FORT MAG TODAY!

Col. Benny A. Letrondo, P.A. (Ret.)

Contrary to the perception of many, Fort Magsaysay’s beginning was actually not of war but, of peace and development. Fort Mag, as what it is popularly called today, transformed into a place we have been dreaming of for our country . . . peaceful, orderly, tranquil and with an environmental friendly atmosphere. Of course, with a well disciplined, always prepared, courteous soldiers with virtues of courage, integrity and honor.

It was after World War II when the remnants of Huk Balahap (Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon), whose members were the armed combatants of the guerilla movement fighting side by side with the Philippine government against the Japanese Imperial Army, decided to part ways with the government when war ended. The issue of continued armed struggle to bring about change embraced by HMB was actually rooted from the tenancy problem among landless farmers, who are members of the guerilla movement. Originally founded in 1942, the Hukbalahap was part of a broad united front resistance to the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.^[2]

On March 29, 1942, peasant leaders converged in Sitio Bawit, Barrio San Julian, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, at the junction of Tarlac, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija provinces and formed the "Hukbong Bayan Laban sa mga Hapon" was chosen as the name of the organization. After the meeting, a military committee was formed with Luis Taruc (chairman), Castro Alejandrino (2nd in command), Bernardo Poblete ("Banal"), and Felepa Culala ("Dayang-Dayang" – an amazon whose unit had killed several Japanese soldiers) as members.^[5]

In 1950, the Communist Party of the Philippines PKP reconstituted the organization which became the armed wing of the Revolutionary Party, changing its official name to Hukbong Mapalaya ng Bayan, ^[3](HMB) or "Peoples' Liberation Army," emulating the Chinese People's Liberation Army. HMB continued to be popularly known as the Hukbalahap, or popularly known as the "The Huks" from 1945 and 1952. The strength of the Huk organization came from the mostly agrarian peasants of Central Luzon. The group's leaders, among them figurehead Luis Taruc, Communist Party Secretary General Jose Lava, and Commander Hizon (Benjamin Cunanan), aimed to lead the Philippines toward Marxist ideals and communist revolution. Hukbalahap Insurrection (1946–1954).

Being a major threat to the central government, Quirino assigned Ramon Magsaysay, minister of national defense, to combat the Huk insurgency. The Huks would then be undermined by Magsaysay's strategy of gaining peasant support and reforming the army and constabulary. In early 1954, Benigno Aquino, Jr., then a news reporter, was appointed by president Ramon Magsaysay to act as personal emissary to Luis Taruc.^[1] After four months of negotiations, Taruc surrendered unconditionally to the government on 17 May 1954,^[4] effectively ending the Huk rebellion.

The place where President Ramon Magsaysay and Luis Taruc signed the peace pact, was later named as Fort Magsaysay, now popuplary known as “FORT MAG”.

Today, we were surprised that “FORT MAG” does not only honor the soldiers who fought for our freedom, but the civilians as well, who are then incarcerated at Fort Magsaysay, as well as the old guards, who were just doing their duties to secure and protect our country. Both of them are now welcome and being honored a “FORT MAG”! We were really surprised! The experience and the opportunity, the ambiance extended by the 7th ID shall surely be missed by our fellow graduates! Nevertheless, we shall return to this place, once again as bond of brothers! Join us in our Grand Homecoming!

WELCOME TO FORT MAG!

(Alumni of SOCC 1962 was welcomed by BGen. Arnulfo A. Atendido, Deputy Commanding General, 7th Infantry Division and Staff, in behalf of BGen. Alan R. Luga, CG, 7th ID)

(SOCC Class 1962 at the Aquino-Diokno Museum)

(SOCC Class 1962 with Col. alfredo Sanchez, at the First Infantry Tabak Division Shrine, were many of the Alumni served, then under BGen. Emilio S. Luga, Jr.)

(SOCC Class 1962 at the Heroes Memorial)