Ordinary Heroes

Victory pose. Taken after the encounter. The man in front is the surrendered NPA

I am not feeling that well just barely recovering from a 28-day combat operation. I just realized that yesterday was National Heroes Day after scanning through my Facebook account. Although late, I feel that I should write my own account of heroism I recently saw during the long combat operation I went through

I have been a Commander of an Infantry Company for almost two years in Davao Oriental. My unit was mostly tasked to initiate developmental projects in cleared areas in our area of operation. By cleared, I mean areas that have been declared as insurgency free. With such task, some would comment that my unit is the most “un-warrior” among the other units in my battalion. Nonetheless, the very nature of our tasking provided opportunities that our counterparts did not have. Aside from being the one located in the most civilized part of our battalion’s domain, I had more opportunities to improve my organization in all aspects of what I feel a snappy infantry company should be. Also, having been deeply immersed with communities and helping them out somehow softened the warrior spirit of my troops. I feel that our efforts paved the way to humanize the members of my unit to a point that they have become more caring, more emphatic and more committed to serve the people. This I saw in the most recent test of courage we had during the previous combat operation.

Surprise attack.

Pursuing an enemy formation that was engaged two days earlier by another unit, I found myself in the advantage position. I was moving from the opposite direction from where most of the troops have begun are and have crossed a very high mountain range for the past two days. Luck favored me as my troops were able to tactically occupy our designated position deceiving the enemy that all troops were on their rear. My Battalion Operations Officer instructed me never to compromise my position which we did by staying at the vegetated part of the mountain side.

In the morning of August 7, a text message arrived from a concerned civilian asset in the area about the location of the enemy encamped just beyond a cornfield. The location, luckily again, was just around two kilometres away from us. We planned our attack dividing my platoon into two with one doing the attack whiles the other conducting blocking at the enemy withdrawal. During the briefing, I explicitly said that I did not want to have dead rebels. I want them captured or surrendered.

An impossible dream.

For some reason, I have always imagined a scenario where instead of a fierce firefight with the enemy, I was able to arrange my troops in such a way that when we finally engage, they will all just surrender. I did not share that idea with others since even I knew that it was ridiculous. But to my mind, that would be the perfect illustration of the IPSP Bayanihan (our present campaign plan) in practice. In my stint as the Company Commander, I have always believed in the greatness of such plan and made it a point that my troops understood its greatness. Somehow, I feel that in the almost two years I have been talking to my men about the idea had some effect.

The actual encounter

Following a dry riverbed from an enemy encampment, we could hear the faint sound of a transistor radio. My lead scout and guide, all Scout Rangers, signalled halt after noticing a trail to the right of the riverbed and conducted reconnaissance towards its direction. The two would later tell me that from their vantage position, they saw one person about five meters away that was unarmed. The lead scout, already aimed at the person, asked the guide,

“Sergeant pusilon na nato,”(Sergeant, let us fire at him) to which the reply was,
“Unya ra dab, tan-awa usa kung nay pusil” (Not yet, let us see if he has a gun).

The fires started when another person stood up with a slinged AK-47 facing them and was in the act of unslinging his weapon.

The exchange of fires lasted for about 45 minutes while the clearing of the encounter site took more than an hour. The initial result were six landmines, 20 backpacks , an AK-47 and one rebel who surrenedered. Later during the night another one who escaped from the encounter site surrendered and the next day when we returned to further scour the area, we discovered additional backpacks and additional three landmines. All in all there were around 47 of those backpacks that were left.

The stories after.

Talking amongst each other, my troops felt some sense of frustration. During the encounter a handful raised their hands as if to surrender only to disappear in another moment. They were frustrated at the fact that they could have just fired at them which meant that we would have piled up more body count and perhaps more firearm recovery. I asked them why they did not fire, their answer would be my crowning glory as commander of this company.

“Ingon man ka sir nga dili pusilon ang mosurrender” (You said not to fire at those who will surrender)

In jest, I would sing to them the popular theme song of the animated movie Frozen “Let it go” just to break conversations on this topic. I would also ask another soldier what is our goal in life, to which they will reply “World Peace.” But when we become serious and really talk about the incident, I explain to them that ours is not a matter of more body counts and more recovered firearms. It is being true to why we are soldiers in the first place. I would later hear comments about why I did not ordered the shooting of all those who raised their hands when we it could all be justified as we were in an encounter. I believe many of my soldiers got the point of my instructions but somehow wanted some validation among our peers who believe that accomplishment is still synonymous to more body counts and more recoveries. I also hope that those rebels that they did not kill will come to their senses and eventually surrender. I pray that they realize that the generation of killing each other is coming to an end.

To my mind, those brave men I fought with in the morning of August 7 are the bravest and honorable soldiers I had the great opportunity to serve with. They are ordinary men who served this country and at the face of danger and adversity, chose to be gentle while it is easier to be harsh. They chose to follow orders even if their mind says otherwise. They are soldiers of the highest form of courage. The courage to do what is right even when it is unpopular.

It will take a while before all the stories will fade down. A few days ago, I sent all of them home for some relaxation with their loved ones. They will come back here after two days, and we will continue doing what we do best, being soldiers for our people. Belated National Heroes Day to all the men and women in uniform out there. 

Reception: the way we do it

Last Saturday, three recently graduated Privates reported to my Company. They were two month old soldiers having graduated shortly before Christmas of 2013. They were soldiers reporting to their very first unit. We were more than happy to receive them… the way we knew it should be done.

Reception in the military is never the one that most civilian look forward to. In all occasions, it is something that we dread having gone through. Unlike the usual buffet and bonding with acquaintances, reception in the military is all about sweat, more sweat and sometimes tears.
Tradition has decreed that it is a means to introduce the neophytes to the hardships of military life. It is an introduction to what waits ahead of them as soldiers. It is their reception to a life of hardship as servants of the people.

My own reception.

My reception into the military is much grander (as it would seem). It was shorty after lunch where we were huddled in front of what I would later know as Melchor Hall. I knew what was to come as I was not new to the ways of the military, but the feeling going through it, I was clueless. There was a marching band in front of us, as we marched towards the sacred Borromeo Field. There were some officers in front of us. After some speeches, cadets started to march in front of us, they were to be our mentors; in the Academy they were called the Plebe Detail. It was the command of then Commandant of Cadets now retired General Cachuela that gave me the cue. As he gave the order for the upperclass to take charge of us, I said to myself: “This is it.”

Members of PMA Class 2002 came like roaring tigers. I was received by now Navy Lieutenants (and soon to be Lieutenant Commanders) Guevarra and Pahilanga. I did not know them but they knew my family name. I was unfortunately the brother of their upperclassmen whom they would describe as “magan.” The succeeding events came like a blur. I only remembered being shouted at, being totally confused and shocked. When it was finally time to sleep later that day, I shed my first tears. I wondered what I was doing there. I regretted my decision to enter the Philippine Military Academy. The day was April 1, 2000.

Dark days of Reception.

In the military tradition, Reception was never exempted from isolated cases of malpractices. A few years back, videos circulated about reception rites going out of control in some police training unit somewhere in Southern Luzon which depicted the recruits short of animals. The media caught this video and broadcasted it for all to see.
It is because of these cases that military organizations have been wary of exposing this kind of tradition to clueless civilians, whose understanding may not be as broad as we would want to be. When it was our time to receive the plebes then when were cadets, there was a whole set of rules on what we can and we can not do. More importantly we were told to remember the real meaning of why we were to have them undergo the reception rites. Today as an officer, the seven members of Class 2010 that I received are my good friends with some of them occasionally doing their “pangangaya” in text messages or in Facebook messages.

Today, there is a greater demand to be more cautious as to how these practices are performed. For my part, I feel that there is a greater need for us in the military to make people understand why and how we do these rites.

Receiving the new Privates.

As commander of an Army Infantry Company, I sanctioned the Reception rites of three new Privates. Shortly upon learning that a handful of them are to be assigned to our unit, I huddled up my key Non Commissioned Officers to discuss how we were going to do it. We decided on six stations at ten minutes each, one squad for each station. There was to be no body contact, only exercises. Since there was no Company Command Post, we decided on an isolated beach as the venue. The different squads manned their stations and my NCOs supervised the whole activity. I took the pictures.

The stations where all coupled with the usual squat thrusts, “helicopter” exercise and some rolling in all directions. One gimmick stood out as they used a pole where one Private sat while the other two carried the pole on their shoulders. The two were so tired carrying their classmate around with the pole as they were ordered to run back and forth from one end to the other. After all the stations, the whole company (at least those that were present), formed a line where all three crawled under. The three of them were then brought by the First Sergeant to a chair where everybody took turns to shake their hand as they formally welcome them to Charlie Company. A company boodlefight culminated the activity with grilled bangus and pork as viands.

Last night, I presented to the three our Company Implan. The Key NCOs discussed their expectations of the three as the most junior members of the unit. Right now they are on restricted status for the next month. We will be distributing them to the different squad after that period and hope that they will become good soldiers.

My own thoughts.

I posted the pictures that I took during the rites. There were mixed reactions and I felt that I had to say my piece on why I shared those pictures for the whole world to see. I understand the sensitivity of the matter as not all can comprehend the seemingly barbaric way of receiving new members in the military. But I feel that there is a greater importance in accepting that this is the life in the military. It is not a matter that should be hidden but rather should be celebrated. The civilian world will never understand their military unless we, as members of the organization, endeavour to make them understand. In the advent of IPSP “Bayanihan” where our primary tool is the support of the population on us, it has become important for them to understand the very nature of our organization. I feel that with the right supervision and elaborate planning, traditions in the military can actually be incorporated into the understanding of our civilian counterparts. When soldiers die in battle, people understand that it is part of our life us soldiers. But when we celebrate the coming of new members into our organization in a way that is uncommon to them, we are called barbaric.

Years from now, I will remember those three Privates. I pray that they will go on to become good soldiers. I pray that they will go through difficult circumstances to do what they are supposed to do.  I will also want them to do what we did to them when another batch of new soldiers join our ranks. Not the exercises or the sweat but the sacrifice and hardship it entails to be called noble soldiers who will serve the Filipino People. I hope.

The CAUSWAGAN brand of politics

For the past nine months, Barangay Causwagan of Banay-banay, Davao Oriental has hosted me and the Company which I command. It is an obscure Barangay with the smallest voting population in the whole Municipality. It was formerly a major NPA Mass base and, after the successful conduct of Peace and Development Outreach Program or PDOP by my unit, is now the undergoing continuous immersion to prevent enemy recovery efforts and strengthen the Government in the community. While obscure and somehow little compared to its other neighbouring localities, it is home to the brand of politics that I so admire, that I wish is the kind that the whole country practices.

Having grown up in large metropolitan cities, my work now offered me the opportunity to get a glimpse of how rural communities are. Growing up with only our Village Homeowner’s Association being the semblance of a local governing body, dealing with the rural barangay was a welcome experience as I see how the little people in the grass roots level aspire to improve their way of life. True to its name, Barangay Causwagan (meaning development) is the typical community. Its people and its local official all aspire for Causwagan. At the onset of this year’s Barangay Election, I can honestly say that Causwagan stood out from all the Barangays I have been to.

Our country’s political practice is marred with so much controversy especially during election time. Scandals suddenly come up; people who are friends suddenly become enemies after siding with competing candidates; sometimes relatives become bitter rivals. Well, Causwagan is an exemption. There were three (3) major players vying for the Barangay Captain’s position. There’s the incumbent, the former Barangay Captain which the incumbent defeated last election, and a newbie. All three have strong winning prospects with almost equal support base. While our tradition of politics usually begin their campaign plan with show of force in the locality, these three candidates began theirs with a show of UNITY. Together with their line-up of candidate Barangay Councilors, on their own initiative, agreed to a caucus and laid down informal rules for the campaign. It wasn’t the showbiz type of caucus where candidates, in front of flashing cameras, wear their hypocritical smile. Rather, it was a private affair with no press release whatsoever which will only be heard about in chit chats among those who witnessed it. If not for the announcement at the miting-de-avance on the last day of campaigning, this event is merely an urban legend. The event did happen and none of these honourable politicians advertised such event for their own political mileage. The campaign period happened as it should and issues discussed remained professional. It was something that I have never witnessed in any of the campaigns I saw in the past.

During the miting-de-avance on the last day of campaign period, all 23 candidates for this election, sat side by side with each other. All the speeches were about selling themselves to the audience hoping for their vote. They all maintained their being honourable individuals. The dinner served to the audience was paid for by all candidates and their supporters assisted the distribution of such. It was impossible to distinguish who supports who as the dinner was more of a fiesta celebration than a political event. When all is said and done, the campaign period culminated, not with bad karma, but with smiles from everybody. There were no distinct political lines; it was a community aspiring for the best leadership for their community.

The election happened and the winners were declared. In yet another show of being an honourable bunch, they all gathered and organized a victory motorcade through the community. Election season has ended and the community moves on. Just like that.

Of course, these are my personal observations. Saying that the competition did not stir any conflict amongst them may not be entirely correct. But their display of sportsmanship is worthy of admiration. Most of these people do not have College Degrees. They grew up relatively poor. Surprisingly, they are able to display a brand of politics that is far more superior than other groups who pride themselves as well educated and/or with better breeding. I am proud to have served this people. I hope that by writing about them, our people can see what can be possible. I am hopeful than if one community can do it, our country still has a chance. This election has winners and losers but in Barangay Causwagan, they are all winners.

Changing Logdeck

SITIO LOGDECK, BRGY MARAGATAS, LUPON – Local residents of Sitio Logdeck decry claims of certain groups using them as supposed victims of a government project which these groups have branded as a ploy in order to allow mining operations in their community. Herminigildo Marianito, speaking as Sitio Leader of said community, stated that: “Nalipay gani mi sa pagtrabaho sa among kalsada ug maningkamot mi nga makatabang para mas mapadali ang pag human ani nga project” (We are even happy that they are working on our road and we will try our best to provide assistance in order to hasten the completion of this project).

According to these groups, the Local Government Unit of Lupon, which facilitated the project, is only doing the undertaking in order to allow mining companies to operate in the community. Ironically, the economy of communities to be benefited by the project is all based in agriculture. There have been reports that certain groups have indeed conducted exploration activities in the area for possible mining operations but none of them was able to push through with their plans. Recently, a mining operation in adjacent area known as Chromite has ceased to operate after their permit from the government expired. This mining operation utilized the road networks coming from Banay-banay and Pantukan towns and has not encroached the area of Sitio Logdeck from the time they begun operation up to its end. No mining permit has been issued to any company by any government entity that applies to Sitio Logdeck and its nearby communities.

Residents of the community have been very supportive of the project as it was something that they have been dreaming of for a long time. They have even volunteered to clear the area where the road will pass in order to hasten the completion of the said project. Before the project, they relied on single “habal-habal” motorcycles as primary means of transportation. One person pays one hundred fifty pesos each excluding baggage. Their produce (corn, copra, charcoal etc.) which they sell either in Banay-banay or in Lupon is charged at around two pesos per kilo. Once the road is completed, these expenses are expected to lessen as bigger vehicles will be able to go to the area.

The community of Logdeck was formerly a mass base of New People’s Army’s Front 18. For several years, the NPA’s were the ones running the affairs of the community. In 2010, the NPA Anniversary was celebrated in the Sitio. Upon the arrival of 28th Infantry Battalion in Davao Oriental, the Sitio and its immediate vicinity became battlefields as these NPA bandits refuse to let go of their control of the community. In January 2012, combined forces of 4th Scout Ranger Company and 28th Infantry Battalion encountered a group of NPAs in Sitio Barabo of Brgy San Isidro, still of Lupon town. The NPAs retreated in Sitio Logdeck which was adjacent to the encounter site. Reports later revealed that the casualties of these encounter was treated in the area. A month later, the 28th Infantry Battalion conducted the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) in Sitio Logdeck. PDOP is the Army’s primary tool in clearing a community of NPA influence. Soldiers immerse in these communities in order for them to bring the people closer to government. At the same time, the soldiers partner with other government entities in order to address the problems of the community. In the case of Sitio Logdeck, a basketball court and a water system were constructed. The soldiers also have introduced livelihood projects such as tilapia raising and vegetable growing. The farm to market road is a long delayed request of the community which is only being implemented now. By December of this year also the Sitio will have, for the first time, electricity. All of these activities intend to address issues in the community that forces the people to support or join the insurgency. Sitio Logdeck has now changed and is now moving towards a better future which is the primary goal of PDOP and the government as a whole. They have come to understand the lies that were told to them when it was the NPA that reigned over them.

Residents of Sitio Logdeck has come up with a manifesto in order to express their true sentiments regarding the government project that was undertaken for them. They are very thankful that despite their unfortunate past with the insurgents, the government did not give up in bringing them back into her arms. More importantly, they have become partners of the government in bringing about development in their community. In October 21, they will be celebrating the Araw ng Logdeck, the anniversary of the establishment of their Sitio. With the farm to market road already completed by then and a bright future ahead, the event will have more value as a milestone of peace and development in their community.

Passion into Action

With the way things are unfolding is this country now, a few people has bee asking me, how am I? Initially, I answered that I have been detached to reality as I have not been watching the news. I only get tidbits of information through Facebook News feeds and the calls I get from concerned colleagues who are in the front lines of Zamboanga. Unknown to many, our battles here continue. While many have been pre-occupied with how terrible things have become, the New People's Army, in this part of the country continue to harass and undermine the government that tries so hard to serve her people.

Upon the initial report of the death of my classmate 1Lt Rama, I started to go though my coping up mechanism of just doing things. He is the fourth in our class to offer his life and it has always been my way of showing appreciation to do better at my current mission. When 1Lt Damian, who was my upperclass, bratmate and classmate in Ranger School, died a few days later, more thoughts stirred the my belief on the reasons why I do what I do. I am so glad that I have never suffered the experience of losing a man under my watch but losing good friends to a war as stupid as what is happening now in Zamboanga, I can just mourn silently and continue to do my job.

Many people now have opinions on how things are happening for this country. This varies from expressing appreciation to our soldiers, to how "luoy" they are while lawmakers are allegedly spending our taxes for their personal use. Last night, the news of four soldiers who ransacked a certain house in Zamboanga opened up more opinion even generalizing all soldiers as thieves. While it did not gain traction in disgracing the whole AFP, it was a realization, including other opinions before it, how others seem to fall short of their appreciation of whatever it is that they appreciate.

Social Media has allowed a convenient way of expression to all of us. The sad thing though is that it has limited this expression to simply the thoughts in our minds rather than actions that we actually undertake in order to put to life that "passion" we feel behind our thoughts. Putting it bluntly, do our soldiers have to die first before they are to experience first hand our people's appreciation. I saw how many people has expressed their condolence to the death of our comrade in arms. While they may have personified the horrors of the war in Zamboanga, your condolences do not change any of the situation. They are simple bits of data that are stored somewhere as part of social media. Nothing more. Nothing less.

To top it all, I am sure when all of this issue has mellowed down, and others spring anew, opinions will once again flood social media and sadly, nothing will change. 

I therefore call on our people, what are we doing amidst all the things that are happening around us? Do we stop at Social Media or do we put our passion to action? Many of my comrades have died, not just in this war and in many other conflicts all over the country. Let's face it, your remorse and condolences does not help this country move forward. All over the country, there are schools that need teachers, communities that need livelihood trainings, infrastructures that need to be built and many others, big and small things in order to help out. I urge you to ask yourself what you can do. Let us not sensationalize our situation that it is already is, as one people let us find out what we can do to help each other. It is not by dying that one becomes a hero, it is by doing something for the sake of others.

It's early in the morning and my day begins. I hope none of the people I know will be in harm's way. As what we say here... Work lang ng work...

Quote from a classmate (I am not sure if this is his original): "The job is hard, but somebody has to do it. Let's go Army"

May the sacrifices of those who died for this country never be in vain.

(Note: I have plenty of ideas how one can help out, maybe message me in Facebook, I would be glad to provide you with those)