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. Anti-Corruption Warriors Special Features . |
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s MAJ. JASON AQUINO
The Aquinos in Southern Leyte
Jason Laureano Y Aquino was born on Jan 02 1969 in Maasin Southern Leyte. He is the only son of Jaime Aquino a Master Sgt of the Phil Constabulary (PC). His father married Elena, a midwife and raised a brood of three (3) children. Jaime received three meritorious combat promotions within his career and was a very professional soldier. He was an outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) and was selected by then President Carlos Garcia as a personal security detail NCO. Later, he was assigned as chief investigator and Fsgt of Southern Leyte PC Coy. Msgt Aquino in an incident in 1976 optionally retired when faced with an order to commit an illegal act wherein he was forced to withdraw a criminal case against one of the cronies of the local politician. He finalized his resignation in 1977. The incident also forced his mother to resign from her job and ventured abroad. Jason’s mother was one of the hometown’s midwives and has been a pillar of the community. Jason as the only son is the brave escort of his mother every time she has to make house calls. He recalls that house calls would increase in numbers every time a typhoon is on the way. In one occasion, he has to walk with his mother in remote barrio to attend to desperate plea to facilitate a child birth in the middle of a typhoon. His mother would always remind him “we do this service because people trust their lives to us and it’s our responsibility to fulfill that trust even to our peril.”
Jason’s father is known for his idealism and professionalism. He always wanted Jason to be an officer someday and always reminds him that the most noble thing one can ever do is service to the people.
Jason fulfilled his dream and dedicated his future to honor his father. In April 1987, Jason entered the Philippine Military Academy hopeful of joining the New AFP.
Life in PMA
Jason was at home in the academy. He was consistently in the Dean’s List and Commandant’s List. In his senior year in the academy, he assumed the position as Brigade Commander of the cadet corps effectively serving as class baron.
During his term, he spearheaded the ‘No to Hazing’ policy of the academy be implemented, correspondingly he authored the new “Cadet Conduct Policy” to govern the individual conduct and discipline of every cadet in the corps. Until now, the cadet corps still adopts it with some revisions when females were allowed to join the ranks.
During the July 16 1990 earthquake in Baguio City, Cadet Aquino organized the cadet corps as rescue teams and rendered their services to provide rescue operations in the disaster areas. For this he received the presidential citation and award in behalf of the cadet corps from President Cory Aquino.
In 1991, Cadet Aquino graduated from PMA as cum laude and he also received the AFP Chief of Staff Saber Award for leadership.
Years later, he would tell officers and soldiers that he only wished for his father to attend his graduation and receive his commission into the AFP. His father died in 1989.
Life with the Scout Rangers
The mystery of the deactivated FSRR has always been a mystery. 2Lt Aquino always heard stories about the regiment as told by his ranger instructors in the academy. Upon graduation from PMA, 2Lt Aquino volunteered to join the newly reactivated First Scout Ranger regiment (FSRR).
As one of the first batch of new lueys inducted into the service of the regiment, the first order of business was to hump over the Scour Ranger Course and earn his “Tabak.” 2Lt Aquino joined SR Class 109-92 and served as one of the officer corps of the class undertaking the task as SR class section and platoon leader.
When 2Lt Aquino joined the regiment, he did not quite understand or appreciate why the regiment even with its short demise have an atmosphere of pride, respect and confidence. Upon undertaking the SR Course, he understood why. The virtues that SR Training School (SRTS) instructors institute on its students are valuable. 2Lt Aquino graduated along with officers and men of SRC 109-92.
The Awakening
In 1992, 2Lt Aquino now a Scout Ranger returned to his duties as platoon leader of the 8SRC and served his tour in Samar, Negros, Bicol, Ilocos, Abra, Bulacan, Aurora, and southern Philippine provinces.
As PL, 2Lt Aquino observed mundane matters about the regiment. For instance, back then SR sport long hair and wear headbands; they carry heavy and bulky radio sets; they wear ‘not-uniformed’ uniform; and the like. He also observed very disturbing matters, for example, an enlisted man under his watch received a measly 300 pesos per month because of debts. During Rest and Recreation (RR), this soldier has to borrow money from the loan sharks in HQs and made an arrangement with the paymaster to service his debt. 2Lt Aquino quizzed this guy:
Aquino: Paano nabubuhay pamilya mo? Ranger: tinda tinda sa palenke sir Aquino: ilan anak mo? Ranger: lima ser Aquino: paano makakapag aral anak mo sa maliit mong sweldo? Ranger: saka na ser pagna service na loans ko. Aquino: e bakit ka pa nandidito? Ranger: mga batchmate ko ser sa IB na pareho sitwasyon ko nag AWOL na ser pero ako ser nandito PARA SA BAYAN. Di ko maiwan and Ranger at ang Regiment. Dito ko lang naramdaman na may respeto ako sa sarili ko dahil alam ko isa ako sa nagtataguyod sa kapakanan ng bayan. Para sa akin ser importante yun maski ano mangyari sa akin. Para sa bayan na lang ser.”
This has been a pivotal point in 2Lt Aquino’s life. He heard from the mouth of his own soldier what his father always reminded him when he’s still young: service to the people-PARA SA BAYAN! Oftentimes we hear people leave matters of their life to faith and always remark “Sa Diyos na lang” or for Muslims “Insia ALLAH”. In this case, ranger enlistedman, when such dire instances occur would often remark “Para sa Bayan” or “Para sa Bayan na lang”. For a young army ranger lieutenant it was a very moving epiphany. On that day, 2Lt Aquino embraces the term “Para sa Bayan”
Second, the plight of an AFP soldier reflects the plight of a typical Filipino citizen. He realized the plight of ordinary soldier does not end with the individual but it cascades into his family and the community where he lives. Thus, the sacrifices of the people who built our nation have been for nothing if our leadership does not embrace the same patriotic fervor as our lowly enlistedman.
This is the moment 2Lt Aquino finally understood what his father would always tell him about the plight of ordinary soldier. In one of their last meetings, his father would tell him: “Someday you will lead people and their families. Never get tired. Though you can’t be a Savior, you can be an agent of change. Fight for the right. Fight for the truth. Fight for your soldiers’ and the people’s soul.”
From that day on, he embarked to reform the ways, attitude and culture around him “para sa bayan”
In 1994, Lt Aquino was promoted to 1Lt and he sought ways to make changes happen. He would always say, “if the only tool you have is a hammer, all the problems would always look like a nail”, hammer he got and a good one indeed. He borrowed the virtues he has learned from his alma mater and SRTS. He instituted reforms within his platoon and company. He popularized in FSRR the word or lingo “Deliverance” which means “ability to deliver result (preferably desired) within a prescribed time.”. It also refers to “do more and talk less,” "idea plus action," and “idea without will to act is impotent”. If somebody is called “walang deliverance”, it means “puro daldal at yabang lang.”
7th SR Company Commander
When 1Lt Aquino assumed as Company commander of 7SRC, his first order was to establish the ultimate mantra of the academy. He imposed on his unit the Honor Code. He also started maintaining a journal he titled “The New Order” which he recorded all suggestions, statements, remarks, and ideas that he came across that will make way to new reforms. He would always tell his fellow officers and soldiers “walang karapatan ang sinoman na maghain ng reklamo o problema kung wala syang naisipang sulosyon at kung hindi sya handa sa magiging aksyon”
During this period, 1Lt Aquino served with distinction as a combat officer. 7SRC has numerous successful combat operations against the NPA, Abu Sayyaf and MILF. He received numerous awards both from the military and civilian sectors, campaign medals and various commendations. He was the first to advocate and utilize snipers in his company during combat operations which proved very effective especially in Central Mindanao. The success of his snipers prompted the leadership of the Philippine Army to seriously adopt the sniper concept. HPA procured sniper weapon systems for the scout rangers. 1Lt Aquino further sought ways to improve the sniper employment and doctrine in combat. His work was further developed by SRTS which was eventually institutionalized the sniper course in the AFP.
1Lt Aquino also embarked into community development. As company commander, he sought help of local barangay officials to establish local peace and order. He assisted the PNP to arrest criminals who were hiding in hinterlands. He organized forums and acted as facilitator between local residents and govt agencies like DOH, DA and DENR.
He is an avid campaigner against illegal logging and illegal quarrying. In Bulacan, he rotates a strike section for training to operate against these operators. He would turn-over captured logs and marbles to DENR. When 7SRC was in Bulacan, illegal logging and quarrying operations in Biak na Bato area went to a screeching halt.
Scout Rangers would recall 1Lt Aquino’s constant reminder to them: “huwag tayong pumayag na maging instrument ng katiwalian, intimidasyon, pananakot, pananakit at pang aapi sa taong bayan na syang tunay nating pinagsiserbisyohan. Ang serbisyo military at serbisyo publiko ay laging para sa bayan”. To his officers, he would tell them: “The highest ideal is the respect and affection for your subordinates, not the praise of your superiors.”
While in Mindanao, 1Lt Aquino directed his mess stewards to buy local produce for the unit’s mess and encouraged trade between soldiers and townsfolk. He also sponsored medical missions in his Area of Responsibility (AOR) however short his stint in the area.
1Lt Aquino maintained contact with the families of his soldiers. He wrote letters assuring them that their sons and husbands are doing well. The families would also write back. This continued flow of correspondence made him endeared by his soldiers. As one soldier would recall that Lt Aquino jokingly remarked to them: “pag umiiral kapilyuhan nyo dito, isusumbong ko kayo sa mga asawa nyo”
In more than twenty encounters in combat when he was the company commander, 7SRC suffered only six casualties. No one was killed.
In 1996, 1Lt Aquino was awarded the Best Company Commander of the year.
Renaissance
After his stint as 7SRC commander, he was transferred to SRTS and became course director of an SR class and other trainings. Here he instituted reforms to individual ranger candidates. He proposed updating ranger doctrine, organization and equipage. In 1998, he was promoted to Captain.
Also in 1998, he was transferred to the Defense Intelligence and Security Group under the Department of National Defense and assumed the post of chief operations, aide d camp to SND and Security Officer. This where he experimented on methods of reforming a unit larger than a company. He instituted physical fitness program on all personnel. He sorted the procurement of materials, supplies and personnel assignment in the DISG. He pioneered the methodical approach to DISG liaison work for AFP field operations giving the Secretary firsthand information. He also became a par time lecturer at the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP). Most importantly, Cpt Aquino instituted the Honor code to DISG personnel. His stint in the DISG is a dry run for what he wishes the FSRR will become.
Cpt Aquino attended military courses where he consistently received awards for academic excellence in each instance. In 2001, he was transferred to the office of Strategic and Special Studies of the Headquarters Philippine Army as assistant division chief.
Para Sa Bayan
Cpt Aquino returned to the FSRR in 2002 where he served as task group commander of the Task Group Panther (an FSRR ad hoc light battalion) in Jolo. He was promoted to the rank of Major in 2003. He came back to Camp Tecson where he assumed the post of Regimental Comptroller for the FSRR.
This has been one of the most challenging and colorful point in Maj Aquino’s career. As comptroller, the first order of business was to put a stop of all automatic payments to loan sharks by regiment’s paymasters. Henceforth, all loan sharks have to collect their money directly from the men themselves. The regiment headquarters does not exist to provide services to loan sharks but to provide services to men on the field.
He also fought to stop the practice of “Battalion Schooling Scam” where a battalion commander sends most of his battalion staff for schooling so that the battalion commander can personally handle the “Maintenance and Operating Expenses (MOE) Fund” and expend this as he wishes.
He set up bank accounts to each individual SR company so that the funds shall be handled by a bonded fund accountable officer which promotes transparency between commanders and staff officers. He popularized the frontloaded fund concept (i.e. the bulk of the budget of the HQs is ‘frontloaded’ to field units) within the regiment even before the headquarters Philippine Army has conceptualized it. No SR field unit ever complained about fund and logistic support from headquarters FSRR.
One of the programs Major Aquino implemented is the “SR Candidate Soldier Savings Program”. In this scheme Candidate Soldiers (CS) joining the regiment are required to open their own savings account. The passbook is held by the senior supervising NCO and updated regularly. The Regiment deposits the CS’s pay into his account and disbursing him only his allowances until he becomes a Private. Once a newly private is assigned to an SR company, the same set up is followed but his passbook is now held by the SR Company Commander. He will eventually get his passbook when promoted to Private First Class. This program effectively ended the pattern of SR Privates going into debts early in their careers and going AWOL.
At this point, Maj Aquino sponsored other significant projects/reforms within the Regiment:
Maj Aquino has sponsored other reforms in the FSRR especially during BGen Lim’s term as Regiment Commander (RC) but his most significant contributions to the FSRR is the strengthening of the Honor Code and further reinforcing esprit de corps among Scout Rangers.
In July 24 2003, the day before Col Lim was given command of the FSRR as regiment commander, Maj Aquino convened an officer’s conference and discussed the reported illegal movement by some members of the regiment. The conference transpired into a serious discussion about the failed and impending reforms in the AFP. He personally dissuaded junior officers not to join the alleged movement and majority relented mainly to his persuasion. The July 27 incident occurred without most of those who attended the conference.
The July 27 incident only encouraged Major Aquino that much needed reforms should be undertaken and should be done fast. For him, it was the moment to escalate his advocacy so that political leaders will appreciate what the soldiers and officers want to achieve. He advocated for a political process to undertake reforms not through violence.
In 2004, Major Aquino published his “New Order” notebook into draft flyers and sought other officers to contribute into the document. Copies were distributed to AFP units, political leaders, statesmen, lawyers, NGOs, secretaries, ordinary citizens, even priests and senior military officers. He included the suggestions and inclusions per verbatim so that the proponents can relate to his ownership in developing the document.
Only a handful of The ‘New Order’ pamphlet was printed but out of curiosity, those interested have them reprinted and distributed. The pamphlet was widely distributed and accepted by soldiers and officers. Maj Aquino would burn midnight oil copiously transcribing text messages in his phone from contributors. Discussion groups about the ‘New Order’ grew like wild fire within the army as well in the navy, the air force and the PNP.
The objective is to collect every possible idea about political, social, economic and military reforms; discuss them, consolidate them and escalate them. This was the objective of ‘Operation: Para sa Bayan” The purpose of this advocacy is that leaders within the uniformed services and the people may know that junior officers and soldiers wanted to initiate discussion and they want their ideas to be heard. A forum to share ideas not to make complaints, a forum where the leaders hold the hands of their subordinates and say “this is our plan, our direction. We will make it happen –para sa bayan” This quest proved to be elusive.
In 2004, Major Aquino became the Chief Operations (G3) of the FSRR. He increased the tempo of reforms seeking out to field assigned battalions and made sure reforms are carried out. He made it possible to standardize SR uniforms. In the whole AFP, it is only in FSRR that the Regiment Commander down to the last Private wears the same patches, unit seal, head gear (even in combat). Other operational reforms were implemented during his stint.
The ‘Para sa Bayan’ slogan has caught on a massive scale within the AFP especially within the Philippine Army. Guest officers and some generals would attend FSRR and Army sponsored events wearing a ‘Para sa Bayan’ tshirts to affirm their support to the advocacy sparked by Maj Aquino’s pamphlet.
At this point, it is widely accepted that Maj Aquino has caught the ire of the senior officers. Intelligence officers would report that in some units, personnel would start and finish conversations by greeting each other ‘para sa bayan’. Detailed dossiers and background checks were made on Maj Aquino and his fellow ranger officers. Intelligence units would sometimes send field agents to monitor these informal forums. For Major Aquino and fellow officers, they do not have anything to hide. Senior officers would advise him that intelligence units might create a possible scenario for him and given the right set of events, they may declare him as threat to national security. He would simply shrug off these warnings and would tell his fellow officers: ‘A thinking subordinate is the natural enemy of an unscrupulous superior. At least we are thinking what’s best for the people. They should be happy about it.”
In July 2005 during the height of the Garci tape scandal, Maj Aquino was unceremoniously relieved from his post for “entertaining political thoughts”. The Army doesn’t want its officers to think critically. He was implicated for distributing unauthorized material within the AFP. Another speculation was that Maj Aquino have plotted to overthrow the government and was meeting with NOLCOM Chief Gen Dominguez; where in fact the good general only sought to discuss with other junior officers suggestions regarding reforms in the system.
Maj Aquino was reassigned in HPA support group on ‘floating’ status and was investigated about the pamphlet. He was required to report daily to the office of the commanding general and sign in the logbook which he readily complied. Senior officers who knew Maj Aquino offered him significant positions but some staff officers in HPA objected and blocked their recommendation for fear that his influence over junior officers would broaden.
When the event of February 26 2006 unfolded, Major Aquino was declared AWOL while attending to his daughter’s illness in a hospital. As a routine, he reported to HPA the following day February 27. He was invited to the Intelligence and Security Group (ISG) for a debriefing instead he was led directly to maximum security jail.
Maj Aquino was detained and held incommunicado inside the ‘bartolina’ without official charges. He was in isolation with no blanket, no extra clothes, no toiletries, no slippers. His family was not informed and even the army spokesman denied his whereabouts. His family came to know about his situation by word of mouth. They were only allowed regular visit after a month and only one hour every weekend and had to secure clearance from the commanding general in each instance of the visit. Maj Aquino was not allowed to see a lawyer or get legal assistance. He was always blindfolded and handcuffed every time his family would visit him.
Major Aquino briefly saw light of the day in mid June 2006 when he was presented to the Ad Hoc Committee of the AFP Efficiency and Separation Board.. On July 11 2006 after four months in bartolina, he was finally transferred to Camp Capinpin Army Maximum Security Stockade along with his former commander, Gen Danilo Lim awaiting trial. Gen Lim’s transfer was announced to the press but Major Aquino’s transfer was made secret.
Major Jason Laureano Y Aquino
PMA Class 1991 – cum laude, class baron
Qualifications: Scout Ranger Airborne Scuba Diver Counter terrorist course VIP Protective Security course Intelligence course Comptroller course United Nations peacekeeping HKMP5 tactical assault/operator’s course Foreign and special weapons (He can fly a helicopter, although he did not have formal training)
Fond of: Musical instruments (guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, violin) World History and Military Strategy Law and Philosophy Astronomy, Science and Math Golf, basketball, badminton, scuba
Contributed by: Scout ranger officers and men PMA classmates Friends |
s LTSG. ANTONIO TRILLANES IV
He was one of the Navy personnel who risked their lives to rescue thirty-two (32) persons during a daring search and rescue operation for the survivors of the ill-fated M/V Princess of the Orient at the height of a super typhoon in 1998. He has a five-year sea duty experience logging-in a Total Steaming Time (TST) of 2,593 hrs and 47 min and Total Miles Covered (TMC) of 35, 316.78 nautical miles. During which time, his unit was responsible for the apprehension of dozens of smugglers, illegal loggers, poachers, human smugglers and illegal fishermen in numerous maritime law enforcement operations conducted in the waters off Batanes, Ilocos, Cagayan, Isabela, Zambales, Scarborough, Quezon, Bicol, Palawan, Mindoro, Romblon, Iloilo, Cebu, Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Davao and Maguindanao. He was involved in numerous naval operations in support of ground operations directed against the Abu Sayyaf and other lawless elements. As procurement officer of the Naval Training and Education Command, Philippine Navy, he reformed the procurement system, which resulted to the accumulated savings of more than four million pesos in favor of the government. He has participated in 22 naval exercises conducted with local and foreign navies. He is a recipient of 23 assorted merit medals, campaign ribbons and badges. Personal Date of Birth: 06 August 1971 Place of Birth: Manila Spouse: Arlene Orejana Trillanes Children: Francis Seth O. Trillanes Thea Estelle O. Trillanes Alan Andrew O. Trillanes (deceased)
Education
Elementary: Sienna College, 1975-1983
Secondary: Angelicum School, 1983-1987
College: De La Salle University, BS ECE (4th Year), 1987-1991
Philippine Military Academy, BS Naval Systems Engineering, 1991-1995
Awards: Cum Laude, Mathematics Plaque, Physical Sciences Plaque, Tambuli Award (Electrical/Electronics Engineering)
Graduate: Master in Public Administration major in Public Policy and Program Management; University of the Philippines, Diliman, 2000-2005
Awards: two (2) University Scholar Awards (GPA 1.0-1.25), College Scholar Award (GPA 1.25-1.50)
Military Appointments and Promotions
Appointed as CADET, PMA; 01 Apr 91-04 Mar 95; DND GO# 252 dtd 01 Apr 91
Promoted to ENSIGN, 04 Mar 95; DND GO# 212 dtd 03 Mar 95
CAD as ENSIGN ; 04 Mar 95; DND SO# 52 dtd 03 Mar 95
Promoted to LTJG; 04 Mar 98; DND GO# 137 dtd 30 Jan 98
Promoted to LTSG; 04 Mar 02; GHQ GO # 1519 dtd 29 Dec 02
Military Duties
Sea Duty Profile:
Mess & Supply Officer, April 1995-May 1996
Deck & Gunnery Officer, May 1996-January 1998
Engineering & Damage Control Officer, January 1998-February 1999
Executive Officer, February 1999-January 2000
Acting Commanding Officer, June 1999-January 2000
Shore Duty:
Administrative/Personnel Officer (P1), HQ Patrol Force; June 1999-January 2000
Procurement Officer/Instructor, Naval Education & Training Command; January 2000-June 2001
Military Decorations and Commendations
MILITARY MERIT MEDAL with 3rd BAL, GO#53 HNETC dtd 26 Feb 01
MILITARY MERIT MEDAL with 2nd BAL, GO#325 HPHILFLT dtd 13 Dec 99
MILITARY MERIT MEDAL with 1st BAL GO#422 HPHILFLT dtd 15 Dec 98
MILITARY MERIT MEDAL, GO#19 HNFNORTH dtd 15 Jun 98
MILITARY COMMENDATION MEDALw/ 2nd BET after the 1st SET, GO#17 HNETC dtd 20 Feb 01
MILITARY COMMENDATION MEDAL w/ 1st BET after the 1st SET, GO#88 HNETC dtd 20 Nov 00
MILITARY COMMENDATION MEDAL w/ 1st SET, GO#26 HPATFOR dtd 24 Jun 99
MILITARY COMMENDATION MEDAL w/ 4th BET, GO#18 HPATFOR dtd 12 Jun 99
MILITARY COMMENDATION MEDAL w/ 3rd BET, GO#07 HPATFOR dtd 11 Dec 98
MILITARY COMMENDATION MEDAL w/ 2nd BET, GO#03 HNTF80 dtd 09 Jun 98
MILITARY COMMENDATION MEDAL w/ 1st BET , GO#02 HNDVI dtd 05 Jan 96
MILITARY COMMENDATION MEDAL,GO#36 HNDVI dtd 14 Jul 95
MILITARY
CIVIC ACTION MEDAL , GO#196 HSOUTHCON dtd 09 Sep 96 ANTI-DISSIDENCE CAMPAIGN MEDAL, GO#235 HSOUTHCOM dtd 05 May 95
LUZON CAMPAIGN MEDAL, GO#16 HPHILFLT dtd 07 Feb 97
VISAYAS CAMPAIGN MEDAL, GO#16 HPHILFLT dtd 07 Feb 97
MINDANAO-SULU CAMPAIGN MEDAL, GO#236 HSOUTHCOM dtd 04 May 95
DISASTER RELIEF AND REHABILITATION MEDAL, GO#16 HPHILFLT dtd 07 Feb 97
COMBAT COMMANDER'S (KAGITINGAN) BADGE, GO#49 HSOUTHCOM dtd 28 Mar 96
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION BADGE, GO#801 GHQ, AFP dtd 26 Jun 98
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION BADGE, GO#364 GHQ, AFP dtd 06 Apr 01
PEOPLE POWER II RIBBON, GO#1150 GHQ, AFP dtd 15 Oct 01
BASIC INSTRUCTOR’S BADGE, GO#78 HPN dtd 27 Mar 01
LETTER OF COMMENDATION, COMMO ADOLF BORJE AFP, COMNAVFORSOUTH dtd 01 Oct 97
LETTER OF COMMENDATION, COL PETER H ESPADERO PA, Commandant CCAFP dtd 13 Jan 95
LETTER OF COMMENDATION, CDR GILMER B BATESTIL PN, CO, PG101 dtd 08 Jun 95
LETTER OF COMMENDATION, CDR RODOLFO M CALINGANSAN PN, CO, PS35 dtd 28 Nov 97
LETTER OF COMMENDATION, CDR RODOLFO M CALINGANSAN PN, CO, PS35 dtd 01 Dec 97
LETTER OF COMMENDATION, CDR RODOLFO M CALINGANSAN PN, CO, PS35 dtd 20 Feb 98
LETTER OF COMMENDATION, CDR RODOLFO M CALINGANSAN PN, CO, PS35 dtd 27 Feb 98
LETTER OF COMMENDATION, LT ANTONIO C CUNTING PN, CO, PG101dtd 31 Jul 96
LETTER OF COMMENDATION, LT ROMMEL U LABRADOR PN, ACO, PG851 dtd 30 Jun 99
Contributed by: a Magdalo
==============================
Who is Ltsg. Antonio Trillanes IV Nikko Dizon, Star, July 28, 2003
But the group, calling themselves Magdalo, has failed to generate much high-level military support, and the 200-odd rebels have holed up inside a booby-trapped Oakwood Premier Ayala Center, a high-rise luxury apartment complex located in Makati City, the country’s financial district. Some of them appear ready to fight a vastly superior military force that now encircles them, although some 50 initially surrendered in the afternoon. The mutineers, led by a boyish-looking 32-year-old captain who wrote a masters thesis on corruption in the Navy at the University of the Philippines (UP), accused the government of corruption and supporting terrorism, and of mismanaging soldiers’ pension funds. The rebel leaders "are primarily from the classes of 1995 to 1997" of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), which produces most of the military’s officer corps, Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes said. Their Navy officer frontman, Lt. Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV, comes from a military family and his father also graduated from the PMA, family friends said. His wife, Army Capt. Arlene Orejana-Trillanes, also of Class 1997, is a member of PMA Corps of Professors for the past three years. The others include a number of his former PMA classmates, who commanded battalions of the elite Army Scout Rangers and the Navy’s Special Warfare Group, a unit trained for demolition and equipped with high explosives. The STAR also learned three of the rebel officers who took part in the rebellion have been trained by US Special Forces during the Balikatan 02-1 training in Basilan last year. They are Capt. Gerardo Gambala, of the 32nd Infantry Battalion; Capt. Albert Baloloy and 1Lt. Jose Enrico Demetrio Dingle, of the Scout Ranger Battalion and 1Lt. Laurence San Juan, a member of the first batch of the US trained Light Reaction Company (LRC). A military source disclosed that the three are deadly snipers who figured in several encounters with the Abu Sayyaf while trying to rescue the American missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham last year in Basilan. Preparing themselves for the long fight against the numerically superior government troops, Trillanes said they would hold out "as long as it takes." Wearing a red armband with the red sun symbol of the Magdalo faction of the Katipunan, Trillanes said their move was of a "higher calling" that had the support of their families. The Katipunan, a rebel group who fought the Spanish colonizers in the late 1800s, had a power struggle of their own which led into the creation of two factions, namely the Magdalo and the Magdiwang group of founder, Andres Bonifacio. The Magdalo faction, to which the country’s first president Emilio Aguinaldo belonged, thought that the changed conditions at the time necessitated the organization of a new government to supersede the Katipunan, which they believed had outlived its usefulness. True to their Magdalo calling, Trillanes said they are merely expressing their grievances against the present government. "This is an expression. There is no coup. You are looking for a peaceful means, this is it. We have explosives and guns to protect ourselves because if they (government forces) round us up, hindi na kami magsasalita (there will be no talking)," Trillanes said. Trillanes and his group junked all proposals for negotiations demanding that President Arroyo should resign first. "What can she (do), what can they propose in a negotiation. Wala na (no more)," he said. Trillanes said neither does his group have someone in mind to replace Mrs. Arroyo. He said Mrs. Arroyo’s replacement will come at an opportune time, based on the "dynamics of the situation." When asked about the adverse effects on the economy on their move. Trillanes said: "Everything comes at a price. If after this, we can get rid of corruption, then we can recoup whatever we lost." "And what economy are we talking about? Maganda ba ang economy natin? (Is our economy that good?)," he said. Trillanes said their move was not deliberately planned. He said their action was "spontaneous," aimed in expressing their grievances against the government. The government, for its part, had known for some time that "they have problems and they have expressed certain complaints. What we did not know was that they would rise up," Reyes said. "In terms of the security of the nation, I don’t think there is anything to worry about," Senate President Franklin Drilon added. Drilon said he is now worried about the economic fallout, particularly on foreign investment because of the mutiny. "This incident is confined to Makati. This group does not have widespread support from officials of the armed forces," Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said. Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, a retired Marine general and former Armed Forces chief of staff who put down the bloodiest of seven coup attempts against the Corazon Aquino presidency in 1989, said it was a small-scale uprising. "During my time I fought entire brigades," said Biazon, who visited the rebels yesterday afternoon in an effort to convince them to end their rebellion. PMA graduates also produced the core leadership of the 1980s coups. Most were later pardoned as part of a peace settlement with the government in the early 1990s, but there were accusations against Sen. Gregorio Honasan, who led at least two coup attempts, of a role in the present mutiny. He denied the allegations. Trillanes, for his part, also denied Magdalo was supporting Honasan’s presidential ambitions. "The National Recovery Program (of Honasan) is our only link with him," Trillanes said. "It (NRP) reflected the reforms that we wanted in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)," he added. According to Mrs. Arroyo, Trillanes and his group "are being supported by known and unknown leaders, conspirators and plotters in the government service and outside the government." Biazon added the current rebels lacked the "personalities" or "issues" that could rally support. "Their issues are internal" to the Armed Forces, he said. – With Roel Pareño, Artemio Dumlao, AFP ==============================
Preventing Military Interventions A Policy Issue Paper by LtSg. Antonio Trillanes IV
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
The occupation of Oakwood Hotel by protesting junior officers and men last July 27, 2003 placed the issue of military interventions at the forefront of public policy analysis specifically, how best to prevent them from recurring. This policy issue paper reviews the present policies adopted by the Arroyo Administration to prevent military interventions, and assesses whether these should be pursued or not.
THE PROBLEM: MILITARY INTERVENTION
Military intervention is an act made by active members of the AFP, outside the conventions of the chain of command, with the intent of disrupting the political status quo, in the pursuit of their political cause.
Military interventions, not to mention its sometimes-bloody consequences, have debilitating effects on our economic and political stability. Given our present precarious social-economic-political state - we cannot afford another military intervention.
There were common/significant causes extracted from the nine major military interventions our country has so far experienced. These causes are categorized into two, internal and external. Internal causes are those attributable to or directly affecting the military organization; while, external causes are those attributable to factors external to the military. The internal causes were: (1) corruption in the AFP; (2) inept AFP leadership; (3) political patronage in promotions; (4) lack of logistical support for men in the field; (5) low pay; and (6) poor medical/health services. While the external causes were: (1) corruption in government; (2) incompetent leaders in the administration; (3) failure of the administration to deliver basic services; (4) widespread poverty; (5) state-sponsored terrorism; and (6) electoral fraud by the administration.
ASSESSMENT OF PRESENT EFFORTS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM
The present policies being adopted by the Arroyo Administration to prevent military interventions are the recommendations made by the Feliciano Fact-Finding Commission (FFFC). Based on the evaluation using the criterion of political viability, most of the present policies were assessed to be unresponsive to the underlying causes of the Oakwood Incident and therefore, will not prevent future military interventions.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Continue with the implementation of the following FFFC recommendations, which were found to be responsive or useful:
A. Creation of a cabinet-level agency (e.g. The Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs) directly under the Office of the President. It should have oversight powers and clear inter-department relationships with all concerned to prevent over-lapping of functions. This office will also conduct the appropriate policy researches to further flesh out the more complicated problems enumerated below as well as other internal causes not raised by this paper.
B. The propositions regarding the RSBS, Procurement System, AFP Modernization, AFP Medical Services, and AFP Housing.
2. Review the other FFFC recommendations as to their responsiveness to the causes of military interventions.
3. Conduct policy researches on the following:
A. Eradication of corruption in the AFP. B. Rehabilitation of RSBS. C. Strict application of meritocracy in the AFP promotions system. D. Uplifting of the standard of living of the AFP personnel through:
1) Salary increase or non-monetary benefits such as, tax reductions/exemptions, reduction of RSBS contributions, rice subsidy, C-130 flights or ship passes for soldiers going on R & R, etc. 2) Improvement of medical and health services. 3) Mass housing.
E. Streamlining of the AFP bureaucracy.
4. Practice good governance to address the external causes of military intervention.
BACKGROUND: THE OAKWOOD INCIDENT
On July 27, 2003, the Filipino Nation became a witness to another socio-political phenomenon – the Oakwood Incident. More than 300 officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) holed themselves up in a posh hotel in Makati to protest against the Arroyo Administration for massive corruption; selling of arms and ammunition to the enemies of the state; state-sponsored terrorist acts; and widespread poverty.
This incident is the latest among numerous military interventions experienced by our country since the first one happened in December 1970, when then 1Lt Victor N Corpus raided the armory of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) en route to his eventual defection to the New People’s Army. The Oakwood Incident also happened two and a half years after EDSA II and almost fourteen years after the bloody 1989 coup attempt. With the latest incident, a question now lingers in the minds of a lot of Filipinos – “Is our country forever condemned to have these military interventions?”
This policy issue paper reviews the present policies adopted by the Arroyo Administration to prevent military interventions, and assesses whether these should be pursued or not.
SCOUT RANGER OFFICERS DETAINED IN TANAY, RIZAL
BGEN Danilo Lim LTC Nestor T. Flordeliza LTC Edmundo Malabanjot Maj. Jose Leomar Doctolero Maj. Jason Aquino Maj. Oriel Pangcog Capt. Isagani Criste Capt. James Sababan Capt. Jose Fontiveros Capt. Montano Almodovar Capt. Ruben Guinolbay Capt. William Upano Capt. Frederick Sales Capt. George Malones Lt. Jason Cordero Lt. Ervin Divinagracia Lt. Richiemel Caballes Lt. Homer Estolas Capt. Allan Aurino 1Lt. Sandro Sereno 2Lt Antonio Timbal
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"We cannot stand idly by while the rule of law, the moral order, the integrity of our institutions, the very future of our country and the people, and our own professional careers are destroyed by this bogus President. We cannot afford to do nothing while she and her cohorts turn our government into a criminal syndicate. We cannot allow ourselves to be used as a tool of injustice and oppression. We must act, and we must act now."
Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim
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Profesional Achievements
Trained
at the expense of the government. Soldiers taking part in the latest
military uprising are drawn from the military’s elite special warfare
fighting units and backed by shadowy civilian players, officials said
yesterday. 
