Capt. Langkit read the comments here and he sent a message.Check out below.
From his detention cell, Army Captain Dante Langkit is running for governor of Kalinga challenging well-entrenched politicians in the province.
A native of Kalinga Province, Langkit grew up in Poblacion Taga in the municipality of Pinukpuk. Born on October 1, 1971, Dante is the eldest among the four sons and three daughters of Esteban Linggayo Langkit and Gennette Balicao Dasayon.
Because of the then prevailing insurgency and tribal wars, Captain Langkit spent his elementary and high school studies in several government and private schools. He took his preparatory and elementary education at Bulanao Northern Elementary School and Pinukpuk Central School where he graduated Valedictorian. His high school days were spent at St. Williams Academy and St Theresita’s High School where he graduated with honors.
While taking up BS Civil Engineering in St. Louis College in Tuguegarao City (1988-91), Captain Langkit entered the Philippine Military Academy in 1991 and graduated as a member of the Marilag Class of 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Management degree. He is presently taking his Masters in Public Management at the University of the Philippines Open University while being detained at Fort Bonifacio.
As a well-rounded Philippine Army officer, Captain Langkit has undertaken various trainings. After his Infantry Officers Basic course, he completed the Scout Ranger and Basic Airborne courses, and then undertook Psychological Operations and Community Organizing related trainings. He is also a graduate of the Intelligence Basic Correspondence Course. His Scuba Training’s final test was interrupted due to his alleged involvement in a coup d’état case against him in 2006.
Captain Langkit has been an advocate of military professionalism. Assigned to 7th Infantry Division and to Special Operations Command, he was designated to various sensitive positions while spending most of his service in the field. As a platoon leader, executive officer, company commander and operations and intelligence staff officer, he persistently imparted to his troops the core values of military professionalism in dealing with the civilians while performing their duties and accomplishing their missions. He emphasized the respect for human rights and avoidance of military atrocities.
As a tactician who believes in the nobility of a soldier, he was able to successfully lead several combat exploits in the field. Believing “truth” as the most potent weapon against people’s apathy and lack of support, he was also able to cause the surrender of many armed terrorist dissidents and gained back many enemy mass bases’ sympathy towards the military and the government.
Aside from his successes in combat and civil military operations, Captain Langkit has been an environmentalist who involved himself in many anti-illegal logging operations while engaged in several reforestation activities. He has also initiated search and rescue operations as well as food distribution activities in the lahar-stricken and flooded areas of Central Luzon during several onslaughts of strong typhoons and heavy rains as well as spearheading medical and dental missions, and literacy patrols among the Aetas in Central Luzon. These, he believes, are among the inherent duty of a Filipino soldier – to protect the environment and to be actively involved in the communities.
Captain Dante Langkit’s modest accomplishments made him a recipient of some significant awards and commendations, both from the military and the civilian sector. Notable among his awards are several Gold Cross and Military Merit medals for gallantry in combat. He was also a recipient of the Best Junior Officer of the Year from the 7th Infantry Division and the Outstanding Philippine Army Junior Officer of the Year.
With these accomplishments and awards, Dante has persistently walked the talk in his advocacy for military professionalism, particularly the Respect of Human rights and sincere community involvement, as essential to the military organization’s success in its role in the pursuit for peace and development.
At 37, Captain Langkit is still a bachelor who, with his twin brother Danzel, helps his mother send his siblings to school. He is also a member of the Rotary Club and the Knight of Columbus.
Captain Dante Langkit is presently detained at the Custodial Management Unit of the Intelligence Service Group of the Philippine Army for more than four years now. He is being detained because he is a known member of the Magdalo Group and is charged with facilitating and conspiring with the Magdalo in destabilizing the government of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
I admire the men in Magdalo, using the time they had in detention to take their Masters at UP’s Open U. There were several of them, right, Ellen? They are destined and focused public servants, and deserve to take the crack at higher positions. Let us give them that chance if we can.
BTW, I forgot to watch Capt. Nick Faeldon in the news tonight. Anybody saw it?
Slip of the TonGuE:
“I admire the men AND WOMEN OF Magdalo…”
I’d like to see him win and make assessment of his accomplishments afterwards. Hope he makes a difference.
Mag-flying voter ako sa Kalinga to vote for Capt. Dante Langkit.
In solitary confinement for 10 months, hindi bumigay kay Gloria Asspweron…Mabuhay and good luck Capt. Dante!
Walang iwanan!
They are destined and focused public servants, and deserve to take the crack at higher positions. Let us give them that chance if we can. -Tongue
Hear! Hear! Hear!
Kung ayaw sa inyo ng LP, kami ay nandito para suportahan kayo! Ipinagdidikdikan ko yan dahil naiinis ako sa LP leadership!
Nga pala… the one to become president should/must harness the expertise of the women and men of Magdalo if you want a real change. Bakit ba takot ang LP sa kanila e kagaguapo at kagaganda naman sana. hehehe.
Yes, I saw the Nick Faeldon interview. He looked good.The message was timely.
Tongue: “I admire the men in Magdalo, using the time they had in detention to take their Masters at UP’s Open U.”
Almost all of them (the magdalo guys) pursued Master’s degree with UP’s Open University program. Same thing with the younger officers among the “Tanay boys”, those who were detained in connection with the Feb 2006 alleged withdrawal of support from Gloria together with Maj. gen. Miranda, Brig.Gen. Danny Lim and Col. Ariel Querubin.
Sa tagal ng detention of the Magdalo guys (since July 2003) I think two of them have obtained two master’s degrees.
Remember Ensign Armand Pontejos, who surprised military authortiies when he asked permission to join graduation ceremonies at UP I think sometime in 2006? He graduated with Masters in Informations Systems (?). He was allowed with security escorts.
He has a number of job offers.
He is taking up another master’s course. He was one of those who was released two weeks ago.
Lt Art Pascua, I think, is also working on his second master’s degree.
They are really serious about their desire to participate in governance.
Chi: In solitary confinement for 10 months, hindi bumigay kay Gloria Asspweron…Mabuhay and good luck Capt. Dante!
Ay naku, the many ways that Esperon tried to break Dante’s will and make him turn against Gen. Lim. Esperon even used his loved ones. Hindi talaga bumigay.
Take note that he is being detained separately from the others.
Dante is admirable. In detention, he is concerned of the other detainees (different cases.)
Mabuhay Capt Langkit! People like you must be in gov’t service and not in jail. Keep the faith and liberation is at hand.
Guapo yan si Capt Langkit ha.
i agree Ellen, he looks like a professor
Minsan nga sinisipat ko sa photo niya sa FB kung apektado ang expression ng mukha dahil sa solitary confinement, wala akong makitang trauma. Guapo talaga. 🙂
Gen Danny Lim and Capt Langkit , kapwa tinimbang at napatunayang husto sa kagitingan, katapatan at kabutihan…….
Sana pakawalan na rin ni Gen.Bangit si Capt. Langkit para makapag kampanya at nang ang pagka gobernador ay masungkit.
Nawa ang Magdalo guys e sila ang bagong bayani ng ating henerasyon!
Good luck Kapitang Langkit…makakaasa kayo sa aming tulong-suporta basta ang katapatan ng paglilingkod sa bayan ang dapat masunod.
Mabuhay kayong lahat!
Hello folks!
It really is irritating that Dante cannot campaign personally in Kalinga. What are the jerks in the AFP afraid of? Are they so afraid of Dante Langkit that they are all shitting and peeing all over themselves at the thought of letting him free to campaign?
Whare have all their balls gone? Chopped into bits?
I wonder, why is he not one of those granted bail? Baka nalimutan ko lang ang rason sa dami ng kaso nila kuno.
Konting tiis nalang. Dalawang buwan nalang lalaya ka na. At sa paglaya mo, sana makulong naman ang mga nagpakulong sa iyo.
Pong Querubin, wife of Col. Ariel Querubin, who is running for senators, took time out from campaigning to correct a small error in the video:
Dante sent me this message:
Thank you so much Ma’am for posting my video and my profile narrative.
Thank you for the reassuring comments , Tongue-twisted, Chi, Sychitpin, Anna, Tru-blue,Joeseg, Balweg, Mike.
I cannot help but recall again that bartolina ngayong summer. Sobrang init, gutom, suffocation, i didn’t know how i survived.
More than breaking your physical and psychological condition, they wanted to break your humanity and nobility.
They wanted me to tell a lie, they wanted me to agree with their lies and planted evidences (grenades recovered allegedly from LT Baldonado, etc).
They wanted me to agree with their anti- people schemes which made the soldiers sow fear (remember purported discovery of bombs in PMA and the perimeter of fort bonifacio as though the handyworks of magdalo just to fortify their lies, etc).
They wanted us to agree with their money making schemes (how much fund is given to the intelligence and several generals every time a coup is projected).
They want us to betray and be cruel to our fellow detainees.
They want us to agree to human right violations and their unprofessional tendency to conjecture or speculation without solid evidences at the expense of civilian lives.
They wanted us to condemn fellow soldiers with honest grievances. They wanted us specifically to turn against Gen Lim.
They wanted us to sing praises to the present administration.
They cannot just do that. Our training for endurance when subjected to severe circumstances has served us good. The Bible says that “you cannot alter the truth but only to further it”.
Lest they forget, we have an oath to serve the people who pay our salaries with their taxes. I know my Honor code, i remember my Cadet’s prayer. I can sing the Lupang Hinirang and PMA hymn, all by heart.
They may have succeeded in depriving me of my military career but not my love for public service. Sana i can perform my duty in other fields of public service. If God wills it.
(By the way Ma’am, there are also survivors of that napakainit na bartolina: LT Sonny Sarmiento, Lt Aldrin Baldonado, and Major Jason Aquino).
Chi:I wonder, why is he not one of those granted bail? Baka nalimutan ko lang ang rason sa dami ng kaso nila kuno.
Dante is not included in the charges filed against the Magdalo. He was not in Oakwood.
He is charged with mutiny in a military court together with Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda, Brig.Gen.Danny Lim, Col. Ariel Querubin, and 23 other officers. Some have been cleared.
The military suspects Dante to be the link between the Magdalo and non-Magdalo members involved in the February 2006 alleged withdrawal of support from Gloria Arroyo.
Ellen,
I can only commiserate with the mental and physical sufferings that Captain Langkit is undergoing because he’s chosen to live by the honour code. I wish I could do something.
A young man is moulded to live by the honour code, imbued for many years to fight for what is right and when he does it, the very people whose job it was to instill in this young man the meaning of integrity and honour are the very same people who are breaking him.
Utterly disgusting. Esperon and all those military officers who continue to do this to Langkit should hang themselves in shame. They should be hanged drawn and quartered.
Something in Dante’s missive shocked me and I would like to understand:
Sobrang init, gutom, suffocation, i didn’t know how i survived.
GUTOM? GUTOM?
This reminds me of an anecdote but which in no way (thankfully) is equivalent to the methodology of the unscrupulous and animalistic AFP jailers of Langkit; it was about a young naval cadet (Royal Navy) who had the effrontery to commit a violation of the rules of the Royal Naval Brittania College.
He was not alone in committing the violation but he was the one that was caught. He was being forced to denounce the names of his fellow culprit but he refused despite the threat of expulsion.
The college commandant was a batchmate of my husband and a very close friend. During the conversation, the commandant friend admitted he had no other choice but to expel the boy (who was apparently one of the best elements of the graduating class) for refusing to “squeal” as recommended by the training officer.
My husband said, “How can you expel him on that basis? The code of conduct of cadet is based on esprit de corps, to be loyal to our friends and batchmates (classmates); to hold honour above all and now we are telling these young men to break that code. If you should expel him, expel him not on the basis of his refusal to squeal on his batchmates but for violating the rules.”
Re: The military suspects Dante to be the link between the Magdalo and non-Magdalo members involved in the February 2006 alleged withdrawal of support from Gloria Arroyo.
Asus at suspetsa lang pala ang dahilan ng 10 months solitary confinement ni Captain Langkit. Ang daming atraso ni Gloria and her Ass. Palagay ko bago mag-tanghali ng July 30 ay nagtatago na si Asspweron.
Kung sinuman ang mananalong presidente dapat ang isa sa mga unang declaration ay pakawalan lahat, walang maiiwan, ang nakakulong pang Magdalo at Tanay boys at bigyan ng tamang assignments sa bagong pamahalaan.
Kung sinuman ang mananalong presidente dapat ang isa sa mga unang declaration ay pakawalan lahat, walang maiiwan, ang nakakulong pang Magdalo at Tanay boys at bigyan ng tamang assignments sa bagong pamahalaan.
I second the motion. I hope Aquino wouldn’t be vindictive if he is elected!
Ay naku, I feel a sharp pain in my heart when it’s Capt. Langit himself narrating their ordeal.
“Sobrang init, gutom, suffocation, i didn’t know how i survived.
GUTOM? GUTOM?”
Paano nga ba kayo nag-survive? I truly admire these UNBREAKABLE gentlemen, they are hard to find.
(By the way Ma’am, there are also survivors of that napakainit na bartolina: LT Sonny Sarmiento, Lt Aldrin Baldonado, and Major Jason Aquino). – Capt. Langkit
How are you guys, konting tiis na lang. 🙂
Anna, I know that there were days when his custodians would deprive Dante of food during his bartolina days.
When the court martial hearings were still in Camp Capinpin in Tanay (now it’s in Daza Park, Camp Aguinaldo, Dante would be brought to Tanay in handcuffs without breakfast because they had to leave Fort Bonifacio (he is confined at the Intelligence Service Group quarters) early morning.
Dante lost a lot a weight during those bartolina days.
During court martial hearings, we would take pictures of him beside his twin brother, Danzel, to show the toll of incarceration on his health.
Since detainees wives and supporters bring food for them, they would make sure that Dante gets double share.
Lts Sarmiento and Baldonado have been restored to service.
They were cleared of charges against them. And they stood firm.
Sen.Trillanes, James Layug, Gary Alejano, Gerardo Gambala, Milo Maestrocampo – the identified core leaders of Magdalo were also put in bartolina during the early months after Oakwood and also after the escape of Faeldon.
As we all know, Gambala and Maestrocampo, gave in.
Faeldon also spent several months in bartolina when he was captured after his first escape.
Anna, I know that there were days when his custodians would deprive Dante of food during his bartolina days.
That is the most disgusting thing that the AFP could do to one of its own, particularly to those whose only “error” was to say NO TO CORRUPTION in all its form! How dare them!
They are not even supposed to do that to their captured enemy.
How sickening!
Don’t worry Gentlemen, what goes round comes around!
Yes, Anna, in fact in one of the hearings in Camp Capinpin, Dante asked permission from the court and denounced his maltreatment.
That (They are not even supposed to do that to their captured enemy.) was precisely what he told the court.
He said although he was blindfolded and handcuffed,he recognized the voice. I’m not sure now if he recognized his interrogator as one of his “mistahs”.
Ellen,
The members of the Army who did this should be charged for maltreatment, for torture of prisoners. That’s human rights violation. The Army must surrender its torturers.
This is unacceptable. They cannot and should NOT get away with this. Bangit, if he wants to leave the AFP with his head a bit high – instead of with his tail curled between his legs, must do something about this.
Capt Langkit, you are welcome anytime. You have my highest respect and admiration for keeping your honor, loyalty and principle intact despite extreme pressures. You have taken the road less travelled and have passed the test with flying colors! While so many lesser souls were easily tempted and destroyed by money, power and comfort,you have shown our nation that honor is more important to you. Remember that the night is darkest before the dawn of a new glorious day.
I salute you !
Manila Bay Watch: The most qualified leaders in the Philippines are in jail
One of the most admirable young men whom the Philippines must be proud to have the honour and privilege of counting among her sons: Captain Dante Langkit… running for governor of Kalinga.
7 days to go para sa mabuting pagbabago……. lets be prepared for any eventualities like failure of election or cheating and hope for the best …. and also pray for an honest, orderly and peaceful election…… GOD IS WITH GOOD, and GOOD WILL PREVAIL OVER EVIL….
Malapit na matapos ang maliligayang araw ng mga hayop na Gloria at Asspweron. Kami naman!
Good Luck to Capt Langkit in his bid for Kalinga’s governor !
Dante Langkit got my full attention this time. His achievements in the field, a tortured life under Gloria Asspweron, and plus plus plus, not to mention the good looks :), Dante is a total winner.
Solitary confinement/Bartolina for 10 months, no food no water sometimes, betrayed by his mistahs, (romantic/love angle gone wrong if there was)… death would have been sweet but Dante chose to suffer more than turn away from himself, comrades and country. In the end, he comes out stronger from the ordeals and tortures that attacked his body, mind, heart, and soul. He emerged from the hellish condition a better man…a total victor. What a story to tell his future children.
Capt.Dante langkit is a hero in its truest sense. Kalinga must be very proud of her son. Mabuhay!
Chi,
It takes enormous force of character to do what Langkit did: refused to be bribed, to be morally corrupted by Gloria and her dogs in the AFP.
His situation reminds me of what Nelson Mandela went through because he (Mandela) refused the offer of the whites in South Africa for him to legitimise the whites’ hold on power in exchange for freedom.
Kung ako ay tumama sa lottery o kahit yumaman lang, I’d request someone to write the story of Capt. Dante Langkit et al entitled “Bartolina!” for non-fiction book and film. I’m a sucker for stories of enlightened men and women, wala lang akong datung. 🙂
Ooops, I meant “exceptional force of character”
Mas malaman kung ikaw ang sumusulat, Anna. 🙂
Ako naman Chi, am seriously thinking of selling some of my antique silver collection to contribute to his campaign funds… kaya lang in 7 days na ang election and I don’t know if I will be able to sell fast enough, get paid, make transfer, etc.
Maski sa eBay kasi, takes 9 days to finish selling an item.
Hehehe! Naku Chi, si Tongue, mas mahusay! Si Ellen, the best!
Pray na lang, Anna, that Dante wins. Wala tayong magagawa from where we sit to physically help him. I emailed some friends in Bagiuo if they know people in Kalinga, sabi ay maghahalungkat daw sila. hehehe.
Chi,
Btw, I think we have an Evangelist/minister in our midst. His prayers (along with ours of course) too will go a long way in helping Dante in this gruelling race.
Prayers are always a big help.
Si Igan Balweg, taga Kalinga yan. Right Igan?
Pati spiritual transformation, nagawa ni Dante in detention. He always quotes the Bible whenever he is featured here, diba.
Nakakatuwa siguro kung si Danzel ang pinagsuot ng uniporme at nangampanya para sa kakambal niyang si Dante. Para na rin siyang personal na nangampanya.
Para silang pinagbiyak na yoyo!
**************
Ellen, si Armand Pontejos ba yung nahuli sa airport na pasakay na sana at pupunta US? Tignan mo nga naman, imbes na patago-tago na lang siya, dalawang Masters Degrees pa ang nakakabit sa pangalan niya ngayon. At Masters sa UP pa!
Daig niya ang suweldo ng isang heneral pag nagkataon, kung sa private firm siya magta-trabaho. Di pa niya kailangang magpakababa para sa isang kutonglupa para lang gumanda ang buhay niya. Executive position yan sigurado.
Puwede na niyang i-hire bilang janitor si Esperon, hahaha!
Muntik ko ng tanungin si Ellen sa kambal ni Dante. Pasadong-pasado si Danzel na double. Hinahanap ko ang picture nila na lumabas dito, no luck pa ako, hehehe.
Re Tongue’s question: Ellen, si Armand Pontejos ba yung nahuli sa airport na pasakay na sana at pupunta US? Tignan mo nga naman, imbes na patago-tago na lang siya, dalawang Masters Degrees pa ang nakakabit sa pangalan niya ngayon. At Masters sa UP pa!
No, Tongue. It was Sgt Celestino. He is still in detention together with Trillanes and two others in Camp Crame. Hindi kasi nasama ang kaso with the ten.
Yes, Bem Pontejos, has very good job offers.
Some of those from the Air Force will probably join a commercial airline.
i will ask some friends in Kalinga to vote for Capt Langkit.
“They wanted us to sing praises to the present administration.” – from Dante Langkit’s statement
Just curious what the two officers who caved in said about the Gluerilla’s government? Hmmmmm…….
the captain is still young but already have a lot of accomplishement compared to other candidates.pinas need people like him. even if he does not win this time there is always a next time.
Mahirap sa ngayon ang laban ni Capt LANGKIT dahil nakakulong siya’t hindi gustong payagan ng administrasyong takot sa sariling anino.
Makakalaya lamang siya, gayundin sina BGen LIM kapag nagpalit na ang administrasyon. ‘Yung nga lang sanang marangal at tunay na maglilingkod sa bayan. Hindi ‘yung maglilingkod yaman.
Makakalaya lamang siya, gayundin sina BGen LIM kapag nagpalit na ang administrasyon.
Let’s hope that if he’s elected, Aquino doesn’t become vindictive and forget all about these valiant people.
Anna,
I also hope na ganu’n ang gagawin ni Noynoy o sino man sa kanilang dalawa ni Irap sakaling manalo sa Mayo.
Malabo as in napakalabo ang pag-asa kung ang iboboto ng tao at mananalo ay alinman kina Bigo at Money Bilyonarroyo. Magpapalit la’ang ng mukha pero walang pagbabago ang amoy sa loob ng malakanyang. Baho pa din!
Which reminds me Magno, balita ko, Noynoy refused to make a promise na these young men will finally get the justice they deserve: FREEDOM
I wonder if those from Aquino-Roxas camp can confirm or deny this.
Anna,
Ganu’n? Maaari ngang Noynoy refused to make a promise dahil hindi pa naman siya elected as president. Iba kasi ‘yun kesa sabihin niyang hindi niya ibibigay ang hustisya para sa mga nakakulong na opisyal.
Wait and see na lang tayo.
Wala namang kasalanan ang mga nakakulong kay Noynoy, eh. Saka pinatawad na ni Tita Cory noong panahon niya ang mga kudeta na isinagawa nina BGen LIM.
the late pres cory aquino had shown that her family was not the vindictive and revengeful kind, in fact, they were very forgiving and tolerant of their enemies, that’s why Cory did not use her awesome revolutionary power to exact vengence on her enemies ……
they were very forgiving and tolerant of their enemies,
In a way you are right… she was to a certain extent “tolerant” of her former enemies except Marcos and Marcos himself and his tangible achievements himself when she cancelled a lot of Marcos projects, modernisation plans that were already ongoing, which would have brought RP at par with then forthcoming tigers in the region.
She was vindictive in that sense.
Mandela — now there’s a man who’s not vindictive.
And members of Cory’s government were not clean either.
My first deal with RP govt was when she was president…
And guess what? People around her, even those found in next to her offices in Malacanang demanded and received bachsheesh
“No, Tongue. It was Sgt Celestino. He is still in detention together with Trillanes and two others in Camp Crame. Hindi kasi nasama ang kaso with the ten.” – Ellen
Oh no. And all the while I thought si AT4 na lang ang naiwan. Yah, it was Celestino nga pala who was captured at the checkpoint. I remember merong conflicting statements ang PNP na nagsasabing yung passport niya sa airport ibibigay ng contact niya samantalang ang unang report e sasakay siya ng Northwest papuntang Detroit. E di may ticket na?
I think his continued incarceration has something to do with Nick Faeldon’s remaining at-large.
Question, Ellen, what has happened to the two Binay close-in that joined the Magdalo at Manila Pen? Are they still in hiding? If I’m right the guy with the wig was a retired Scout Ranger named Colon.
“No, Tongue. It was Sgt Celestino. He is still in detention together with Trillanes and two others in Camp Crame. Hindi kasi nasama ang kaso with the ten.” – Ellen
Oh no. And all the while I thought si AT4 na lang ang naiwan. Yah, it was Celestino nga pala who was captured at the checkpoint. I remember merong conflicting statements ang PNP na nagsasabing yung passport niya sa airport ibibigay ng contact niya samantalang ang unang report e sasakay siya ng Northwest papuntang Detroit. E di may ticket na?
I think his continued incarceration has something to do with Nick Faeldon’s remaining at-large.
Question, Ellen, what has happened to the two Binay close-in that joined the Magdalo at Manila Pen? Are they still in hiding? If I’m right the guy with the wig was a retired Scout Ranger named Colon.
Colon is still a fugitive, like Faeldon. I don’t know of the other one.