PMA "Marilag" Class of 1995

I belong to the very socially-diverse and ideologically-interesting PMA “Marilag” Class of 1995.

Out of 23,000 examinees, 1,000 passed the Entrance Examination. I myself couldn’t believe that I made it the second time – no doubt a divine intervention.

After the physical, medical, and neuro-psychiatric tests, around 250 of us were appointed as fourth class cadets by Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, the then President of the Republic of the Philippines. Finally, I said to myself, “Yes, I will now be able to step foot on the hallowed ground of Borromeo Field.” But little did I know that on that hallowed ground, my thousands of agonizing hours would officially commence. Call it the start of a funny-fulfilling journey that I would gladly take for the next several years of my life.

The Borromeo Field is one of PMA’s most sacred grounds. To my knowledge, no one has dared break its unwritten rule of “never cross it from end to end in a whim”, unless during officially sanctioned activities or for exigent circumstances. Borromeo Field is used for many cadet activities, mainly to mark special occasions in a cadet’s life. In the words of Alfred McCoy (1999), “From Incorporation Day where they are formally recognized as PMA plebes; to Recognition Day where they receive their laurels for being Third Class officers; and to their much-awaited Graduation Day which makes them official members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Borromeo Field is a silent witness to many memorable events; it also hosts the worst ones: from summer camp where qualified applicants undergo the much-dreaded “Beast Barracks”.

Our class name “Marilag” means “highest form of excellence”. Whether we lived up to the ideals we were taught and revered, only history can determine. Time will unravel who we are, what have we become, and what we did in our lifetime – whether our actions are considered good or otherwise. After all, perspective is a powerful argument.

Ours, PMA Class ’95, is the first class with a tri-service curriculum. In our third year, we were separated according to the branch of service where we would go. The Air Force cadets took the Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science; the Navy cadets took Bachelor of Science in Naval Systems Engineering; and the Army cadets took Bachelor of Science in Management. 

--THE RESCUE (2019)

All Out War

Camp Adriano Hernandez Dingle, Iloilo, Philippines 
02 1500H May 2000

“Good afternoon, Rangers!”

It was the voice of my company commander, 1Lt Leroy Daanton, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maalab” Class of 1993 and Scout Ranger (SR) Class 114-93. He was addressing the troops of the 15th Scout Ranger (Mandirigma) Company – our unit.

The assembled troops responded with a loud synchronized greeting: “Good afternoon, Sir!”

1Lt Daanton paused for a while, cleared his throat and then stated, “Higher Headquarters has given us a few days to prepare for new deployment. We will reinforce our fellow Rangers in Central Mindanao. Our comrades have been fighting it out deep inside enemy territory for several weeks now, and our brother- in-arms, First Lieutenant Jake Paler together with some of his Rangers, gave the ultimate sacrifice for God and country. May God bless their souls... Prepare everything we need for combat operations in Mindanao and be ready for the long haul!”

1Lt Daanton’s statement caught us by surprise. His announcement was met by solemn silence as we all let the news sink in. Everyone knew who 1Lt Paler and his 18th Scout Ranger (Makamandag) Company (18SRC) were. They were fine gentlemen and esteemed brothers.

1Lt Joseph Jake Paler, the commanding officer of the 18SRC, was an outstanding member of Philippine Army’s Officer Candidate School (OCS) Class 11-94 and SR Class 122-95. He was one of the well-respected Scout Ranger officers in the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR). Sir Jake, as many would call him, was a jolly and grounded young officer who never hesitated to go with the troops wherever and whenever it mattered most. 1Lt Paler was a huge loss to the battle-hardened 18SRC he was leading at that time.

As battle-scarred Scout Rangers, we have heard sad announcements like that before but we never got used to it. The first thing that came to our minds was the grief of the families left behind by the fallen. It also reminded us of what our own families would go through if we got killed. None of us was sacred in the hands of the enemy. We were all fair game as combatants – such is the reality of our profession, and of war.

After a few moments of silence, 1Lt Daanton went on to discuss the details of our upcoming deployment. “Troops and some essential equipment are the priority. We will be transported by C-130 to Cotabato. But other logistics, together with our M35 truck, will be transported by sea,” he said. “Make the necessary preparations. Is there any question? None? You are dismissed!”

Everyone responded in unison, “Rangers lead the way! Hooaah!”

We were anxious and apprehensive. Behind our tough facade, we were simply human. Our hearts were often torn between love of country and love of our respective families. However, we could not let our emotions overwhelm us. It is naturally uncharacteristic to soldiers. We had to keep to ourselves whatever emotions and opinions we may have had. No murmuring, no complaints. There was “business” to be taken care of and we Scout Rangers had to “lead the way – no more, no less”. We just had to do what was required of us, what was needed under the situation.

--THE RESCUE (2019)

THE RESCUE: God's Amazing Grace

THE RESCUE (2019)

Former Philippine Army Scout Ranger Captain Oliver Almonares, the primary character in this book, was on the front lines of the Philippine’s war on terror. He and the men of his unit were men of purpose. They were trained to analyze different terrains and determine how to intercept the enemy. He and his men were confident of their capabilities, and they truly cared for each other.

Oliver’s intriguing story intersects mine in a unique way. Martin and I were missionaries in the Philippines for 15 years. We were taken hostage by the Abu Sayyaf in 2001. After 376 days of captivity, Martin was killed, but I was freed during a rescue operation. Oliver was the officer-in-charge of the special unit that pressed on during the rain that fateful afternoon. When we talked on that wet hillside just after the rescue, who would have known that years later, we would remain the closest of friends.

I am most appreciative of the Philippine soldiers’ efforts to help us during our plight. Many lost their lives during that offensive. Many are still doing so. The mission of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was – and continues to be – a noble and worthwhile effort.

This book doesn’t end with our rescue, though. The same tenacity that Oliver showed during his Scout Ranger career shows up again and again – as he helped start a church, as he launched a kids’ basketball ministry, and as he shares the Gospel in the workplace. It chronicles his move to Canada, and ultimately to the U.S. where our paths cross whenever we can arrange it.

Oliver brings to this book an excellent account of Filipino bravery and resourcefulness. It is also an account of God’s leading each step of the way. In each of the seasons in his life, he has learned that “The Battle Belongs to the Lord.” He wishes to remain a good soldier of the Cross and continue to give God the glory. 

I know that you will enjoy this story. It is an insightful account of soldiering, of ministry, of persevering, and of growth.

--Gracia Burnham
Book author, American missionary, and former kidnap victim of Abu Sayaff Terror Group