By: Lakan Antonio B. Viernes, Bugle Call (2009)
On June 1, 1981 members of Class 83 stood at the parade grounds of Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba, Laguna and took their oath as members of the Cadet Corps Integrated National Police of the Philippine National Police Academy. Their long ordeal would separate the boys from the men to compose the “Magiting Class”. They were the “cream of the crop” that garnered a minimum score of 95 in the Cadet Admission Test and proud to be the transitional class that opened doors to civilian acceptance.
One hundred thirteen of them are determined and ambitious men from different regions of the country stood in company formation, wearing their fatigue uniforms with liners under the harassing eyes of the menacingly looking upperclassmen. Even before the reception officially began, six (6) of their classmates had quit, leaving 107 cadet candidates took their oaths to undergo their first of a series of “mase-mase” and other endearment activities.
After their Incorporation Rites, difficulties eased up a bit. Their class was drawn into the institutionalization of the Honor Committee by adhering to regulations conceptualized by Arturo Navarette of Class 82, who introduced the procedures of the Honor Code and Honor Committee of the Philippine Military Academy. Subsequently, the Philippine National Police Academy codified its time-honored customs and traditions.
Their first year as cadets was filled with unforgettable experiences. One of the most memorable moments was jogging alongside then-Chief of the Philippine Constabulary/Integrated National Police, Fidel V. Ramos, from Camp Castañeda, Silang, Cavite, to Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba, Laguna. During this period, the Choral Society and Glee Club were also organized, adding a cultural dimension to their cadet life.
On August 30, 1981, the class performed their first off-campus Silent Drill exhibition at Pinaglabanan, San Juan, Metro Manila proved to be the dam’s floodgate of numerous similar performances that followed.
In December 1982, they participated in the “Loyalty Day Parade” at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, alongside units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, the Flying School, and the Philippine Military Academy. As the PNPA contingent executed its signature “banging-of-rifle salute” while passing the grandstand, President Ferdinand Marcos stood and applauded approvingly. The performance elicited widespread admiration, and the PNPA contingent was adjudged the “Best Marching Unit”. From them on the popularity of the PNPA rose to new heights.
From 107 members, only 103 of them graduated. Minister of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile and Philippine Constabulary/Integrated National Police Chief Fidel V. Ramos were the guests of honor at a ceremony held at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The Magiting Class of 1983 journey is filled with challenges and triumphs. To this day, their contributions continue to inspire to strive for greatness and uphold the proud traditions of the Academy. The class produced 13 star-rank officers from the tri-bureau, while 77 original members are still living. (PNPAAAI Records, 2025)
