Army celebrates 113 years of selfless service

The Philippine Army, in its 113 years of existence, continues to provide a brand of selfless service to the country and the people. Established on strong foundation, the Philippine Army evolved into an Army mainly created for the country’s struggle for independence, to a force engaged in maintaining security – internal and external, to being instruments of peace.

In commemoration of its 113th anniversary, the Philippine Army embarked into a series of events celebrating its milestones and achievements.

With the theme “Philippine Army at Sambayanan: Magkabalikat sa Patuloy na Pagbabago para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran”, the month-long celebration took off with an ROTC Military Stakes and the Search for Binibining Laang Kawal held simultaneously on March 7. Recognizing the importance of the reserve force, the Philippine Army continues to dedicate interest in the welfare of the Reservists of the Philippine Army, the ROTC in particular.

To showcase the Philippine Army’s capabilities and equipment, the command spearheaded an Army Caravan which started at the SM Mall of Asia on March 12 and 13, to be replicated in Intramuros on March 17, and in Marikina River Banks on March 20 and 21. Through this activity, the Philippine Army was able to reach out to a wide range of audience – the public at large.

Also, in its continuing effort to empower the non-commissioned officers of the Philippine Army, the command conducted the 6th Senior NCO Leaders Symposium on March 10 to 12. The goal of the SNCOLC is to reinforce the leadership roles of the NCO in developing soldiers to become highly committed, competent and responsible soldiers. As the backbone and heart of the Philippine Army, the NCOs play a crucial role in the attainment of the Army’s mission.

Meanwhile, the following activities are set to be carried out in celebration of the Philippine Army’s 113 years: Philippine Army Museum Open House on March 16 to March 22; 7th PA Senior Leaders Conference on March 18 to 20; and the Tejeros Convention and Silent Drill Campus Tour on March 21.

Highlighting the 113th Army day main celebration on March 22 (Monday) is a military parade and awarding ceremony at the HPA Grandstand Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila. Expected to grace the event as Guest of Honor and Speaker is Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Simultaneous with the parade is the relaunching of the Army Literacy Patrol System (ALPS) and a wreath laying ceremony. #

Army Chief envisions an Army Strong in Faith

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Army chief Lt Gen Delfin N Bangit wants a Philippine Army that is not only strong in war fighting but also strong in faith. This, he expressed as he spoke before the participants of the Purpose-Driven Life Seminar during its Closing Ceremony at the Philippine Army headquarters yesterday.

In its effort to inculcate among Army personnel the necessary values and morals, the command continues to support activities focusing on the spiritual life of soldiers and activities which aim to strengthen the soldiers’ faith.

Values formation and the orientation of the individual soldier is a prime concern of the Philippine Army. In this age of technology and innovations, the Philippine Army still recognizes the need to strengthen the soldiers’ moral well-being. With the conduct of Purpose-Driven Life Seminars and other similar undertakings, the Philippine Army continues to impart among its personnel the values and attitude for them to be upright, respectable, and decent, which in turn is necessary for the accomplishment of the Philippine Army mission, because accomplishment in any field also depends on the attitude and values with which the individual act.

“Now that you have discovered how God works in your life, I hope that you would share your faith by being the living examples of God's goodness. In this way, more than being the Philippine Army, you will be God's Army,” Lt Gen Bangit concluded. #

Arrest of 43 thwarts violence in March

The New People’s Army suffered a big blow with the arrest of 43 of its members by the combined elements of the Philippine Army and the PNP in Morong, Rizal last February 6 and thwarted their plans to carry out attacks during the NPA anniversary on March 29. The arrest also prevented the NPA’s attempt to disrupt the on-going election campaign and the coming elections in May.

The operation on February 6 in Morong, Rizal by the Army troops and the police is a product of a thorough and deliberate planning, extensive intelligence work and accurate surveillance. Quoting MGEN Jorge Segovia, 2nd Infantry Division commander, “the detainees belong to a super body of NPA medics and combatants from various provinces.”

Most of the attendees at the meeting in Morong, Rizal are identified NPA members, serving as medical assistants of different guerilla platoons in various NPA provincial committees. Others were members of NPA’s Special Operations Group, which usually carries out liquidation orders of the NPA. They are members of the NPA guerilla units operating in Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Central Luzon and the Visayas. In addition, among those seized from the raid were weapons, ammunition, and explosive devices which would be used by the NPAs to terrorize the citizens of the country. This is a strong indication that the activities of the 43 accused are not limited to health trainings. The presence of weapons and explosive devices, including landmine, readily translates into espousing violence. The evidence of landmine alone is in direct contravention to the UN’s declaration against the use of landmines and the Ottawa Convention of 1997.

The arrest was carried out through a valid arrest warrant. For the judge to issue the same, he has established the existence of probable cause. The search was made in the presence of two barangay councilors and the house care taker. Why question the arrest now? Why come up with concocted allegations against the Army organization? We could only think of one, that the arrest was a big blow to the communist organization as it involves key personalities occupying major positions in the provincial, regional and national organs of the NPA. The arrest is a manifestation that the rebel forces are slowly being contained. Because of this decisive tactical victory, the government forces were able to prevent a possible major attack to be perpetrated by the NPA bandits during its anniversary this March 29.

However, instead of being lauded for a decisive tactical operation against the NPA, the Philippine Army is being criticized and questioned on the legitimacy of the arrest and alleged human rights violations.

The allegation that the detainees were tortured is a pure lie. Even Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Leila de Lima, who personally went to visit the detainees, denied this allegation. The human rights of the detainees were observed. They were given adequate food, water, and cot beds. They were informed of the reason of the arrest, and their right and access to legal counsel and family is respected. There was no truth to the sexual harassment claim either. When asked when she was sexually harassed, Ofelia Beltran-Ballante denied this. The unfounded accusations are mere propaganda to discredit the Philippine Army. Amidst the allegations, the Philippine Army remains undaunted to pursue it’s the charges against the 43 accused.

Safeguarding human rights is always at the core of every military operation. It is deeply entrenched in the institution’s programs, policies, and regulations. It is the very principle that Army soldiers try to live everyday. The Philippine Army respects and upholds human rights. It is the only organization which is most careful in the observance of human rights. An Army soldier cannot be promoted nor go on career advancement course if he has a record on human rights violation. This rule is strictly laid down and enforced.

However, like any individual, respect for human rights shall also apply to soldiers. In many cases, they have been denied of such. They have been subject to various human rights issues, they who have helped restore communities threatened by these bandits who would not hesitate to use arms just to advance the senseless ideologies they espouse. The Philippine Army remains undaunted and is doing its job to protect the welfare of every citizen and this nation. #