Cory honor guards cope with newfound fame

MANILA, Philippines - They were ordinary soldiers, ready to defend and help the country.

The four honors guards who escorted the remains of the late President Corazon Aquino never imagined that standing for nine hours would change their lives.

During a visit to The STAR office yesterday, the four honor guards – Navy PO3 Edgardo Rodriguez, Air Force A2C Gener Laguindam, PO2 Danilo Malab Jr. and Army PFC Antonio Cadiete – were treated like celebrities, with employees waiting in line to have their pictures taken with the four soldiers in their dress uniforms. The escorts even had their own escorts, one noted, as the four were accompanied by representatives from their respective units.

Rodriguez says that now, after the office workday they were being invited everywhere.

“It was a big change in our lives. After office hours, I would usually go home. But after what happened, many invitations came,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez, who has three children, said that he usually sees his family in the evening, but even that has changed.

“I usually see them before sleeping. But these days, when I arrive from work, they are asleep, and when I leave for work, they are still asleep” he said.

Laguindam, on the other hand, says that they are now always on call. In fact, since the Aquino burial on Aug. 5, they have been interviewed by TV, print and radio, and even guested in a musical game show.

Laguindam says they are not used to all the attention. “It’s like there are many eyes focused on you now.”

Malab, who hails from Camias Magalang, Pampanga, recalls that when he went home to his family, many of his kababayans were there to support him.

“They congratulated me and the councilors even wanted to meet me,” he said.

With all the attention, the four are often teased by their comrades.

“Sometimes they would ask, where is the interview? Where is the taping?” Cadiete said.

When asked to describe what they felt when they met the children of Mrs. Aquino, Malab said, “We were very happy. The feeling was good when we finally met them. We relayed our deepest gratitude to them. They said thank you.”

In recognition of and gratitude for the services they rendered, STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte handed them simple tokens of appreciation, one coming from a reader of The STAR who was so touched by what they did. All four are thankful for the help they have been receiving.

“Whatever financial help they are giving, it’s a big help to us and to our families and (it) can also help our units,” Cadiete said.

They were sad at the news that many of their comrades were killed in recent clashes in Mindanao, but they all agreed that they knew what could happen.

“Even before we became soldiers, we knew what could be the consequences already,” Cadiete said.

The three soldiers and one policeman also agree that heroism means serving the country and people, being ready to answer the call of duty. Asked if they considered themselves heroes, they were one in saying that they were simply doing their duty.

For people who want to join the military or police force, they have this advice:

“Those who want to be soldiers, if they ever enter the profession, work well. Have discipline and faith in God,” Cadiete said.

“In the police force, you should have discipline and faith in God as well as be truthful to what you are doing. This is the noblest job,” Malab said.

“For the military, you should remove the civilian attitude and have the military attitude. Be dedicated to your job. Your mind will definitely change. You should be focused on what you are doing,” Laguindam shares.

“I want to tell the people that the Philippine Navy is ready to serve the country. I encourage the youth to join the Navy by simply coming to us,” Rodriguez said.