kung bakit NOT GUILTY vote ko, at na-pressure din ako sir kaya binago ko, sir.' So, I told him, 'sayang sya, matalino at mabait pa naman'and he replied 'oo nga sir.' After that conversation, I let him go.” (I asked him about what happened to Cudia. He said I voted not guilty, sir. I asked, but if you voted not guilty, shouldn't he been acquitted then? He replied: I was put in chambers and was asked to justify my not guilty vote. I was pressured to change my vote, which was what I did, sir.)" 

Sa imbestigasyong ginawa ng Commission of Human Rights ay nag-deny si Cadet Lagura na 'pinilit' syang baguhin ang kanyang boto. 

Hinggil sa naturang usapin, ito naman ay inilahad ni Col. Briguez sa kanyang panayam:

“According to the cadet, it was his own voluntary volition (sic) to change his vote from not guilty to guilty after he heard the explanation of the other members of the voting members of the Honor Committee.” 

Dito na ngayon nagkakaproblema, sino sa kanilang dalawa ang palpak sa ibinigay na statement? (Tabuada vs Lagura)

Ayon kay Col Briguez, si Commander Tabuada ay paiimbestigahan tungkol sa kanyang alegasyon. 

Mga katanungan

Kahit ano pa man ang mangyayari sa imbestigasyon ng PMA tungkol sa affidavit ni Commander Tabuada, meron pa ring natitirang tanong na dapat mahalukay:

1. Sino ang miyembro ng Honor Committee ang nagsiwalat ng mga sensitibong dokumento sa media? Sila lamang ang may access sa naturang documents kagaya ng Affidavits, Delinquency Reports, Honor Report at ang Written Appeals ni Cudia. Gusto mong sabihin Ms Avee Cudia?

2. Sa tinagal-tagal ba ni Cudia sa PMA at bilang isa sa mautak sa klase, talaga bang hindi nya alam na may sistemang 'Chambering' o 'Executive Session'?

3. Sino ang nagsabi kay Ms Avee Cudia sa mga half-truths tungkol sa 'Executive Session'? Ang naturang trial ay para lamang sa mga kadete at never na isinasapubliko dahil sa ayaw ng PMA na mapahiya ang akusado. May dagdag-bawas ang kanyang impormasyon, as expected.

Conclusion

Para sa akin, paninindigan ko rin ang aking paniniwala na si Cadet Aldrin Cudia ay nagkasala ng 'Lying' sa Honor Code. 

Ako rin ay naniniwala na ginawa ng Honor Committee ang tamang proseso ayon sa kasalukuyang alituntunin ng Honor System na syang gabay sa ginawang trial kay Cudia. 

Kung ang kasalukuyang Honor System ay hindi naaayon sa Constitution at kung nalabag ang mga karapatan ni Cudia, ang naturang usapin ay mas mabuting i-resolba ng Supreme Court na syang final arbiter sa mga usaping may kinalaman sa batas. 

Ang pinakaimportante sa lahat, dapat ding tandaan na ang Honor System ay para lamang sa kadete ngunit ang Honor Code ay dapat naming isapuso at panindigan sa panahong sumali na ang mga bagong opisyal sa Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

Kung ikaw ay honorable o hindi, sa panahong makasalamuha mo na ang mga iilang tiwali at pasiga-siga na mga makapangyarihang mga nilalang, doon magkakasubukan at magkakaalaman. 

Mahirap ang laban pero kapag mag-sama sama tayo na gumawa ng tama, kayang-kaya nating bigyan ng pag-asa ang ating bansa.