The days of might are now gone. The once proud Armed Forces are now reduced to a retreating band of intruders in the soil that was once consecrated by the blood of Filipino freedom fighters, who disregarded beliefs and religion to fight for a common cause. The once gallant squadron of Filipino F-5's that ruled the Philippine skies, that became the envy of our South East Asian neighbors, are now reduced to shambles, retired and are lost in obscurity. The once equipped Navy we have, has now turned into a fleet of floating antiquated vessels just waiting to be pounced and trounced at. They can't even give chase to a bandits powerful turbined watercraft. Sad is just but an understatement when we describe the state of our brave soldiers, air and seafarers are in.
A half century ago, the Philippines made its stand against the onslaught of the marauding Japanese. There the legend of the Philippine Scouts was born. The popular line in those days in Bataan were, “make way, make way, the Scouts are moving in”. And move in they went. They fortified and patched holes in the shattered lines. They crushed the enemy at the Points and Pockets.
A decade later, the Armed Forces once again made a name for the country. In the land torn by democracy and communism, in Korea they helped. The Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) made a huge impact in several engagements during that conflict. Although the Filipino contingent's numbers were not as substantial as those being sent by other countries, their heroic and gallant stand in the Battle of Hill Eerie and the battles that they have taken part of established a reputation as a tough and tenacious fighters in the hills of Korea.
As what former Pres. Elpidio Quirino said to the PEFTOK troops before their departure to Korea, “Poor as we are, this country is making a great sacrifice in sending you there, but every peso invested in you is a sound investment for the perpetuation of our liberty and freedom.” The fledgeling and upstart economy made a sacrifice so that others may live and to ensure the protection of our young democracy.
Fast forward to the present, now every peso invested in the Armed Forces is another peso or two for that greedy General. I shall always seem to see a vision of a crouchng foot soldier trying to evade enemy bullets coming out of nowhere. Those group of Marines trying to clean and fix their failing mortar that won't fire its shell. The group of soldiers trying to request for reinforcements but to no avail. They are the once who suffer from this debacle and not those who hide behind the safety of their desk.
Last Wednesday another catastrophe occurred. A malfunctioning OV 10 Bronco once again “crash landed” in Zamboanga. The latter is the PAF's lone plane that makes bomb runs against the insurgents. Together with the MG520 Scorpion, they form the backbone of our aerial strength. I bet that that crashed aircraft's parts will be salvaged to be used in other ailing Bronco's. I bet Generals fly first class!
On to our Naval capability. The new, or should I say refurbished American Hamilton class vessel, is our latest acquisition. Not bad, at least we have upgraded our fleet. But one can't replace the bulk of degenerating vessels the Navy has. Remember the incident wherein a Naval gunboat accidentally rammed an encroaching Chinese fishing vessel? We went back to the medieval times where battering rams were a force to be reckoned with.
The ill-equipped Filipino soldier is one tough fighting machine. Yet, their bones are not made of impregnable steel. Their will and morale only goes as far as where their leaders take them. Unfortuantely, their commanders need a review of Sun Tzu's Art of War. It's a cheap buy and easy to understand so to you Mr. General don't fret.
In war there is no substitute for victory and in war we have no room for mediocrity and greed. Scoundrels don't belong in the Armed Forces. They belong to a World War I battlefield, the place is called the no man's land. Let them die in the crossfire.
The Filipino soldier isn't to blame. They follow and make do with what is handed to them. A strong will and swift decision should be made. An iron hand or peaceful touch be as it may. Generals should stand-down so as to stand proud.
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