Update:
At the investigation of the nine enlisted men today, they were given a charge sheet for violations of of Articles of War No. 67 (mutiny) and 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and gentleman) without supporting evidence.
In their own handwriting, at the back of the charge sheet, the soldiers denied the charges and explained their whereabouts on Feb. 23, 2006. many of them were at home in their provinces on administrative break pending the transfer to other units aftert eh the Anti-Crime task Force where they were assigned was dissolved.
When the nine of the 40 enlisted men of the Philippine Army’s Scout Rangers detained in Camp Capinpin for 18 months without charges were brought to the compound of the Army’s Intelligence Service last Wednesday night, their custodians didn’t waste time working on them.
And who did they use to try to break the nine? Capt. Milo Maestrocampo and Lt. Lawrence San Juan.
You have to give the military credit for knowing who to use for specific tasks. Maestrocampo and San Juan are officers of the Scout Rangers, the elite unit of the Philippine Army.
The two were also part of the 300 officers and soldiers the public referred to as the Magdalo group, who took over Oakwood hotel at the heart of the Makati Commercial Center in July 2003 and announced their withdrawal of support from the administration of Gloria Arroyo whom they accused of a number of crimes including condoning corruption in the military and concocting conflicts for a selfish, ulterior agenda. They have, however, since turned around and have signed a statement of support for the Arroyo administration.
Atty. Vicente Verdadero, lawyer of the nine soldiers (S/Sgt. Reynaldo Bala, S/Sgt. Marciano Saraspi, S/Sgt. Alexander Verzon, S/Sgt. Ronnie Dizon, S/Sgt. Rodelio Tuazon, S/Sgt. Nelson Alquiza, Sgt Arthur Arienda, Sgt. Pastor de Guzman, Sgt. Richard Javier), said his clients told him that immediately after they arrived at the ISG compound, they were subjected to counseling, a euphemism for brainwashing.
“Counselors” Maestrocampo and San Juan reportedly told the nine soldiers not to expect much from their officers, who are also detained in Camp Capinpin. They also counseled the nine not to ask for “daños” (compensation) from the military.
The two expelled Magdalo officers must be referring to the possible claim that the nine would file using the writ of amparo under the Human Security Act for their 18 months of illegal detention.
Verdadero told his clients that Maestrocampo and San Juan should only speak for themselves when it comes to standing by their men because their officers, although detained, are honorable and will never abandon them.
The nine were also subjected to one-on-one counseling with other “counselors” from the office of the Inspector General who tried to discredit Verdadero. The soldiers said they were asked, “How well do you know your lawyer? How did you know him? How sure are you that he is after your interest?”. They were offered lawyers for free.
But the nine said, No thank you, we will stick with Verdadero, who is also the lawyer of Brig. Gen. Danny Lim and Capt. Dante Langkit in the court martial trial in connection with the alleged aborted withdrawal of support from Gloria Arroyo in February 2006.
The purpose, of course, of the military officers’ attempt to discredit Verdadero is to have the nine sign an affidavit implicating Lim and other officers in the February 2006 incident. It only proves that up to now, they are still in the stage of looking for evidence against the detained officers.
The nine are part of the 40 enlisted personnel who have been detained in Camp Capinpin for 18 months without charges. Their secret detention was exposed by Sen. Rodolfo Biazon last month after he visited the officers. Army Chief Alexander Yano dismissed “without honor” the 26 two weeks ago.
Verdadero said unlike the 26 who were on their way back to Sipocot, Camarines Sur on February 24, 2006 when they were apprehended, the nine were assigned with the Anti-Crime Task Force . Some were in Camp Tecson in Bulacan and others were in their homes at that time. One, S/Sgt. Reynaldo Bala, was detailed in the Cavite farm of Preciosa Soliven, head of the committee secretariat of the Unesco Philippines and widow of Philippine Star publisher Max Soliven.
Verdadero has asked that the “counseling” of the nine be stopped and for them to be transferred to the custodial management unit.
The role of the Maestrocampo and San Juan in the breaking of the nine led one defense lawyer to jokingly remark, “When the nine invoked their right to be assisted by counsel, the Philippine Army headquarters made available Maestrocampo and San Juan, both Rangers themselves but of a different heart, to “counsel them.”
I’m so disappointed with these two officers especially Maestrocampo, who was one of the most passionate during the Oakwood siege as he narrated the miserable conditions of the soldiers in battle, in contrast to the stolen comforts that many officials enjoy.
I remember most Maestrocampo lecturing during that unruly press conference in Oakwood that “when we die, we won’t be asked where we lived, whether it was under the tree in the mountains of Mindanao or in a mansion in the posh villages.” He said what matters is if we had made a stand between right and wrong.
Many things have happened the past four years and one of the most disheartening was the turnaround of a group of officers, including Maestrocampo. In September last year, Maestrocampo was one of those who signed a statement of support for Arroyo.
San Juan escaped from detention in January 2006 and was captured a month later. He looked defiant when he was being roughly pushed to the helicopter by his captors. He was put in solitary confinement at the ISG for many months. Early this year, he changed his plea of not guilty and pleaded guilty of conspiring to stage a coup in 2003.
One officer said, “Maestrocampo and San Juan used to be Rangers’ shepherds. But they opted to become Gloria’s goats fantasizing of greener pastures outside of detention. They are in for a shock. What’s in store for them is a barren desert.”
Now we can see Maestrocampo and San Juan’s hidden agenda when the became part of the Magdalo: i.e., they want to stop GMA’s corruption network so that they will be able to do it (corruption, that is) themselves.
Now we can see Maestrecampo and San Juan’s hidden agenda when they became part of the Magdalo: i.e., they want to stop GMA’s corruption network so that they will be able to do it (corruption, that is) themselves.
If they cannot have the “whole pie,” half a pie will do.
Ms. Ellen di kaya napitpit ang bayag nila San Juan at Maestrocampo kaya bumaligtad na sila. Sayang trained Scout Rangers pa man din sila elite force ika nga and they were trained not to squeal to the enemy any information even if it meant their death. My only suggestion to these two cowards(they should be also charged for violation of the articles of war -FOR BEING TRAITORS) if they still have that sense of pride in them is to commit suicide, this is the most honorable and patriotic way of dying for the country. You could also redeem your lost honor. Sayang ka San Juan.
Any guy in the military not necessarily a lawyer could be designated as a defense counsel. They must have a noble motives to help bring back the lost sheeps into line. Just like some PAOs who of what I heard as jokes would advice clients to plead guilty na lang. And court tactics is not the monopoly of lawyers.
When we first saw Maestrocampo, he caught our attention far more than the other Magdalo officers did. He was probably next to Trillanes in terms of popularity primarily because of his stories of their tearjerking exploits in the forests of Mindanao and secondly because many PMA Cavaliers criticized his English. May patak-luha ekek pa. Maraming masa ang nahatak ng grupo dahil sa kanya. Pagkatapos magpaka-bayani, mistulang kontrabida na siya ngayon, sayang.
Walang kadala-dala, na-onse na sila ni Gloria nang ibinasura ang terms of surrender nila with Cimatu, kumampi pa sila doon.
Ano’ng napala nila? Kahihiyang hindi na mabubura kailanman. PMA? Punyetang Maestrocampo, Abnoy!
Balita ko dalawang sakong Star fruit (Balimbing) ang pinakain sa kanila during their brainwashing orgy sa ISG.
Magandang GRO pa raw ang nag serve sa kanila.
Honestly, I pity Maestrocampo & San Juan. Tama si Tongue-twisted…Kahihiyang hindi na mabubura kailanman. Don’t they know that these events will be written down in history…and who studies history of the Philippines? The kids…Imagine, siguro ang mga anak nitong dalawa, maliliit pa..magiging apo nila…mga kamag-anak nila…mababasa..isang ama na walang prinsipyo..isang ama na sa kaunting paghihirap ay tatalikuran ang naunang ipinaglalaban? Di kaya itong dalawang ito eh nakinabang din sa supot na may lamang 500?
My God….Maestrecampo San Juan..be a true Scout Ranger naman!
Sa palagay niyo…ano ang iniisip nitong mga sundalong kinakausap niyo na maybe one time or another they were under your command at kinakabog niyo sila kapag sila ay may nagawang pagkakamali during one of your operations sa field?
Nakakahiya kayo!
Capt. Milo Maestrocampo and Lt. Lawrence San Juan may have compromised their principles to save their asses or in exchange of monetary consideration and restored officer’s privileges. I suspect they are deep penetration agents in the defunct Magdalo group.
Can Maestrocampo and San Juan look at their fellow soldiers in the eye for what they are doing? Okay, they signed a statement of support for Arroyo. Pinarada pa sila ng AFP on tv in an interview with Ces Drilon. They all looked pathetic there.
Now they are being used to pin down fellow Rangers? Si Gen. Lim pa, who is most respected? Can these two officers sleep?
Actually, naawa ako sa kanila.
To the nine soldiers, also the 26 and the remaining five. You are all in our prayers. Be strong. Dasal kayo palagi.
Ellen, my reaction to the statement of one officer who said, “Maestrocampo and San Juan used to be Rangers’ shepherds. But they opted to become Gloria’s goats fantasizing of greener pastures outside of detention. They are in for a shock. What’s in store for them is a barren desert.”
It’s unfair to the goats.
The Code of Conduct was a set of rules that soldiers were expected to follow if captured.
I am a Soldier,Fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life.I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
I will never surrender of my own free will.If in command,I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have means to resist.
IF I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available.I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape.I will accept neither parole nor special favor from the enemy.
IF I become a prisoner of war,I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners.I will give no information or take in any action which might be harmful to my comrades.If I am senior,I will take command.If not,I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.
When questioned,should I become a prisoner of war,I am required to give my name,rank,service number,and date of birth.I will evade answering further questions to the outmost of my ability.I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its allies or harmful to their cause.
I will never forget that I am a soldier,fighting for freedom,responsible for my actions,and dedicated to the principles which made my country free.
These is a vivid reminder to San Juan and Maestrokecampo.
The only honorable and principled way for a soldier or officer to break the chain of command is to become a civilian first, by resigning the commission or finishing his or her tour of duty. All bets are off if you try to have your cake and eat it too.
But maybe it’s different in the Nice People’s Army, where a kangaroo court tries, judges and executes you if you so much as catch joma’s or satur ocampo’s ire.
DJBRizalist;
The problem is,there are too few brave soldiers,especially in our country,who have both the knowledge and the guts to tell the truth.But,we must offer our soldiers a sense of hope that there is a positive solution to the present crisis.
To do so, our leaders must operate on the principle that if the overwhelming majority of the soldiers understand what the threat is to them and their future, and to coming generations, nobody can conquer them.It’s only when the soldiers are confused and don’t know what they’re fighting for, that they surrender their principles to things like a coup d’état.When so;diers are aroused—and remember,soldiers are people and are influenced by the population—if we give political leadership and inspiration to these soldiers,they will not allow any such tyrant to triumph.Under that condition,the tyrant is defeated before they strikes.
cocoy,
I think the big problem we have in this country is that we have been so oppressed in our own history that we do not actually uphold the idea of justice as fairness. That is the main reason we do not see the Constitution as a Contract, and all other relationships in society as being essentially contractual relationships of one kind or another.
The AFP for example is not a debating society. It cannot do its job if the chain of command is imperilled by rebels within its ranks who won’t honor the contract they signed up to, morally and legally when they joined. The same of course applies to ALL participants. But two wrongs don’t make a right. Just because you see wrongs being committed doesn’t mean you can correct them by doing wrong yourself.
That is the moral dilemma that faces us with this Magdalo problem. But it is simply infantile to blame one side completely as often happens around here.
DJB,
The constitution rules supreme. The AFP is not exempted from it. When Esperon and company allowed themselves to be used by Gloria Arroyo to cheat for her in the 2004 elections, they violated their oath as soldiers and officers.
Gloria Arroyo was never elected by the people. What chain of command are you talking about?
Sayang ka Maestrocampo, Ilongo ka pa naman. Ano kaya ang sabihin ng tao sa tatay mo sa Talisay, Negros Occidental. Anyway, its your decision.
Maestrocampo, what a waste… I always thought he’ll have a bright future during those good ol’ magdalo days. But now you joined the dark side, be prepared to suffer the wrath of the filipino people when your evil master goes down.
Ano pa nga ba ang maaasahan natin sa mga taong dinemonyo ng kasalukuyang pekeng pamahalaan kungdi mang dedemonyo din sila ng mga kabaro nila.
DJBRIZALIST Says:
November 5th, 2007 at 9:19 am
“I think the big problem we have in this country is that we have been so oppressed in our own history that we do not actually uphold the idea of justice as fairness.”
The idea of “justice as fairness” is not practiced in Pinas. Example: A policeman stops a motorist for a minor traffic violation. The violator tells the policeman: “. . .Hindi mo ba ako kilala?” Meaning, that a traffic violation is a traffic violation only to those who do not have a “padrino” in government, military, or the elite. “Justice as fairness” is only a dream for the common man.
The coward asspweron uses his coward minions to do the dirty work for him! I hope that these brave soldiers will not succumb to pressures put on them by these “sundalong kanin” as Anna described them.
It is very sad that those who are principled are given the 3rd degree treatment and those who are spineless and known law breakers are given the promotion and recognition. Only in the Philippines where the mob rule is exalted!
Off topic: The impeachment attempt is weakened again as the tiyanak, tabako and tengang daga patched up things! Birds of the same feather flock together! These three vultures really know how to survive at the expense of the people! There is no accountability anymore! Takipan na lang sila ng mga “baho” nila! Palibhasa parepareho silang magnanakaw at mandurugas!
Gabriela, I agree with you that when asspweron and the other Garci generals cheated for the tiyanak in the 2004 and 2007( in Mindanao for Zubiri), they bastardized the constitution and the right of suffrage of the people. The so-called “mutiny” and “conduct unbecoming of an officer” slapped on the detained soldiers are so minute compared to the humongus electoral fraud the tiyanak and her generals and her “kumolek komisyoners” had committed!
The “trio”-the tiyanak, tengang daga and tabako will probably push anew for the cha cha kaya nagkasundo ulit! If the system has failed the people, the people will fail the system! The people will not stop until these vultures are out!
DJBRizalist;
I agree with you on that; the chain of command provides the control and communications necessary to accomplish the mission.Each level in the chain is responsible for a lower level and accountable to all higher levels. The chain cannot work without loyalty to every level.With loyalty up and down the chain, it is a highly efficient and effective system for getting things done.The key principle is to resolve problems and seek answers at the lowest possible level.
Military are arranged organizationally to follow this single chain of command concept.This concept provides a clear structure for orders to flow from the highest levels of the military to the most junior ranking soldier, this concept allows information, ideas, and complaints to flow upwards from the most junior person to the highest levels. This emphasis on military service lead in turn to the social importance of military service. Members of the military are expected to follow the Chain of Command, reporting problems and progress to their immediate superiors as a matter of course.
cont.;
However, military chain of command uses divisional level command system. Every infantry regiment, cavalry brigade and artillery battery needs to have a divisional commander in charge of it, and every divisional commander is controlled by someone who issues his orders, there will be a leader who fulfills the role of a divisional. All units under the command of a divisional leader must remain within that officer’s command radius (CR), Units within their divisional commander’s effective radius will always respond to order of their commander Units outside their divisional leader’s command radius are considered to have exceeded the ability to communicate with them in a timely manner and have correspondingly limited courses of action. This command radius system applies only to divisional leaders and their equivalents, not to corps/army commanders, who do not have command radiuses.
In the case of San Juan and Maestrocampo, they will only follow and carry the order of their commander in charge within that divisional command wether it is legal or illegal, if they are the senior officer in charge they will fight or to surrender the whole unit, not individual survival. However if there is an officer above them taking charge they will obey the orders of those over them and will back them up in every way. Soldiers fight as a unit, and that is the Military Chain of Command.
The Oakwood soldiers were there not for a “mutiny” or “coup”, they were there simply for a redress of grievances, a totally democratic manner of expression. They wanted to express totally valid complaints of the effect of corruption and prostitution of the military. Unfortunately these are soldiers, and the only way they knew how to make a stand is to do so in full battle gear, these were not seasoned activists like you and I. To me, whats important is the message they wanted to convey. But it is actually drowned out by accusations of mutiny and conduct unbecoming as if what they did actually constituted a “threat” to national security. If they really wanted to be a threat they could have done it in a manner they are very good at “combat.” They could have done a repeat of the Honasan coups, literally attack the palace and unseating the president, but there was nothing of the sort.
Yes, arm chair military analysts like DJBrizalist will say they should have given up their military status and became civies first before doing what they did, which is right in the legal point of view, easy for people having no experience being a soldier to say. Its easy for people to condemn them especially coming from spineless, passionless fools, poeple who never had the guts to enlist, people who like to hear/read themselves talk, they can talk/write all they want, talk is cheap and so are they. Then again, as any lawyer will probably admit, there is only so much things the law can do, the law itself has limitations, and in a country where the “powers that be” can even use the law to perpetuate corruption what else we do but confront these powers in the “political arena?” What else can the people do but to confront GMA in an “in your face” dialogue and expect truthful and sincere answers without hiding behind legal barriers that were designed to uphold the rights of the Filipino and not to suppress them.
If we take boxing as an analogy. Your opponent is using dirty tricks, elbows, head butts, very effectively and the referee isn’t calling out the fouls, would you use dirty tricks yourself to win or stick to playing fair and still expect to win? Because this is where we are right now, someone is playing dirty but no foul is being called…What will it be? What will it be?
As for San Juan at Maestrocampo, I don’t know how things are in the academy nowadays. But I can say that there was a time when your bunk mate had to bind your broken ribs in the secrecy of your own room, you treat each other’s busted toes (from butt strokes) in silence, and drown your screams of pain in your pillows at night – and no one will ever know, as you are not a “squeeler” and squeeling is punishable by death. Maybe these two suffered a lot more? I really hope they have noble reasons, otherwise their wives and girlfriends need to check if they still have their “yagballs.”
Bravo Juggernaut! You hit is bulls eye! Critics of the Magdalo’s and the other incarcerated officers can talk all they want but the bottom line is, these critics may not even have seen an actual battleground. Our soldiers see our countrymen and their dire needs all the time. Executives who hide behind their desks hypothesize only.
Your boxing analogy is great! The tiyanak and her cheating generals are indeed full of dirty tricks. Soldiers who are men enough can not stomach the foul tricks and they have to do something! I am sure that the Magdalo soldiers( except those who surrendered too soon to the tiyanak) and the incarcerated officers are secretly admired by their colleagues unlike the tiyanak and her corrupt generals who are disdained secretly. Makakapal lang talaga ang mga mukha nitong mga corrupt generals at si tiyanak kaya kahit na isinusuka sila ng mga tao, sigue pa rin sila sa pagaastang hari at reyna. Let us see what will become of them when the tide turns!
What often happens around here is there are “hit and run” guests who won’t respond when rebutted. Like this one…
If a leader commands respect, and sans external interference, the subordinates will be willing to work with him, or even work for him.
Otherwise, same will be despised, hence the corrosion of the chain. And when that happens, whose fault will that be?
Self-explanatory.
Kahit ba kung may ginawang kabalbalan ang nakatataas, ay “see no evil” na lang ang nasa baba?
I’m sure these soldiers have common sense to know what are those issues that are detrimental to the mission, as against those that are of common interest which is professionalism within the force.
In fact, it is the absence of that value of professionalism within them that will insure their defeat.
And who will act himself as the model of good values, if not the Chief himself?
Just to offer a different view on the matter: Both these gentlemen have families and relatives, and we do not know what the military and its agents have been doing to put pressure on Maestrocampo and San Juan.
The capacity of this regime to lie, steal, coerce, bribe, and even kill has been bewailed. Is there any one that can surely say that the two officers made a turn-around out of their own free will having been under government custody all these four years?
“The AFP for example is not a debating society. It cannot do its job if the chain of command is imperilled by rebels within its ranks who won’t honor the contract they signed up to, morally and legally when they joined.”- DJBRIZALIST
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So, do we now blame the likes of Gen. Miranda,Gen.Lim and company, for the debacle in Basilan where marines were decapitated and the reconnaissance team that became sitting ducks and target practice by the enemy? Are we now saying that had they not rebelled, these incidents would have been avoided(“It cannot do its job if the chain of command is imperilled by rebels within its ranks”)? Hello!
Dean,
I don’t understand your “But maybe it’s different in the Nice People’s Army, where a kangaroo court tries, judges and executes you if you so much as catch joma’s or satur ocampo’s ire.”
Have you witnessed this sort of kangaroo trial first hand?
Would be good of you to write about your own experience…
Dean,
Re: “The AFP for example is not a debating society. It cannot do its job if the chain of command is imperilled by rebels within its ranks who won’t honor the contract they signed up to, morally and legally when they joined. The same of course applies to ALL participants.”
Debating with superiors won’t happen if there was fairness, and of course, justice in the AFP.
When the highest ranking officer of the AFP stands accused of helping cheat in elections, discipline within the ranks cannot be maintained. As simple as that.
If Esperon and other high-ranking officials were really clean about the conduct of the military in the 2004 elections, why is the contents of the Mayuga report kept secret? They would not hide it from the public if there was nothing embarrassing or detrimental to those who are in power.
How then do you expect officials who have tried to be upright all throughout their career to react? A soldier lays down his life for his country. But look at the leaders that rule the country. Are worth dying for?
DJB, you talk of honoring “the contract they signed up”. It does not say in the contract that the officers signed that they would be used to cheat to make someone who is disliked by the people be installed as president.
Their contract, in fact, requires them not to engage in partisan politics. Tampering with elections results (as Gen. Habacon and company did acording to Garci) is not just engaging in partisan politics. It’s engaging in criminal acts.
What did Gloria Arroyo do to Habacon. She promoted him.
Re: ““the contract they signed up”. It does not say in the contract that the officers signed that they would be used to cheat to make someone who is disliked by the people be installed as president.”
Excellent point Gabriela.
Sampot, re your comment What often happens around here is there are “hit and run” guests who won’t respond when rebutted. Like this one… ‘ Gloria Arroyo was never elected by the people. What chain of command are you talking about?’
That’s my input in this blog. Please tell me what do you want clarified with that comment.
Hit and run? Are you the one setting rules in this blog? I blog whenever I find time and when I feel like commenting. I am not aware of any rule by Ellen that I’m violating.
The Constitution says that the military is the protector of the people and of the State. But the State is composed of several elements: people, territory, sovereignty. If the people are part of the State, why distinguish? Because there are instances in our history (EDSA I for instance) where the State no longer represents the people and in fact attacks them, i.e. extra-judicial killings or allowing the sale of bullets to the enemy, the same bullets that will kill Filipino soldiers. In such instances, the AFP must protect the people, since the State either fails to do so or is an active participant in endangering the people.
No, soldiers do NOT need to become civilians in order to protest injustice. They are not compelled by any law to obey an unlawful order. It is precisely the kind of soldier who can say NO to the moral depravity of those in power that we need. Free the Magdalo! Free the Tanay 28! Return justice to the people, return their protectors.
The soldiers and the president swore to uphold the Constitution. The chain of command, therefore, is from the mandate of the Constitution, to the Commander-in-Cheat, to the Cheap of Staff.
It is the Cheat and Cheap who broke the chain of command, when they violated the Constitutional grant of the right of suffrage, and when they violated the right of these soldiers not to be denied freedom without due process.
If I may add Klingon, soldiers are expected to disobey illegal orders.
ba’t di pa rin pumasok?
Saka na lang , Gabriela.
Gabriela,
Kapatid, i’m referring to your statement as one that deserves answer from DJB.
Here i’m rewriting it to eliminate ambiguity…
________________________________________________________
What often happens around here is there are “hit and run” guests who won’t respond when rebutted. Like this [one] rebuttal from Gabriela…
Gloria Arroyo was never elected by the people. What chain of command are you talking about?
____________________________________________________________
OK na?
Cool ka lang, Dear.
Sorry,Sampot. I misunderstood you.
Juggernaut(at 3:07am, you said it right about the arm chair analysts. Many of them are talking only out of experience from just watching and reading. At bukod sa boxing, para ring sa basketball. Binabalya na ang mahinang team, kakampi pa ng referee ang mga balyador
Gab,
ok lang, tinamad na kasi akong mag – type kaya shortcut na lang.
“Juggernaut(at 3:07am, you said it right about the arm chair analysts. Many of them are talking only out of experience from just watching and reading.” -TurningPoint
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If I may add,many of them just love to fight and brawl it out with other bloggers. Di mo malaman kung ano ang ipinaglalaban, kaya ang hirap kausap ang hirap pagpaliwanagan . Sa kabila madaming ganyan, mga nanggugulo at nangaasar lang, which reminds me of a World War 2 general sa isang wikipedia article:
“General Patton was a man who lived for war. World War II was the high point and culmination of his life. He didn’t fight for any principles, he didn’t fight to defend freedom or democracy or any abstract idea; he fought because he loved fighting”.
Marami ang hindi naman talaga mahal ang bansa natin, gusto lang nilang patunayan na magaling silang mangasar at manggulo.
First time that i know, that this certain Capt Maestrocampo
is an Ilongo. I don’t know kung nahiya siya kay Col. Parcon
at LT Col Segumalian. Magpabinyag na lang sana siya sa Muslim para magsama na sila ni Haji Dolorfino para madagdagan naman ang tribo namin. Anyway this time, SURVIVAL ang theme song dalawang “Counselor”
In fairness to Maestrocampo, this guy fought in the jungles of Mindanao against the rebels and separatist for our country too. Of course as expected bilang isang sundalo. It just saddened me that he softened, and I think the main factor that forced him to make baligtad ay ang kanyang family at mga anak. He should have persevered like his incarcerated senior officers, the likes of Nelson Mandela, the likes of the Christian Martyrs and etc. He should have been conscious that he is writing history. I know Milo very much, I was his senior during my university years in Engineering before cya nag PMA.
Sayang talaga…
NP, I’m really sad that Capt. Maestrocampo turned around. As Tongue said, next to Trillanes, he was the one who made an impression in Oakwood. In my articles about Oakwood, he was the one that I quoted the most because his narration about how miserable the situation of the soldiers in the battlefield (tattered boots, etc. etc.) were heart-rending.
One story of his that I found heartbreaking was his cradling a dying soldier in his arms waiting for a helicopter that never came because some generals were using it.
I’ve heard about personal differences with fellow officers. I understand that. But for him to pledge support for Arroyo? That, I can’t understand.
I have spent most of my time living at the sharp end of life, out of choice I must add, but I’m also thankful for but rarely fully understanding the opinions given by what has been termed here as “the arm chair analysts”.
Lets face it life at the sharp end is a hard struggle no matter what your experiences have been, the bloggers here including your “arm chair analysts” have kept me aware of the wider issues in life and I think that is the key to Ellensville being so successful for the past two years. More power to you Ellen.
Thanks,wwnl.
we-will-never-learn,
If we cut to the chase, it always boils down to the bottom line – the motive. Yes life is a wide issue, but if you focus only on one thing like the “consitution” or the “law” you have completely missed the whole issue. Is the “law” designed to serve the people or must the people serve the law?
Opinions are free but then again we have to be wary as some may try to douse the fire within us, confuse us, and turn us into docile sheep easily led to the slaughter. People have trivialized the “a country run like hell by Filipinos,” choosing instead to see a picture of chaos instead of one of fiery passion, to resist to the death any foreign sovereign, any form of oppression (external or internal). To me these words envision the Filipinos’ indomitable spirit and determination to chart their own destiny. The US has had its share of wide scale massacre and isolation of the plains Indian, importing a race to enslave in their plantations, and now a foreign policy of domination unmasked. The Philippines is only beginning to feel free, to break the shackles of age old oppression from the oligarchs that dictate policy formation. Long live true Philippine independence!
ako di ako masyadong nagsusulat dito sa blog mo mam ellen pero kung may nababasa akong di maganda tungkol kay pres.erap na lagi nilang napupuna dyan na ako magre-react tulad nga ng sabi totoong tao siya kaya kaming mahihirap gusto namin siya para sa akin mas mainam kung si ystakie at ate glo ay magkakampi kasi sa aking palagay magkatulad sila (joke)
Re : arm chair analysts, there are also “Starbucks Analysts,” you know, the lunch break bloggers who would rather forego physical nourishment and opt for mental nutrients instead like yours truly.
Ellen,please remind capt.maestrocampo about the MILF prisoner he had after clearing camp Bilal or Abubakar way back in 2000 .
Matapang siya noon,tapos after makulong post oakwood nagbago, naduwag at taksil pa!
Ayan lumabas na ang atraso ni Capt. Milo Maestrocampo. Marami ang may alam sa bloggers ni Ellen. Nababasa sa apat na sulok ng daigdig.
Bisaya, what you posted is very, very serious. I’m constrained to edit it out because Capt. maestrocampo is not in a position to give his side. I hope you understand.
Ellen, please allow me a quick reply to juggernaut to tell him that most of my time at the sharp end was following law in a black & white manner accept with the odd moment when dancing in the Grey areas of law. If I’m truthful it was when I danced in these grey areas when I made mistakes but it made me open to listening to opinions of others.
we-will-never-learn,
I know what you mean, I understand really. I feel the same way. Just wary, that is.
Code of Conduct of the Filipino Soldier
1. I am a Filipino Soldier .I will support and
defend the constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.
2. I am a Filipino Soldier. I will fight all forces
that would destroy the freedom of the Filipino People.
3. I am a Filipino Soldier. I will obey the law,
legal orders and decrees of my lawful superiors at all times.
4. I am a Filipino Soldier. I will fight and die in the
true Filipino tradition of valor, honor, duty and loyalty.
To all these I pledge my life, my treasure and my sacred honor.
Item 3 qualifies “legal” orders and decrees, this is to ensure that the “chain of command” will not be abused by the powers that be…
I agree with Ellen, bisaya. Sobra ra kakuyaw tong imong gisulti.
juggernaut,
unsa man diay iyang gisulti diri?
sensya na, wa nako maabti.
Noong nakaraang 2 linggo, itong si General Ser Esperon, nagpakitang gilas sa pamamagitan charm offensive sa media. Pumunta pa ito sa mga MRT/LRT station at kumpleto nakauniporme pa, hanep pa nga ang sumbrero nya.(ala military of 70’s)
It reminds me of General Wiranto of late 1990’s.
Ito namang si CJ Puno, inaaya lang na mag-lead ng junta natameme rin, atras-abante rin kumbaga.
Anong klaseng bansa meron tayo? Natatakot na husgahan ng kasaysayan para lang mag-lead ng bansa tungo sa makatotohanang pagbabago.
Kung buhay lang ngayon si Marcelo Fernan,(isa sa 7 inanyayahan para sa civil-military council noong Manila-Cebu Reform Movement 1989), sigurado ako na ibang-iba ang pananaw nya sa Regimented Democracy.
Si Legazpi na tinaguriang El Adelantado/El Viejo ay isang abogado na may military background. Bagkus sa kanyang katandaan at problemang kalusugan, naglakas loob itong pumalaot patungong Maynila sa pamamagitan ng pinaunang ekspedisyon ni Goiti at Salcedo upang masakop nila ito.
Ito’y isang kahanga-hanga at inspirasyon sa mga Pilipino sa larangan ng pakikidigma.
Sa Malaysia noong 2002, si Mahathir Mohamad, kahit pa sabihin na umarte ito sa harap ng camera, sa pamamagitan ng pag-iyak at gusto nang mag-resign.
Hindi sya naduwag na kutyain sa media at tawagin na iyakin!
The same with General Wiranto of his human rights record in East Timor.
Pero dito sa Pilipinas, ano ang matatawag natin sa mga lider na hindi raw kayang palitan si Gloria Arroyo?
Wala raw kayang pumalit kay GMA?
Hindi kayang palitan ang dorobo sa pamamagitan ng kudeta dahil ito ay babae?
Nahihibang ka ba?
O Miguel Malvar! Sana ay buhay ka!
Pagpalain nawa ang lahing Pilipino!
“juggernaut,
unsa man diay iyang gisulti diri?
sensya na, wa nako maabti.” – sampot
We might need to ask for Ellen’s permission first. Mananghid sa ta. Nganong sa daghang pwedeng ngalan kana may imong gipili? hehehe
GPS “Marami ang hindi naman talaga mahal ang bansa natin, gusto lang nilang patunayan na magaling silang mangasar at manggulo.”
True!
Update:
At the investigation of the nine enlisted men today, they were given a charge sheet for violations of of Articles of War No. 67 (mutiny) and 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and gentleman) without supporting evidence.
In their own handwriting, at the back of the charge sheet, the soldiers denied the charges and explained their whereabouts on Feb. 23, 2006. many of them were at home in their provinces on administrative break pending the transfer to other units after the the Anti-Crime task Force whether they were assigned was dissolved.
Duda ako kina Bisaya and Isaac H , sila ata ang mga nakalaban ni Milo noon sa Mindanao. Their hatred is overflowing…
Ellen,
The treatment of these men (9 enlisted men) is really appalling. Why I believe FVR himself wouldn’t do half of what Esperon did if he were in his shoes.
newphilippines,
I think so too, such dreadful and unbelievable accusations. You don’t suppose they can blog in the Abu Sayaf or MILF camps? hmmmm…
“Nganong sa daghang pwedeng ngalan kana may imong gipili? hehehe”- juggernaut
Mikatol man god sa dihang nagpaenroll ko diri.
If these two “counselors” have dark past, then that should explain their 180 degrees turnaround.
Nablackmail siguro sila ni Assperon.
Could it also be that the ISAFP or ISG, which is holding the nine enlisted men are trying to foment a “war” between the Magdalo and the Tanay 28? From what I know, the ISAFP is really afraid of a tactical alliance between these two groups. Kaya nga nila pinahirapan at hiniwalay si Cpt. Langkit, because they think that he is a member of both groups and has the capacity to join the groups into a singular force.
Masakit kasing isipin na ganun kalaki yung pinagbago ni Milo Maestrecampo and hindi ko maisip na pakikialaman niya ang mga tropa ng kapwa Ranger din.
Kay San Juan naman, matagal nang pinapasa-Diyos ng mga Ranger at ng Magdalo yan. Kahit ano pang sabihin niya, tumakas siya, pero hindi pinutulan ng sweldo. Si Cpt. Faeldon, hanggang ngayon pinapagdusa nila, at hindi nila ma-break.
Unfortunately, theres not much anyone can do about this. The laws of military discipline are final and non negotiable so these soldiers must accept the consequences which I believe they are prepared to do so. It has been the case since the post war era, after graduating from the academy, the young officers are exposed to the patronage politics and the choice is basically compromise/compliance or resign. It may seem unfair to most, but its the way things are in the military and should be. I the past, class bonds were so strong that they were able to stop each other from being politicised, enter into politics, or join coups.
Thats why although it seems ideal to have public officials from the military it is not good for this particular institution in the long run, as much as possible the military must be insulated from politics.
Of course, what Esperon and company are doing is an overkill, these soldiers may have lost their careers, at least let them keep their dignity.
If the laws on military discipline are final and non-negotiable, why did the participants of the 1989 coup get reinstated, and promoted? Why did Victor Corpuz manage to return after joining the NPA? And why did Angie Reyes — well, you catch my drift.
klingon,
Unfortunately, Angie Reyes and company decided to break free of time honored principles of staying away from politics, this may have triggered the snowball effect of “compromising” even the rules of military discipline, bastardized as the old guards, class ’40/’41 put it. If this cycle is not stopped, it will happen over and over again, and unless the sitting presidents stop surrounding themselves with generals, the military will forever be used as tools for political oppression. Its easy for me to say this I know, but if we look at the historical perspective it is sensible, theres a book/documentary by Al Mcoy (Closer Than Brothers), its a landmark work of research in Philippine military history not just PMA but also reservists.
Its very tempting for sitting presidents to use generals/military as minions in terms of efficiency and effectivity, these soldiers also had a hard time (I hope) of choosing between financial security and professionalism.
But then again, if the government can afford giving away millions of cash (unliquidated) they can afford to pay our soldiers better?
Noong bulilit pa ako(1975-76 bago ako mag-kindergarten), ang tagapag-alaga ko ay katulong na galing sa probinsya(na ngayon ay kasambahay ang tawag).
Kapag nakukulitan ito sa akin, ang panakot nito ay …”ali ka, harun ro in-pe-eh”
Kinukwentuhan din ako nito ng tungkol sa ‘si-ets-di-ep’ — nakakatakot daw ito kapag bumibisita sa mga bahay bahay.
Pero ngayon iba na.
Ikuwento mo lang ang “Abu” sa kabataan, iba na agad ang pang-unawa nila.
Kung ang isang kabataan na walang background sa corporate culture, at kapag binanggit mo ang headhunters, ang impresyon nila dito ay pugot ulo.
Nakilala ang Abu(marami ito sa salitang bisaya) sa pamumugot ng ulo o pamamandido.
May mga nagsasabi na ang mga Bisaya daw ang mahusay na panapat sa Moro rebellion dahil sa magkakaunawaan ito sa kultura at pananalita.
Nagtataka rin ako kung bakit ang PMA ay duon ipinuwesto sa Baguio samantalang ang isa sa mga banta ng Republika ng Pilipinas ay nasa Katimugan o Southern Philippines. Isama na natin dito ang mga may maka-kaliwang idelohiya, at iba pang grupo na nagmamahal sa bansa o gustong gumawa ng sariling bansa na may pagkilala sa kasaysayan.
Hindi ako naniniwala na nakuha na ng agos ni GMA si Capt. Milo Maestrocampo. Dahil natutunan o nalaman niya sa kasaysayan na itong palang mga tinutugis nya ay kanyang mga IGSUON.
Kaya sabi nga sa kanta na:
…
“Tayo’y mga Pinoy, tayo’y hindi Kano
Huwag kang mahihiya kung ang …
Tatay mo ay hindi Cowboy”
nelbar,
Pastilan, taga-asa man ka? kataw-an baya ta dinhi mahibaw-an mga bisdak! hehehe
It might be easier to understand the present if we try looking at a historical perspective. Here’s a book by Al Mccoy, Closer Than Brothers : Manhood at the Philippine Military Academy. It chronicles the history of PMA and also reservist officers, how “professionalism” was formed and subsequent “politisation” of the military.
I was able to buy a copy in National Bookstore Megamall.
http://www.amazon.com/Closer-Than-Brothers-Philippine-Military/dp/0300077653/ref=sr_1_3/103-7614828-1534228?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194425348&sr=1-3
ellen,
Hi, I posted a link but its still awaiting moderation re historical perspective of the Philippine military, PMA and reservist officers as I believe we may better apreciate the present by looking at the past also.
Thanks.
Juggernaut, yes I have the book. I am also a former military dependent and I know the outlook, hopes and aspirations of the “noble profession of arms.” It just gets more frustrating with every passing year. The military establishment keeps reinventing itself into worse permutations with each establishment. Within the institution there are issues between PMAers and reservists, between the junior officers and the senior ones, between the politically inclined and the professional soldiers, between the corrupt and the non-corrupt. The lines intersect everywhere and in most cases, its every man for himself.
Many of the exceptions are in jail. But not all of the dissenters (Magdalo or Tanay groups) are driven by nationalist fevor. Yung iba, tumataya din lang — a practice picked up from Kuya Gringo, baka manalo e. Or they could always enter the lucrative profession of saber rattling.
I am heartened only by the exceptions on both sides. On the administration side, General Ecarma of the Philippine Marines. On the rebel side, the Scout Rangers and the Magdalo Marines. Someday, their stories have to be told.
Ooops. By Scout Rangers, I mean the Tanay Scout Rangers. The Magdalo Rangers have become greatly disheartened, as we can see by the actions of Capt. Maestrecampo. Still, I hold him in high respect. Say what you want about him, he is untainted by corruption.
klingon,
Thats why I really feel so bad, but most of the time pissed off by people who judge these soldiers harshly without even bothering to understand them (I often get in trouble in blogs because of this). The Magdalo are very young men (even if they are officers) and are unwitting victims of history, of presidents who used the military for political means. Its hard for these officers to earn a living as it is, they have to contend with corruption and incompetence from superiors. There was a time when only the “honor violators” were ostracized, now its the opposite, the ones who point out violations are the ones being punished. I saw this coming in the 80’s, I am a former Class ’89 myself, painfully I have to give up my dreams in the military as I had to feed my family.
And for the officers in Tanay, they are our best combat officers so far, without them we saw the deaths of their comrades, probably because the officers that are left are the corrupt and incompetent ones who get their men killed.
It might be easier to understand the present if we try looking at a historical perspective. Here’s a book by Al Mccoy, Closer Than Brothers : Manhood at the Philippine Military Academy. It chronicles the history of PMA and also reservist officers, how “professionalism” was formed and subsequent “politisation” of the military.
I was able to buy a copy in National Bookstore Megamall.
http://www.amazon.com/Closer-Than-Brothers-Philippine-Military/dp/0300077653/ref=sr_1_3/103-7614828-1534228?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194425348&sr=1-3
Thanks for the tip. Will be a nice gift for one of your mistahs (Class 88).
atty,
Really? Batch mate nila Lapinid? Gladly, I was going to give one to Tagle, one of the instructors now in the academy but I never found time to go to Baguio. If you’re free on Friday, November 9, we can meet in EDSA Shangrila (Heat) for lunch, my treat! I’ll give you my extra copy.
Many thanks. But I am overseas. Malayong biyahe yan.
His wife is from Cebu. He is from the north, but fluent in Cebuano. I cannot divulge more.
atty,
Thats okay. I’m from Cebu myself, USC grad but that was a long time ago. I’m glad to have met you in this blog.
Juggernaut, have friends from ’85, ’86 and ’87. On both sides of the fence. There were some who joined the ’89 “coup” and some who were on the other side. I myself couldn’t stand to see friends on either side of a dividing line. In fact I felt incredibly relieved when amnesty was granted and many returned to the AFP to become decorated officers, because for a while, all was well. It couldnt last though, could it?
oi daghan bisdak diri:) frm CDC former CDU too!!!
one thing im certain about…..my husband is a pure blooded MUSANG!!! whatever will happen i know he will be RANGER BY MIND-BY HEART-BY SOUL AND BY BLOOD!!!!!!
Scout Ranger Song
We strike
We who are happy and free
Birds of same feather
We flutter together
Scout Rangers of fortune are we
We sing
Greeting the night with a song
Laughing out danger
We fight like a panther
And conquer the hardships always
Shadows to hide us
And bright stars to guide us
The night we roam
No one can find us
Wherever we choose to roam
We ride (Hep!), March (Hep!)
Creep (Hep!, Crawl (Hep!)
Silently in the jungle
Scout Rangers of fortune are we
Seeking and fighting
Laughing and loving
Scout Rangers of fortune are we!
LONG LIVE SCOUT RANGERS!!!
Halina
Halina sa aming bayan,
Pilipinas ng Silangan.
Lupang kasuyo ng araw,
Ang lahat ay kaibigan.
Dumalaw kayo sa amin
At bukas ang tahanan namin.
Bawa’t aming panauhin
Ay kapatid kung ituring.
Bayan namin ay payapa,
Lahi namin ay dakila,
Halina sa aming bansa
Ng pag-ibig at paglaya!