Excellence has become my way of life: Why?

Just about a month ago, I received the Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES) from Metrobank Foundation Inc. It was among the awards of recognition that I got for continuously pursuing excellence in my endeavors in the military service. (Photo by Cpl Marlon San Esteban)

I always consider every job given to me as my very own 'obra maestra'. I always ensure it has a mark of excellence in the same manner a craftsman exerts all his efforts in creating a masterpiece. 

My personal story about pursuing excellence dates back to the time when I was a weak plebe who was forced to face an opponent in a boxing match. 

Despite being untrained (and unprepared), I was plunged into the fight simply because I was the only one who weighed 110 lbs like my opponent. 

To boost my confidence, my coach told me that my opponent was weak. I can still remember his words:

"Actually, he is not a good boxer. It is your chance to box a senior cadet!"

Then, what do you expect? Beaten black and blue, I ended up confined at the PMA Station Hospital. 

My 'tormentor' tried to please me by 'recognizing' me with a traditional handshake. It did not erase the bruises that I got from his strong punches.

Then, a few weeks later, I was surprised to see the name of my opponent in a list of sports achievers that was posted inside Jurado Hall. He was Class 1991's Strongest Cadet!

That incident motivated me to rise from the challenge and become a better person in any way I can.

"I will train to become strong and more skillful next time. Kapag lumakas at gumaling ako, makakabawi din ako sa boxing ring."

A couple of gym years later, I became stronger and more confident.  

I learned judo, wrestling and excelled in them. In 1992, a world champion lifter, Major Tony Taguibao, introduced me to Power Lifting. Since then, I got 'addicted' to the sport. As a result, I lorded some events in our Physical Fitness Test like the pull-ups and push-ups, making me one of the strongest cadets during that time. 

I was the only cadet who broke a Philippine record in Powerlifting in September 1993, and established the first PMA records in all 3 of its events (bench press, squat and dead lift). As a 60-kg athlete, I tallied a total lift that was over six times my body weight. Nobody in my weight class in PMA can beat me in lifting events. 

But, I never loved boxing as a sport. I therefore failed to get even and fulfill my promise to maul someone inside the ring. But deep inside me, I knew that I had achieved what I wanted when I was a plebe.

Culture change

I can vividly remember that we were First Class cadets (graduating class) when I and my mistahs (classmates) tried our best to change the culture of Hawk Company where we belonged.

Former members of this cadet corps unit can attest to the fact that this company used to be known for being the 'best' in terms of the number of resigning or AWOL plebes. Our company was famous for being 'magan' (hard-headed, strict). I was once a magan too.

When I was a plebe, I always had a hard time passing my technical subjects (Algebra, Engineering Drawing) because I didn't have a solid foundation in them. Because I didn't have the chance to spend more time studying due to the traditional 'compliances', I had 'back subjects'.

When it was our turn to be the ruling class in 1993, we gradually introduced a culture of excellence. We closely supervised the cleanliness of barracks, marching drill practices and excellence in sports. 

We told our juniors (PMA Classes 95-97) to strive for excellence in all their endeavors. As a consequence, we started winning  some of the weekly 'best-best' in drills and inspections. We showed them the way, and in fact, even First Class cadets (4th year) were deeply involved in accomplishing our various activities. Sadly, we failed to get the much coveted trophies such as the Superintendent's Cup, Jurado Cup and the like. We simply planted the seeds that would be reaped by our juniors in the later years when it was their time to lead.  

Dare to fail

During my fourth year in the academy, I was already lagging behind in our class lineal list. My over-all grade was adversely affected by my failing grades as a plebe, and, it was aggravated by my own 'misfortunes'. As expected, I was at the top 20 at the bottom of my class. 

One day, a good friend of mine, Cadet Apollo Teves of Iloilo challenged me. 

"Mistah, I challenge you to be the Class Goat (the last man in the class roster) and deliver a speech!"

I knew that was a serious challenge. To be the "Goat", I need to get the lowest grades possible. It was like walking on a wire placed one hundred meters above ground. A single misstep, I would be dead.

While other contenders who also competed for the position as a Class Goat had a hard time passing some of the subjects, I had the edge because most of the subjects were 'Socials' like Philosophy, Law, and Constitution which were all 'easy' for me. I simply gathered enough 'proficiency' so that I can afford to make some 'stunts' during the final exams. I decided to take the final exams in my favorite social subjects despite being exempted for having a grade above 9.0/10.

In many occasions during finals, my instructors were surprised how I finished the tests a few minutes after our papers were distributed. 

Seeing me leave the room, one of these instructors, Mrs Piol asked me: "And, where are you going Cadet Cabunoc?"

"Maam, I am done with my exams and I will go back to barracks now."  

I got zero in the finals but I achieved a 7.000 (70.00%) grade in that subject.

So, to make the long story short, I got the Class Goat and I delivered a speech, the first time that a cadet did it since the PMA was established in 1905! 

Ika pa nga kasi sa kasabihan, kung gusto may paraan. I dared to fail!

Well, you may not consider that as an example of excellence but I honestly thought otherwise. Actually, I wanted to prove something: 

"Not all academically-gifted people are excellent leaders."

When I was called to receive my diploma, I was expected to do some 'publicity stunt' like the previous 'Class Goats'. I surprised then President Fidel Ramos when I delivered a speech. I also gave him a hat and a hand-made kaydet doll for FL Ming Ramos. (PMA photo)

(To be continued)

Surrender or die: Ang mga inirekomendang hatol sa mga Abu Sayyaf (Leadership Experience Part 20)

Ito ang hitsura ng bahay ng mga Tausug na nakatirik sa mababaw na bahagi ng dagat sa Bgy Mabahay at sa Bgy Buhangin Puti sa bayan ng Talipao. Nasa likurang bahagi ang bakawan na ginawang taguan ng grupo ni Galib Andang a.k.a. Commander Robot na syang may hawak sa grupo ng Jesus Miracle Crusade bago ito pinakawalan noong October 2000. Kasama kong nag-usyoso sa bahayan si Major Faustino 'BJ' Bejarin na syang Deputy Commander ng Light Reaction Battalion (Provisional) na syang aking kinabibilangan sa mga panahon na iyon. (10SRC Photo)



Grabe ang ingay sa pwesto ng 12th Scout Ranger Company. Di ko natiis at sila ay tinawagan sa PRC 77. 

"Thunder this is Cyclops, over!"

"Cyclops this is Thunder, go ahead over!"

"Thunder, pwede bang umayos kayo? Pati kami mararatrat ng kalaban sa ginagawa nyo!"

Hindi naitatago sa aking boses ang inis sa mga panahon na iyon. Actually, mga tao ko rin dati sa Basilan ang 12th SRC. Dati rin silang pasaway bago kami nailagay bilang leading officers doon ni 1Lt Elmer Suderio noong January 1998. Si Lt Suderio ang CO at ako naman ang kanyang 'bastonero' bilang Executive Officer. Kilalang kilala ng mga tropa ang aking katauhan bilang opisyal. 

"Cyclops this is Thunder, wilco instruction sir!"

Para sa akin, wala naman talagang mataguriang 'bad unit' bagkus meron lamang mga 'bad leaders'. 

Nasa diskarte ng isang leader kung paano patinuin ang tropa pati yong type lang talagang magpasaway kasi hindi naman sinasaway. 

Napakasimple at praktikal ang mga pamamaraan paano pasunurin ang tropa willfully. Ang iba sa diskarte ay wala sa mga leadership handbooks. Kailangan lang kilalanin ang tropa at pakitaan ng magandang ehemplo. Kagaya noon sa ginawa naming paghahalughog sa bakawan, ako mismo ang nanguna sa patrol para siguradong maisakatuparan ito. Sa mga mapanganib na mga misyon, mas mabisa ang pagpapasunod sa pamamagitan ng pagbigay ng inspirasyon. Bilang lider, we must lead the way at doon mo masasabi sa mga tropa na "Follow me!". 

Sa aming pag-lalakad sa kasukalan ng bakawan, marami akong nadiskubre doon. Meron palang nakatagong mga maliliit na 'isla' na tipong magkasya ang lima hanggang sampung tao kapag low tide. 

Halatang merong nagtatago doon dahil merong mga balat ng kendi at mga pinagbalatan ng kamanting (cassava). Sa ibang puno ay makikita ang bakas ng inapakan ng boots. Siguro ay umaakyat sila tuwing umaangat ang tubig. 

Merong iilang bahagi ng bakawan na malalim at maburak ang tubig. Doon namin napakinabangan ang bangka na aming dala-dala. Hindi namin hinintuan ang pag-iikot hanggat nadaanan namin ang lahat na posibleng taguan. Napatunayan kong wala sila doon. 

Magtanghali na noon nang nagpasya na akong bumalik sa patrol base. Itinawag ko sa aking tropa ang aking intensyon:

"Pabalik na ako sa papa bravo. Sa west ako manggaling. Disseminate mo sa lahat ng adjacent units."

Pagod at gutom ang aking naramdaman pagkatapos ang ginawa naming recon patrol sa loob ng bakawan. Nang nakabalik na kami para mag-link up sa aking left-behind force, mainit na sabaw naman ang sumalubong sa akin. 

"Sir, sardinas na me sili at papaya tayo ngayon. Me nakuha kami doon sa gilid ng sukalan," sabi ni Pvt Adel Hermano, ang isa sa mga Tail Scout at 'Kaldero 6'. 

Tila Kimchi ng mga Korean ang aking imahinasyon sa napakasarap naming ulam sa tanghalian. Bihira din kaming makapagsabaw ng aming ulam. Buti na lang din, nadiskubre namin yong bumubulwak na fresh water sa gilid mismo ng dagat. Ang problema lang doon ay natatabunan ito ng sea water tuwing high tide. 

Pagkatapos ng tanghalian, tinitingnan ko naman ng masama ang kabilang bahagi ng bakawan na nasa area ng 12th SRC. Pahaba ang area na ito at ang dulo nito ay ang bakawan sa may Bgy Mabahay na aming pinanggalingan noong unang araw. Sobrang duda ako na andon pa rin ang mga Abu Sayyaf. Ang problema lang doon ay marami ang maputik na lugar at malalalim ang karamihang areas. 

Naisip kong magpahanap ng dagdag na bangka. Kinausap ko si Sgt Manalastas at Sgt Fernandez, ang aking Platoon Sergeants.

"Hanap kayo ng dagdag na bangka. Kailangan natin at least apat para may ka-buddy ang papasok sa loob. Mas maiging magkasuportahan para mas kampante tayo."

Sa estimate ko ay more or less 300-500 meter na stretch ng area na lang ng bakawan ang hindi pa namin napasok. Paliit nang paliit na lang ang mundo ng mga Abu Sayyaf. Gusto kong ang 10SRC na mismo ang sumuyod doon at suporta na lang sa gilid ng dalampasigan ang ibang tropa. 

Marami na rin ang gigil na gigil sa mga bandido sa mga oras na iyon. Nakakarinig na ako ng samo't-saring mga rekomendasyon at mga parinig.

"Sir, kapag mahuli, sampalin natin isa-isa."

"Ako sir, kurutin ko sa tagiliran!"

"Reypist mga yan sir, tanggalan natin ng bay_g".

"Kung ako masunod sir, ratratin natin gamit itong tatlo nating M60 Machinegun!"

Batid ko ang galit ng tropa dahil sa mga napapabalitang pangri-rape ng mga bandido sa mga bihag nila. Ma-foreigner o Filipino, di nila pinalampas. Syempre, kung meron kang sister o nanay, maisip mo rin ang kung mga 'what if', kagaya na lang kung ang mismong kapatid mong babae ang na-kidnap nila. 

Nasa malalim akong pag-iisip nang lumapit si Cpl Cuevas sa akin, dala ang kanyang radyo. 

"Sir, tumawag si Batcom at kakausapin ka."

Commander's intent

Kapag tumatawag na ang aming Batcom, alam ko na ang i-expect. Meron itong mga changes sa kautusan o kaya ay may special instructions na ibinibigay. 

"Cyclops, magpadala ako ng supply ng batteries at dagdag na de lata. Gusto ko by 1600H (4pm), i-vacate mo na ang area at sama-sama muna kayong lahat sa Bgy Mabahay bago kayo magsimula magpatrol sa western portion ng Mt Mahala bukas ng 0800H."

 Di ko masyado makuha ano ang intent ng kanyang kautusan kaya naman ako ay nag-counterproposal. 

"Sir, sa aking estimate, andito pa sa bakawan ang mga Abu Sayyaf na nagpakawala kina Almeda. Baka pwede pasukin namin ngayon hanggang bukas ng hapon, ang direksyon ng aming clearing operations ay papunta sa Bgy Mabahay."

"Harold, wag nyo nang pagpaguran ang bakawan. Ang intent ko ay halughugin nyo ang giliran ng Mt Mahala dahil may magandang development ayon sa intelligence estimates."

Di man ako kumbinsido na tama ang estimates ng aming TCP, wala na rin akong magawa. Dapat kung sundin ang chain of command. Ganon talaga minsan, di kami nag-agree sa ground sa kung ano man ang mga kautusan. Ngunit, mahigpit naming tinatalima kung ano ang tinatawag na 'Commander's intent'. 

Tinawagan ko naman ang lahat na katabing units sa kautusan ng aming Battalion Commander. Kanya-kanya na kaming briefing sa aming mga nasasakupan. 

"Gentlemen, by 1400H, darating ang Simba vehicles at M35 trucks na magdadala ng karagdagang supply. Pagka-repack ng ating mga combat packs, scram tayo dito sa Buhangin Puti not later than 1500H."

Di kalaunan, nagdatingan ang mga sasakyan na nagdala ng aming supplies. Kanya-kanya na kaming kuha ng mga sakong naglalaman ng aming mga karagdagang mga baon at ito ay idinistribute naman sa bawat miyembro ng patrol. 

Nakahanda na kaming lisanin ang lugar nang lumapit ang NCO ng Light Armor Company sa akin. 

"Sir, wag nyo muna kaming iwan. Nasira ang isang armored vehicle!"

"Iyon lang. Ilang oras nyo kayang ayusin yan?"

"Sir, ipasundo ko pa ang mekaniko nito. Baka pwedeng samahan nyo kami hanggang bukas ng umaga lang."

Nakakaawa naman ang hitsura ng taga Armor na tila sobrang nag-alala kung maiwan sila doon. Syempre, baka naman ay gapangin sila ng mga bandido dahil iilan lang silang sakay doon. 

"Okay, samahan namin kayo. Pero pagsapit ng 0600H bukas, aalis na kami, finished or not finished. Magpadagdag na lang kayo ng kasamahang mag-security kung kailangan. 

Dahil doon, minabuti kong i-recommend sa kay Batcom ang pag-extend ng aming pananatili roon. Nag-atubili man, pinayagan ako hanggang 0600H ayon sa aking rekomendasyon. 

"Paalisin mo na ang ibang tropa dyan para magtungo na sa area ng Mabahay. Mag-buddy na lang kayo ng 12SRC dyan hanggang bukas."

Nag-overtime sa pagkumpuni ang tropa nang Armor Company nang makarating ang kanilang mekaniko. Kinuha naman namin ang pagkakataon na magpahinga sa gabi na iyon. 

Merong panaka-nakang pag-uulan sa mga oras na iyon kaya sumiksik kami sa sukalan na area at nagpalagay ng poncho na masisilungan. 

Nang tumaas uli ang tubig sa dagat, pina-secure ko sa tropa ang paligid ng Simba sa gilid ng dalampasigan, at kami naman ay nananatili sa sukalan iilang metro lamang ang layo.

 Kinaumagahan, kasabay namin ang mga Simba vehicles na lisanin  ang lugar bandang 6:00am. Papuntang direction ng Talipao proper  ang mga vehicles, samantalang kami ay patungo sa direksyon ng  Mabahay. 

Bandang tanghali na noon nang marating naming muli at makalink-up ang aming mga kasamahan sa LRB sa Bgy Mabahay. 

Kuha sa larawan ang mga 'botong' (niyog) na ginawa na rin naming sabaw pagkatapos na maubusan ng tubig sa area ng Mabahay sa Talipao, Sulu na walang natatagpuang water point. Kasama ko sa larawan ang pinuno ng 20th SRC na si Lt Sam Yunque. (10SRC photo)

Doon namin nabalitaan ang tsismis nang nag-set up kami ng URC 187 radio para kausapin ang aming admin and support personnel na naiwan sa aming barracks sa Jolo. 

"Sir, sumuko na yong mga Abu Sayyaf na galing sa area ng Mabahay. Sila yong nagtatago dyan sa bakawan," sabi ni Sgt Greg Manzolim sa akin na nooy nasa headquarters ng 104th Brigade sa Camp Teodulfo Bautista.

Parang di ako makapaniwala sa balita ngunit confirmed ito ni Lt Col Morales, ang aming Batcom. Lalo akong na-excite na malaman ang kadaragdagang mga detalye tungkol sa mga bandido na dinadala na papunta sa Brigade headquarters.

"Greg, isama mo yong tropa na marunong mag-Tausug. Salubungin mo ang pagdating nila dyan sa kampo. Ipakausap mo ang mga surrenderees at tanungin kung saan sila nagtago, may baril ba yan sila at paanong di namin nahagilap?"

Grabe ang pag-iisip ko noon. Kaya pala pinapaalis kami ni Batcom kasi pinapasurender pala nila ang humigit kumulang na 15 na mga Abu Sayyaf. Tumawag daw ang mga bandido sa isang Bgy Captain ng Talipao na lumapit naman sa joint TCP ng LRB at ng Infantry Battalion na andoon din sa Talipao proper. Iyon ang tunay na Commander's intent.

Kinabukasan, nasa URC 187 na uli si Sgt Manzolim para magbigay sa akin ng feedback. Nasa Busbus na ang mga sumurender sa mga panahon na iyon.

"Sir, sa bakawan sa palagitnaan ng Buhangin Puti at Mabahay pala sila nagtatago. Mga 15 metro na lang daw sila sa mga Musang at muntik nang magkabarilan. Nalapitan daw sila nong naghahabol ng pato na mga Rangers na sakay sa bangka. Huminto daw ang mga iyon nang mahuli na yong mga pato. Isang gabi daw silang naglublob uli doon at sobrang nilalamig kasi di naman daw kayo umalis kaagad. Doon daw kayo natulog sa gilid ng bakawan na tinaguan nila!"

Nalaman ko na bakit kami nagmintis kahapon. Pero, di ko alam kung sabihin ko bang blessing in disguise ang kapalpakan ng mga tropang nag-isip bata sa paglalaro ng habulan sa mga pato. Kung sakali pala, naratrat sila dahil maapakan na nila yong pwesto ng mga Abu Sayyaf!

Parang okay na rin ang pangyayari. After all, napasuko silang lahat kasama ang kanilang armas. Hindi namin sila napatay ngunit wala rin namang nasaktan sa aming hanay. 

Ang masakit lang, wala si Robot sa mga sumuko kaya hindi pa tapos ang aming pagkainis sa kanya. 

Para syang palos sa dulas. Napabuntong hininga na lang ako. Wala syang balls, nang-iwan pala ng mga kasamahan.

"Animal ka Robot, may araw ka rin sa amin!"

(Ipagpatuloy)

Ang musang sa bakawan: Ang paghagilap kay Robot (Leadership Experience Part 19)

Screen grab ng Google Map ng barangay Buhangin Puti sa bayan ng Talipao, Sulu na kung saan ay makikita ang parte ng mangrove forests na pinagtataguan naman ng mga bandidong Abu Sayyaf. May kaibahan ang hitsura nito sa taong 2000 dahil sa masukal na bahagi lalo na sa pagitan nitong lugar at ang Bgy Mabahay na nasa silangang bahagi nito. Tuwing low tide ay nalalakad lamang ang ibabang bahagi ng nasa larawan.

Maaga kaming nag-almusal kinaumagahan at nagpasaing na rin ako ng tanghalian at hapunan, alinsunod sa aming SOP na "2-meals up".

Gamit ang aming portable stoves, kanya-kanyang asikaso na ang mga Kaldero 6, ang most junior enlisted personnel na syang naaatasan sa ganitong gawain. 

Napansin ko na paubos na naman ang aming baong tubig at kailangang makahagilap ng water point kundi tubig ng niyog na naman ang aming pangsabaw. 

Pursigido na rin akong madiskubre kung saan talaga kumukuha ng tubig ang mga residente doon. Grabe naman kung talagang sa bayan ng Maimbung pa sila nakakahanap. Kalokohan ata yon kung di nila nagawan ng paraan na maghukay man lang sa paligid ng Talipao. Maliban na lang kung nangingibabaw ang katamaran, di talaga sila makahanap ng tubig.

Dakong 7:30am ng umaga, nakahanda na kami na i-link up ang lahat ng tropa sa lugar, kasama na doon ang isang kumpanya ng Special Forces na dala ni Lt Nick Banzuela at ang 12th Scout Ranger Company na nooy dala ni Lt Regie Binalla. Pinagplanuhan naming pagtulungang halughugin ang mangrove areas ng Buhangin Puti para hulihin ang mga bandidong syang nagpakawala sa grupo ng Jesus Miracle Crusade. 

Malapit lang ang pwesto ko sa mismong bahayan ng Buhangin Puti. Nang minarkahan ko ito sa mapa at sinukat ko ang layo mula sa aking Patrol Base, more or less 400 metro air distance southwest lamang ito. Kapag tactical movement gamit ang vegetated routes, hindi ito aabutin ng isang oras. 

Nang napasingaw at napalamig na ang mga sinaing, naghudyat na ako ng paghahanda sa aming movement. Agad na nag-account ang mga Team Leaders ng kanilang tauhan at ito ay inireport sa Platoon Sergeant, na sya namang mag-report sa akin. Sa panahong iyon, nasa paternity leave ang aking Ex-O kaya naman mag-isa kong inaatupag ang combat missions. 

"All accounted na ang lahat ng tropa sir," report ni Sgt Fernandez sa akin. "Naka-arrange na rin ang order of movement natin at natapos na ang radio-check pati ang inspection of equipment."

Alam na alam ng aking tropa ang routine tasks sa mga movement. Naiinis kasi ako sa mga pakaang-kaang na NCOs na syang sanhi ng mga simpleng kapalpakan. Sinasanay ko sila na gawin ang kanilang trabaho na hindi kailangan ng aking personal supervision. Ayaw ko naman kasi na aasta na rin akong Platoon Sergeant at Team Leader. 

Kinausap ko ang mga katabing units upang i-coordinate ang aming aksyon. Sa estimate ko kasi, ako ang mauuna na makarating sa lugar kaya ako ang magsisilbing stationary unit para i-coordinate ang movements ng ibang units na mag-sama-sama sa iisang assembly area.

Muli, sinamahan ko ang leading team sa aming movement papunta sa Buhangin Puti. Maingat pa rin kami sa paglalakad patungo sa lugar. Pinapatingnan ko lagi ang ground kung may blood traces o kaya bagong nasagi na mga damo. Hindi rin kami nakakasigurado kung may napagawi rito na kasamahan ng aming naka-engkwentro. 

Mga kalahating oras ang aming paglalakad nang bumungad sa amin ang isang 'sighting'. 

Nagtaas ng kaliwang kamay ang Lead Scout at nagsignal ng open palm at sinundan ng pagpatong ng kamay sa ulo na tila sumasaludo. Iyon ang aming hand-and arm signal ng "Halt" at "House". 

Nagsignal ako ng 'halt' at 'map check' sa lahat ng mga kasunod upang ipasa nila ang aking kautusan hanggang sa likuran. 

Pumunta ako sa harapan at ako ay namangha sa aking nakita. Bumulalas iilang metro sa southern part ng bahayan ang ganitong tanawin.

                          

    

"Wooooooooow! Parang Boracay din!"

Ang ganda ng tanawin na aking nakita. Talo pa nga ang Boracay, sa aking opinyon. Pang ecotourism ang lugar. Napakalinaw ng tubig at nakikita mong naglalangoy ang mga maliliit na isda pati ang naghahabulang maliliit na alimango. Maputi at pino ang buhangin at mayroong mga mangrove forests sa paligid. 

Sa western part pa ng mangroves na aking kinaroonan ay makikita ang isang clearing na kung saan nakatirik ang mga bahayan. More or less sampu ang mga bahay na andon. Ang ibang bahay ay nasa gilid ng beach at ang iba naman ay nakasawsaw sa tubig. Naiinggit ako sa mga residente doon. Mantakin mo ba naman na napakagandang tanawin ang kaharap mo sa araw-araw!

Sa aking nakita, parang gusto kong hubarin ang aking Battle Dress Attire at palitan ng swimming trunks at snorkel. Ngunit, nanumbalik ako sa katotohanang merong mga bandido na nagtatago sa kasukalan ng mangrove. Nasira agad ang aking munting panaginip.

Nang sinilip ko ang aking mapa at ang distansya ng bahayan, napansin ko na halos dalawang daang metro na lang ako mula dito. Wala ni isang tao ang andon nang tiningnan ko ito sa aking Steiner binoculars. May mga bangka na nakatali sa gilid ng dalampasigan at ang iba naman ay inilagay sa gilid ng dalampasigan. No man's land ang lugar. Nadadamay din sila sa kalokohan ni Robot na taga karatig Barangay sa Bandang. Syempre, andon na rin ang posibilidad na nasilaw sa salapi ang iilan sa mga kalalakihan doon.

Nagpasya akong manatili sa lugar habang nag-aantay sa mga kasamahan na paparating pa lamang. Habang nag-aantay, naisipan ko namang hanapan ng solusyon ang problema namin sa tubig. 

"Pangga, magpadala tayo ng isang recon team sa gilid ng dagat. Baka naman may maliliit na creeklines na may tubig kasi dito ang pinakababa na elevation. Posible rin na meron yan silang igiban kasi dito nila pinili na magtayo ng bahayan. Ang LOA natin ay ang puno ng kahoy 100m east ng pinakaunang bahay."

Habang inaantabayanan ng isang team ang recon elements, abala naman ako sa pag-aaral sa mapa paano namin pasukin ang mangrove forests doon. 

Ito naman ang hitsura ng malalim at maputik na bahagi ng mangrove forests sa lugar na aking kinalagyan. 

Ang ibang portion ng area ay malalim at maputik, habang mababaw naman ang sa iilan. Kung magkakabarilan sa looban nito ay pantay ang labanan. Parehas kaming maghihilamos ng bala. Kailangan lang talaga ang diskarte. Palitan ang advance ng elements at mag-lalagay palagi ng overwatching elements. Ang mga lugar na lang na iyon ang natitirang hindi pa nahalughog kaya malaki ang posibilidad na andon pa sila. Ang nakasagupa naman namin ay maaaring parte sa outer security nila na syang tigadala ng kanilang pagkain. Sigurado ako ngayon na gutom na gutom na sila at hirap na hirap sa pangungunyapit sa mga puno doon. Kasama na yon sa punishment sa kanilang mga kasalanan.

Ear to ear ang smile ng aking radio man na si Cuevas nang lumapit sa akin at iabot ang hand set ng PRC 77. Nasa kabilang linya ang Team Leader ng recon elements.

Tuwang-tuwa ang boses ni Cpl Rosel Tayros na nagreport sa akin.

"Sir, positive ang water point! Nasa gilid ng dagat pala at saka lang nakikita kapag low tide!"

So far, iyon ang pinakamagandang balita sa araw na iyon. Pinaghanda ko agad ang pagsalitan na mag-igib ng tubig. Kapag maabutan kasi kami ng high-tide, good bye na rin ang aming water point. At least, hindi na maulit ang pagsabaw ng tubig ng 'botong'. One problem is solved.

Mga iilang saglit lamang ay paisa-isang nagdatingan ang mga kumpanya na aking ka-link up. Humigit kumulang kami sa 150 ka tao ang nag-iipon para sa tracking operation. Sa dami namin ay matatapos namin ang paghalughog sa loob ng isang araw. 

Bilang most senior sa grupo, ako na ang nanguna sa kanila paano isakatuparan ang plano. Hinati ko ang grupo at binigyan ng kanya-kanyang sector. 

Sa mangrove area na nasa aming assembly area, ang 12th SRC na pinangunahan noon ng kanilang Platoon Leader na si Lt Regie Binalla ang take charge doon. Kumuha sila ng isang bangka para gamitin sa pagtawid sa mga malalalim na lugar. 

Sa southwestern part ng bahayan, ang aking kumpanya at ang Special Forces naman ang magkasama. Samantala ay nag-iwan naman kami ng security elements sa dalampasigan na syang magbabantay sa amin at mag-reinforce kung kailangan. 

Inilipat ko ang aking patrol base 100m west ng bahayan para doon kami magsimula sa pagsagawa ng paghahalughog. Nag-designate lamang ako ng 3 teams na sasama sa akin at ganong dami rin ang sa Special Forces. 

Sa paligid ng bahayan ay nakita ko naman ang iilang alagang pato na naglalangoy sa dagat. Tila naramdaman nila na may 'panganib' dahil sa aming presensya doon. 

Sa muli ay nasubukan na naman naming mag-operate sa mangrove area kagaya ng aming karanasan sa Bgy Bulansa at Canibungan sa Lantawan. 

Minsan, parang na-tempt na akong ipa-bomba at i-planting rice ng 105mm high explosive rounds ang lugar para mapulbos na silang lahat,  ngunit nanaig ang hangarin ko na usisahing mabuti at baka naman andon pa ang Malaysian hostages na hawak din nila sa mga panahon na iyon. 

Dahil kailangan sa mission, sumawsaw ang mga musang sa dagat upang hagilapin ang mga bandido na posibleng nagtatago doon. Sa aming sector, hanggang tuhod lang ang tubig sa mga oras na iyon at panay buhangin ang naaapakan namin kahit pa man 100 metro na ang layo sa dalampasigan.

Giniliran namin ang bakawan habang naghahanap ng magandang approach papunta sa loob. Naka-skirmishers in line kami at nakatutok sa sukalan dahil posible na sila ay nakaabang lang sa amin. Para mayroong back-up plan sa pagpasok sa malalalim na bahagi, hinihila namin ang isang bangka para magamit sakaling kailangan.

Tumatagaktak na ang aking pawis at puno ng tensyon sa posibleng barilan nang maulinigan ko ang kaguluhan mga 200 metro sa silangang bahagi na kung saan ay naka-deploy ang 12th SRC. 

Huminto kami at pinakinggan ang ingay na likha ng mga Musang na andon sa gilid ng sukalan. Nang nilingon ko ang kanilang pwesto, nakita ko na merong mga tropang nakasakay sa bangka at me hinahampas sa tubig. Nagtatawanan sila at nagsisigawan. Nawala ang kanilang disiplina.

"Hoooooooo! Nya met ten! Ayan na?"

  

(Ipagpatuloy)

Ang kendi at ang gwardya (Leadership Experience Part 18)

Nang humupa ang pukpukan sa pagitan ng 20th SRC at ng mga bandidong Abu Sayyaf na napagawi sa kanilang pwesto, tinawagan ko ang aking mistah na si Lt Sam Yunque, ang Company Commander.

Gamit ang aming tactical radio, agad ko syang kinumusta. Marami rin akong mga dating kasamahan na miyembro na rin ng 20th SRC.

"Musta kayo dyan bay?" 

Parang natawa din ako sa update nya. Halos parehas ang aming sinapit sa hapon na iyon.

"Nagkabiglaan din kami bay. Pistol lang naiwan nila sa encounter site bago nagsipagtakbuhan!"

"Buti ka pa nakakuha ng pistol. So far, tsinelas lang ata nakuha namin!"

Kakalungkot nga naman kung tsinelas lang at patak ng dugo. Gusto kong makita talaga noon ang bangkay ni Robot at pati yong kanyang ipinagmamalaking Ultimax Automatic Rifle habang naghahamon sa katapangan ng mga sundalo. 

Sa amin sa Rangers, ang basehan ng 'combat score' ay bodycount at firearms recovery at pati mga na-overran na encampment. Sa paningin ko, zero kami sa araw na iyon. Na-motivate ako na pag-igihan ang search operations sa periphery ng encounter site. 

"Gentlemen, isang team ang mag-overwatch habang mag-search kami sa encounter site. Malay natin may naiwang mga armas dito sa paligid," bilin ko sa tropa. 

Nang maka-pwesto na ang aming security elements, pinag-line formation ko ang tropa para maghagilap sa eastern part ng aming rally point. 

Ginagawa namin ito para makita ang mga bagay na makatulong sa pag-analisa sa aming kalaban. Lahat ng kagamitan, traces at mga indications ay aming inaaral. Ganon kami mangalap ng tactical intelligence.

Nasa immediate scene na kami ng encounter site nang mapansin namin ang mosquito net sa ilalim ng mga cogon. Nabigla ako sa aking nakita. 

"Ay sanamagan, dito sila natutulog sa ilalim ng kogonan! Me banig at kumot pa ang mga animal!"

Magaling ang sistemang ginawa ng mga bandido. Hindi nila sinira ang hitsura ng mga damo at kagaya ng baboy damo, gumagawa sila ng espasyo sa ilalim ng sukal at doon nila ipinuwesto ang banig at mosquito net. Sa malayo, wala kang makikitang tao. 

Naalala ko ang iilan sa aming taktika sa Scout Rangers. Use natural camouflage. Stay in a place where you are least expected. 

Humigit kumulang sa anim na tulugan ang aming nakita. Tig 3-5 metro ang layo nila sa isa't-isa. Sapat lang iyon para magbulungan at magkarinigan. Pagapang lang sila kung lumipat ng posisyon palapit sa kanilang kasama. 

Sa estimate ko sa sitwasyon, nagkataon na tumayo yong isa o dalawa sa kanila para may gagawin at kaya naman nagkasalubungan sila ng aking mga tropa na papalabas naman mula sa sukalan. Meeting engagement ang nangyari. Kung mahina sa quick fire ang Lead Scout, hindi nya basta-basta matamaan ang moving target at lalo na kung bumabaril din ito. 

Inireport ko ang aking findings sa aming TCP. Nagbigay din ako ng update sa aking planong maglipat ng patrol base kinagabihan. Alam kong buking na yong dati naming pwesto. Nakita ko sa mapa ang lugar na may pangalang kakaiba: Buhangin Puti. Sa biglaang tingin, white beach siguro yon. Sa mapa, naka-indicate na merong iilang bahay sa lugar na iyon. Dapat malapitan ko ang lugar at nang aming mahalughog kinabukasan. 

Nang-makalink up na uli kami sa aming patrol base security elements bandang 5:30pm, pinaghanda ko sila para sa paglipat ng area na matulugan. 

"Recon by force na tayo at occupy tayo ng alternate patrol base 300m-400m west of our present position."

Bago ang movement, dali-dali naming lamunin ang aming baong Skyflakes na isinasawsaw sa Milkmaid na gatas. Tig-tatlong grid square lang, ayos na kami. Ok lang kasi kahit light meal basta gabi. Mas ayos ring dry ration ang kainin dahil hindi na kailangang gumamit ng portable stove na kailangan kung magpasyang magkanin. Tinatawag namin iyong 'light discipline'. Para sa mga balasubas sa combat patrols, tila nag-aapoy pa ang kanilang tropa. Taboo sa amin yon.

Lumubog nang tuluyan ang araw nang kami ay nagsimulang lumakad papunta sa bagong patrol base. Madilim sa aming area dahil masukal pa ang lugar. Pinagamit ko ng Night Vision Googles ang aming lead elements para mas kampante. Dahil sa sobrang ingat sa paglalakad, umabot ding halos isang oras ang paglalakad namin sa kasukalan bago ako nakapili ng aming pagtulugan. 

Nasa gilid kami ng dagat at overlooking ang dalampasigan mula sa aming posisyon. Merong mga puno na mapagtaguan sakaling magkabarilan sa gabi. Ginawa kong round formation ang aming security perimeter at pinag-designate ko ang Platoon Sergeant ng kanya-kanyang sector of fire ang bawat Team. Meron na rin kaming designated rally point sa aming pinanggalingang route sakaling mapabakbak kami at magkawatak-watak sa dilim.

Samantala, bawat team ay may naka-on duty at nagpapalitan hanggang umaga. Ang principle namin ay "I watch your back, please watch my back!" Galit kami sa patulog-tulog na tropa kasi iyon ang magpapahamak sa lahat. 

Nang naka-settle na ang aking patrol, ibinigay ko sa Tactical Command Post ang aming location. Kinuha ko rin ang mga bagong posisyon ng mga friendly forces para ma-markahan ko ito sa aking mapa. Halos tig-kalahating kilometro lang kami sa isa't-isa. Supporting distance lang. 

Tila pagod na pagod ako sa gabi na iyon. Basa ng pawis ang aking upper uniform dahil sa kalalakad. Ang ginagawa ko, pinapalitan ko ng tuyong sweatshirt ang upper uniform para hindi ako matuyuan ng pawis. Mahirap na,  nakaiwas nga ako sa bala, patay naman ako sa pulmonia!

Di naglaon, ramdam ko uli ang gutom kaya lang nahihiya naman akong humingi ng hirit na Skyflakes kasi magsunuran din yong iba. Kasya-kasya lang din kasi baon namin at naka-compute na sa number of days na patrol namin. Naalala ko na meron akong sariling dalang White Rabbit sa aking combat pack. Actually, lahat ng tropa ay may issue na kendi at bahala na sila kung paano ito tipirin sa pag-consume araw-araw. Pwede na rin kasing pampawi ng gutom yon. Dahil alam kong maglikha ito ng 'kaguluhan', kailangan lang super-tactical ang pagbukas nito. Parang musang ang tirada, dahan-dahan kong inabot ang aking lagayan ng kendi at nagbukas ng isa. 

"Kssst.Kssst" Animal, tumutunog talaga ang balot ng White Rabbit. Nagdasal ako na harinaway walang nakarinig. 

Di naglaon, may bumubulong na sa dilim at lumalapit sa aking pwesto: "Gent, pengeng kendi!"

Nang makalapit ang tropa, hinawakan ko ang kwelyo at inilapit sa akin ang kanyang tenga para bulungan na tila pasigaw.

"Hoy boloy, ang Abu Sayyaf ang bantayan mo at wag ang kendi ko!"

"Awwwww, si C.O. diay! Sorry ser!" Bisdak ang loko.

"Ayan, ang lakas pa ng bulong mo. Eto kendi mo, manahimik ka na at wag patulog-tulog!"

Napatawa na lang akong nakasandal sa aking combat pack habang nagmumuni-muni. Di ako agad makatulog sa dami ng niknik na nag-tsikini sa aking leeg at sa puno ng tenga. Bawal man ang maglagay ng Off lotion, pinahiran ko na. Baka ma-loss blood ako sa mga parasite na iyon eh. Lalo akong naiinis na naman kay Robot dahil sila ang dahilan na ang aking Pancit Molo ay naging Pancit Jolo. Ganon pa man, trabaho lang talaga. Animal kayong mga Abu Sayyaf kayo. Makalmot rin namin kayo!

(Ipagpatuloy)

Bandit mentality: Bad practices in wearing the military uniform

Units have their own distinctive uniforms but the basics on how to wear them is practically the same. Shown is the photo of a Scout Ranger NCO who is wearing the Scout Ranger Distinctive Uniform. 

Introduction

In any professional armed forces, proper military clothing is observed to maintain the respect and heroic nature of the military service.

Though different uniform styles are designed for each branch of the military these should be worn neatly and properly whether while on duty inside or outside camps where soldiers are subjected to the scrutinizing eyes of the general public.

For each service branch, a set of rules are to be followed when dressed in military attire, otherwise soldiers are subject to sanctions in accordance with the provisions of the Military Justice System.

In the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the lack of sanctions in subordinate units  has led to the continuous bad practices in wearing the military uniform. That is why we normally see shabby-looking soldiers who are wearing dilapidated boots and worn out uniforms.

Are we becoming helpless against these violators? Can't we do something to correct the problem?

Military Professionalism and the Uniform Code

During basic military training, soldiers are indoctrinated about their transformation from civilian life to a regimented one as they are honed to become part of the armed forces.

I can still vividly recall the message of  General Charles De Gaulle in a poem 'Military Professionalism' that he wrote which says:

“Men who adopt the profession of arms, submit their own free will to a law of perpetual constraints of their own accord. They resist their right to live where they choose,to say what they think,to dress as they like.”

Through this poem, soldiers are indoctrinated the importance of obedience and discipline. Recruits are required to wear a prescribed uniform for every specific military duty. During our 'beast barracks', there was an authorized uniform for parades, a separate bathroom attire and sleeping attire.

Since we entered the military profession, we were taught so many things about the military uniform,  including the correct way to iron and fold them.  We are told to ‘respect’ the uniform and the thousands of uniformed servicemen who had given honor to the country.

Uniform fundamentals 

First of all, soldiers are reminded that sharp personal appearance is the outward indication of your pride in yourself and the Army. You are not supposed to show yourself in uniform when you look shabby. Every soldier is supposed to be the ‘show-window’ of the military organization. It takes only one shabby-looking soldier to erode the trust of the public in an area where a unit is deployed.

Our uniforms must be presented neatly and cleanly. It means that the uniform must be regularly washed. Aside from that soldiers are taught on how to iron our uniform correctly.

I can still recall that as a PMA cadet, I got delinquency reports even for a simple offense of having loose strings which I failed to cut from my newly issued uniform. That is how we were trained to become respectable individuals in the military service.

Soldiers are trained that the uniform is to be worn with pride and to practice humility. No jewelry, combs, checkbooks, pens, pencils or similar items will appear exposed on uniforms.

AFP regulations also tell us that uniforms are not to be mixed with civilian clothing. No civilian undershirts and no wearing of civilian type shoes when in military dress.

Basically, smoking and chewing gum detracts from a professional image and is not allowed in military formations and when in public view.

Bulky items in our uniform’s pockets are not allowed. We are taught that having our hands in our pockets does not convey a professional image. Soldiers are not supposed to place their hands in their pockets except momentarily to place or retrieve items.

The cap is part of our uniform. We must always wear our cap while outdoors or while under arms, when carrying a rifle or wearing a saber.

Otherwise, we are not supposed to wear our hats indoors. Soldiers should develop the habit of removing their caps upon entering a building.

In some formal occasions however, it has been a custom to wear the cap during the duration of the activity. A fine example is during military graduation ceremonies.

Soldiers will keep fingernails clean and neatly trimmed so as not to interfere with the performance of duty. Female soldiers are also not supposed to wear nail polish that is exaggerated, faddish, or of extreme coloring, such as purple, gold, blue or white.

There are many ‘military cut’ or hairstyles that are acceptable in the Philippine Army. Basically, the hair will be neatly groomed. The length and bulk of hair will not be excessive or present a ragged, unkempt, or extreme appearance. However, there is no clear-cut policy on which haircut is specifically authorized.

Soldiers are required that their hair must not fall over the eyebrows or extend below the bottom edge of the collar. Likewise, lines or designs will not be cut into the hair or scalp. If dyes, tints, or bleaches are used, colors used must be natural to human hair and not present an extreme appearance.

For males, sideburns will be neatly trimmed. The base will not be flared and will be a cleanshaven, horizontal line. Sideburns will not extend below the lowest part of the exterior ear opening. The face will be clean-shaven and growing moustache is not permitted.

For female soldiers, hairstyles will not interfere with proper wearing of military headgear or protective masks. Hair holding ornaments (barrettes, pins, clips), if used, must be transparent or similar incolor to hair, and will be inconspicuously placed. Beads or similar ornamental items are not authorized.

Conservative civilian prescription eyeglasses are authorized for wear. Glasses with faddish frames or lenses, initials or other adornments are not authorized. Soldiers may not wear lenses that are so large as to detract from the appearance of the uniform.

Conservative sunglasses may be worn in uniform when in garrison, except indoors or in formation.

Soldiers are also not supposed to wear the uniform when going to a bar or strip club or any other place whose main purpose is to sell or serve alcohol. We are not allowed to get drunk in uniform, to go to political rallies, endorse political candidates and make political statements.

The reign of “bandit mentality” 

Looking around, it is frustrating to see that many soldiers do not respect the uniform at all. I am dismayed that soldiers do not follow dress regulations taught during training and opt to mimic the bandits whowe are fighting in the countryside.

Whether in large garrisons in urban centers or in far-flung detachments, we can find many uniformed men who look just the same with the Abu Sayyaf and NPA bandits.

Their presence is practically everywhere----starting from the GHQ, AFP to large camps of the three branches of service and down to the small detachments/outposts in the boondocks.

It is normal to see soldiers wearing tsinelas or sandals while wearing BDA. Basketball jerseys are also fast becoming the preferred undershirt.

Anywhere, you can find military trucks transporting soldiers who can be mistaken as newly captured rebels. 

Lame excuses

Though trying hard to understand this organizational ‘cancer’ that is creeping in our ranks called ‘bandit mentality’, I sometimes cannot help but confront erring soldiers whom I met personally.

Believing that there might be valid reasons for these actions, I always find time to let them verbally explain and hear their side.

Seeing one M35 truck driver in Pili town one day, I noticed that he was wearing ‘half-uniform’ and in tsinelas. Asked why he was wearing such unauthorized outfit, he calmly said that ‘the vehicle’s engine is very hot’ and so it is more relaxing to wear tsinelas and get rid of the ‘upper uniform’ (jacket). Comfort oriented soldiers, I sighed.

I realized later that the mess sergeant and many other soldiers who were buying provisions for the unit as well as the duty escorts were in various types of outfits you can imagine.

One was wearing the only the ‘upper uniform’. The other preferred only the Army shirt with baketball shorts. And, these are the soldiers who are wondering why they are not respected by the civilians whom they meet.

“We are in civilian attire or half-uniform to avoid the liquidation squad of the NPA sir,” came his explanation when I accosted him. Another unacceptable justification to an officer who was not born yesterday and who had fought both ASG and NPA bandits, I told him.

Inside military camps, soldiers who are performing ‘fatigue duties’ (cleaning and maintenance as well as construction personnel) use different military uniforms as their preferred outfit.

One soldier prefers the BDA jacket to protect himself from the scorching heat of the sun. The other soldier wears the BDA pants with his favorite Nike shoes and Adidas sweatshirt. If cautioned, the emotional reply is “nagtatrabaho kasi kami sa initan sir”.

Everyone seems to have the ready answer for their stupid actions. Reservist soldiers or ‘weekend soldiers’ have the easiest explanation why you can find them wearing the uniform as if they are members of the Hukbalahap bandit group.

“I am only a reservist soldier sir,” came the reply from one whom I accosted in a carenderia for removing his jacket and hanging it on his shoulders like Robin Padilla in one of his movies.

When I was a company grade officer in Mindanao, I once worked with many soldiers from different units as we hunted down bandits and terrorists in the marshlands of Maguindanao down to the lush forests of Basilan and Sulu.

I myself had violated regulations by conforming to some of the bad practices that I had observed in the past. I was also one of those who wear the ‘pis-pis’ (a form of amulet worn by our Filipino Muslim brothers), a yellow bandanna with Islamic prayers inscribed by an Imam.

As a young officer, I was stupid enough to assume that it was cool to wear the ‘pis-pis’ in the same way that Abdurajak Janjalani, the original Abu Sayyaf leader, did in mid-1990’s. Well, my own alibi during that time was that I was not issued force protection equipment (Kevlar helmet, Level 3A flak jacket); therefore, I felt that wearing my ‘anting-anting’ (amulet) for protection was justified. Of course, I was once stupid too. I am glad to have outgrown these bad practices and consistently demanded compliance to regulations by my subordinates when I climbed the ladder of the military bureaucracy one step at a time.

What went wrong?

The Philippine Army traces its humble beginngings from the revolutionary forces of the Katipunan which fought the Spaniards in the late 1890’s. Obviously, these ‘soldiers’ were ragtag fighters without any proper training. During that time, anyone who had a band of armed followers became the leader and “Heneral”.

It was during the time of President Manuel L Quezon (Commonwealth Period) that he established the new armed forces under the supervision of General Douglas Mc Arthur.

Due to the unexpected outbreak of the war, the newly organized and ill-equipped Filipino servicemen were incorporated into the US Armed Forces and named as the USAFFE.

Though lacking uniform and equipment, these forces were deployed for combat. These ill-trained Filipino soldiers fought courageously in the series of battles during WWII.

Naturally, no one cared how they looked or behaved during that time as long as warm bodies were present to defend the country.

When the AFP was gradually reorganized after the war, the soldiers were immediately plunged into the thick of the fight against the emerging the Huk rebels who waged violent attacks against government forces and facilities in Luzon.

In Mindanao, Constabulary and Army units were busy scouring the island of Sulu to hunt for the elusive Kamlon. Gathered war stories and some photos from this campaign reveal that soldiers were trained to imitate the bandits’ way of life as one of their strategy against the rebels.

During the reign of President Marcos, soldiers remained busy fighting both communist and secessionist rebels. For some reason or another, the use of different types of uniforms by soldiers was widely tolerated.

We can verify from footages during the EDSA revolution in 1986 and the 1989 coup d’etat that soldiers were proudly sporting long hair like “Rambo” who was the popular war movie icon among soldiers during that time.

Based on personal accounts of many officers who saw action in the field in the 1980s, the military uniform during those times was not really ‘uniform’ in the real sense of the word.

I have heard many senior officers who had served in the field during their younger years that the US ‘fatigue’ (olive drab) uniform was their favorite attire.

The much abused phrase called 'humanitarian consideration' is also made an easy escape for leaders who do not want to take responsibility of disciplining their subordinates. As a result, "Kawawa naman" is the easiest excuse among incompetent leaders. I really suggest that they must feel 'awa' for the organization too.

In the 1990’s, the emergence of reform-minded officers gradually transformed the military organization. Some officers were gradually taking notice of the importance of setting the correct image of the Filipino soldier. Even star-rank officers were reprimanding soldiers who were found to be sporting long hair and those who were wearing lousy and untidy uniforms.

In its effort to improve the ‘looks’ of the military personnel, there were measures implemented to ensure that soldiers will be wearing the same type of uniform. Instead of granting them cash benefits, three sets of uniforms (Reenlistment Clothing Allowance) were issued to enlisted personnel during their reenlistment every three years.

It is interesting to note that the constant changing of the uniform patterns had been the easiest ‘reform’ that can be implemented in the military organization. However, while the patterns of the uniform had been changed continuously, bandit mentality has not been eradicated until today.

One of the causes why this problem is not corrected is the usual tendency for officers to please their soldiers, a solid example of leadership by popularity. Officers and NCOs who feel that they do not have the credibility to lead, normally turn a blind eye on these infractions.

Recommended solutions

1. Review the AFP uniform code/regulations. A uniform board must be convened to study and possibly, revise the existing AFP dress regulations. Representatives from different BOS (branch of service) must be consulted as there are peculiarities in the uniform for each BOS. Each BOS will base their own dress regulations from the published AFP uniform regulations. All authorized military attires must be clearly defined such as the ‘fatigue duty attire’, formal ceremonies outfit, authorized haircut for men and women, etc.

2. Audio-video instructions.Training photos and videos can be made to ensure uniformity of the training instructions about dress regulations. Video CDs containing these instructions will be distributed for all training institutions (e.g. DTUs, ATGs, RCDG) and line units all over the archipelago. Photos about the different military outfits and the rules governing them must be posted in unit bulletin boards. This must also be part of the pre-entry training, reenlistment training and sustainment training for soldiers and units.

3. Command responsibility. Every officer and NCO-leaders must be made responsible for implementing uniform regulations by demanding compliance from unit leaders. Complaints through text messages especially with photos must be submitted to the military police or the DPM as part of our feedback system. Those who insist to dress and behave like bandits must be denied reenlistment so that they can wear anything they like as carefree civilians. Commanders who are inept, incompetent and who don’t have the iron will to implement regulations must be removed from their posts.

Conclusion

Bandit mentality is a curable illness that needs a dose of medicine called 'leadership'. 

To solve this problem, there is a need that both officers and non-commissioned officers (Sergeants) to do take responsibility and lead the way. We have no one to blame but the unit leaders for these infractions. We don’t need a star-ranked officers to do the job that is supposedly performed by NCOs and junior officers.

To look good and be owned by the people are also among our goals in the Army Transformation Roadmap. Sino namang Pilipino ang maging proud sa sundalo nya na mukhang bandido?

There is a need to discipline our soldiers. Let us start with the way they wear their uniforms and the way they behave as members of the largest armed group in the country, the AFP.

For a volunteer Army like our own armed forces, this is not difficult to implement.

Filipino soldiers had copied the way how the enemies of the state wear their assorted military garb. The MNLF-Misuari Faction members are wearing assorted uniforms matched with bandannas that also serve as amulets. 

When I was in the frontline, we didn't have any flak jackets nor helmets. As a 'force protection' I wore my 'pispis' (amulet) given by a Muslim friend. 

I didn't allow my soldiers to wear those kind of non-regulation outfits when assigned or visiting a military garrison.