‘Uphold PMA traditions’

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City — Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz rallied the alumni of the Philippine Military Academy yesterday to nurture and preserve the honor of the country’s premier military training institution.

Cruz, the guest of honor and speaker at the 100th annual PMA alumni reunion here, enjoined thousands of PMA graduates gathered at the PMA’s Borromeo Field to emulate the dedication of Lt. Col. Dennis Villanueva, who was recently killed in a Muslim rebel attack in the ongoing uprising in Sulu.

"Some have not been as fortunate as those who celebrate this homecoming with us today. Some have paid the ultimate sacrifice by offering their own lives," Cruz said.

Villanueva, a member of the PMA "Sinagtala" Class ’86, died after his unit took a hit from a mortar on Feb. 10 while leading his men into battle against Moro National Liberation Front fighters loyal to former MNLF chief Nur Misuari, currently detained on rebellion charges.

The MNLF signed a peace deal with the government in September 1986.

Villanueva’s "mistah" or former classmate, Army Lt. Col. Arnold Fernandez, said they deeply mourn Villanueva’s death.

"But that is part and parcel of the job," he said.

Fernandez said most of his former classmates now hold middle level posts such as battalion commanders.

He said his class has so far lost 14 members, including Villanueva, in action.

Cruz said Villanueva "lived the life of a soldier and laid down his life with valor, in honor of the flag and in service of the country," a level of sacrifice he hopes PMA graduates will strive to emulate.

"We must constantly remind ourselves that mere words extolling the virtues of brothers-in-arms would sound empty and hollow if not followed by deliberate and concerned action that ennoble the cause for their sacrifices," Cruz told them.

Cruz said he believes there are other "untold stories of little-known acts of selflessness and courageous acts showed by the men and women in uniform, which serve as inspirations to those who have known it."

Regaining Lost Glory

The military’s image has taken a beating since former AFP comptroller Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia was accused of acquiring ill-gotten wealth last year. Garcia is currently awaiting trial for court martial.

In an effort to clean up the military’s public image, Cruz has directed the PMA to reconstitute and convene its board of visitors to make recommendations on how the institution should make improvements.

Cruz suggested that the board be composed of representatives from the academe, business and industry, PMA alumni, and retired military officers.

"We must not lose heart, " the defense chief said. "As in the legal profession where I (come from), a few bad men do not an institution make."

He told assembled cadets to "keep your heads held high and continue to live lives filled with purpose and meaning."

Another reform measure espoused by Cruz is for the PMA superintendent to have a fixed three-year term to ensure continuity.

At present, the superintendent is up for mandatory retirement upon reaching the age of 56.