By Lakan Maila B Alog
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗖𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘁 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴. On October 28, 2006, nearly 23,000 aspirants sought entry to the PNPA Cadet Corps, facing a rigorous selection process designed to identify the most promising candidates. From this pool, only 1,500 progressed to intensive screening, ultimately yielding the 398 individuals who comprised the PNPA Class of 2011.
𝗖𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗹
𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙎𝙏 𝘿𝘼𝙔 𝘼𝙎 𝘾𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙏𝙎. The PNPA’s Reception Rites on May 1, 2007, initiated 390 cadets with immediate hardship. Following briefings and transport to Camp Castañeda, they faced the exhausting “Duck Walk” and intense upperclassmen drills. The day’s trials led to nearly 50 resignations, yet 340 persevered, beginning their demanding academy journey.
𝙈𝙀𝙇𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙋𝙊𝙏. The initial 45 days were a period of unyielding regimentation, where every facet of life was dictated, and only compliance ensured survival. This exceptionally large class, structured into squads within the gymnasium, underwent daily rigorous training, cultivating discipline and resilience. Despite attrition, a strong class identity was forged within a month:
Class Name: MASALIGAN (“MAndirigmang SAsabak sa LIpunang GANap”)
Class Song: You Raise Me Up
Class Color: “Green”
Motto: “To sacrifice oneself so that others may live” became their class motto.
Class President: Cdt Lee Alvin Alinao
𝙄𝙉𝘾𝙊𝙍𝙋𝙊𝙍𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙍𝙄𝙏𝙀𝙎. After 45 days of rigorous training, Masaligan Class 2011 was formally incorporated on June 16, 2007. This ceremony marked their transition to full-fledged cadets, living and operating alongside their upperclassmen, witnessed by proud families.
𝘼𝘾𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙈𝙄𝘾 𝙋𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙊𝘿. Following incorporation, cadets faced the academic challenges of their first semester, alongside the demanding daily routines of plebe life. Balancing academics, duties, and personal struggles required intense focus and resilience to avoid academic dismissal.
𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙌𝙐𝙀𝙀𝙉. At the end of their first semester, Masaligan Class 2011 temporarily assumed leadership of the Corps during the upperclassmen’s break. This period fostered leadership development and allowed the class a brief respite, including recreational trips. During the Christmas season, Masaligan Class 2011 maintained academy traditions, taking charge of the Corps as upperclassmen departed. They improved their barracks and organized recreational trips, while also electing new class leaders.
𝙍𝙀𝘾𝙊𝙂𝙉𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙍𝙄𝙏𝙀𝙎. On February 23, 2008, Masaligan Class 2011 concluded plebehood with formal Recognition Rites. The ceremony, featuring symbolic handshakes and “kabog,” marked their transition to full cadet status, accompanied by increased responsibilities and the expectation of refined conduct.
𝙎𝙄𝙇𝙀𝙉𝙏 𝘿𝙍𝙄𝙇𝙇 𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙋𝘼𝙉𝙔. Ninety-seven dedicated members formed the Masaligan Class 2011 Silent Drill Company, achieving remarkable precision through rigorous training. Their performances, both within and beyond the academy, garnered acclaim, notably setting a record of three performances in a single day.
𝙐𝙋𝙋𝙀𝙍𝘾𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙎 𝙒𝙄𝙏𝙃𝙊𝙐𝙏 𝘼𝙉 𝙐𝙉𝘿𝙀𝙍𝘾𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙎 Following the graduation of Class 2008, Masaligan Class 2011 became upperclassmen without underclassmen. They utilized their summer break and then undertook the Police Intervention Course, acquiring essential law enforcement techniques and theories.
𝙋𝙍𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙄𝘾𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙇𝙀𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙍𝙎𝙃𝙄𝙋. As third-class cadets, Masaligan Class 2011 balanced their duties with mentoring the Class of 2012, fostering discipline and knowledge. Despite this, academic challenges led to the dismissal of several classmates, prompting the redesign of the class seal by Cadet Daniel Joseph Estrabon.
𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙋𝙉𝙋 𝙎𝘾𝙊𝙐𝙏. In the summer of 2009, Masaligan Class 2011 completed 45 days of PNP-Special Counter-Insurgency Operations Unit Training. This intensive program developed critical skills in tactical operations, navigation, and leadership, testing their discipline in the absence of direct upperclassmen supervision.
𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙎𝙃𝙀𝙋𝙃𝙀𝙍𝘿𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘾𝙊𝙍𝙋𝙎. As Mabikas Class of 2010 prepared for graduation, Masaligan Class 2011 assumed full leadership of the Corps. On May 1, 2010, they guided the incoming Class 2014, with half serving as Plebe Detail and the other half undergoing specialized training, including Close Quarters Battle and Bureau of Fire Protection preparation.
𝙎𝙇𝙊𝙒 𝘿𝙍𝙄𝙇𝙇 𝙋𝙇𝘼𝙏𝙊𝙊𝙉. In March 2010, the Masaligan Class 2011 Slow Drill Platoon debuted, showcasing the precision of its 42 members under Cdt Arwin Baby Caimbon’s leadership. By December, they had achieved a record number of performances both inside and outside the Academy.
𝘽𝙐𝙒𝘼𝙉 𝙉𝙂 𝙒𝙄𝙆𝘼 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙍𝘼𝙈𝙐𝙍𝘼𝙇𝙎. Masaligan members actively contributed to their respective companies during Cadet Corps activities, providing manpower from their plebe year to their senior year. Fueling a healthy competitive spirit, female members consistently held the ‘Binibining Buwan ng Wika’ title throughout their cadetship.
𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘾𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙏 𝘼𝙏𝙏𝘼𝘾𝙃𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏 𝙋𝙍𝙊𝙂𝙍𝘼𝙈. With academics completed, the second semester of 2010-2011 focused on practical experience. 221 cadets participated in the Cadet Attachment Program, observing and assisting in real police work nationwide, while others trained at specialized institutes for fire protection and jail management.
𝙍𝙐𝙇𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝘾𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙎 𝙋𝙍𝙊𝙅𝙀𝘾𝙏𝙎. Masaligan Class contributed in the construction of joint projects with existing classes in the Cadet Corps namely the Kampilan Monument and the Silent Drill Monument. They also completed two significant projects: the tiling of Makatarungan Bridge and the construction of the Core Values Monument—a CCPNPA Battalions’ initiative—which stand at the entrance to the former Cadet Corps area.
𝙂𝙍𝘼𝘿𝙐𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝘿𝘼𝙔: A NEW BEGINNING. Despite facing challenges, 262 cadets, including reinstated Cadet Israel Bayaona, approached graduation. Their dedication to public service was evident as they prepared to complete their journey. The cadets acknowledged the support they received, attributing their success to divine guidance and the efforts of those around them. They expressed gratitude for the invaluable assistance that shaped them into future public safety officers.
On March 26, 2011, the cadets triumphantly graduated, throwing their shakos into the air. President Benigno Simeon Aquino III personally congratulated them, marking the beginning of their careers. They were reminded that their graduation signified the start of a greater responsibility, demanding adherence to the Academy’s core values. Following are the awardees during the graduation rites: PRESIDENTIAL KAMPILAN/ Top: 1 CDT Aleli Buaquen; VICE PRESIDENTIAL KAMPILAN/ Top 2: CDT Beverly Allapitan; SILG KAMPILAN/ Top 3: CDT Cherifer Bayaga; Top 4: CDT Ron Karlo Quijote; Top 5: CDT Joy Anne Creus; Top 6: CDT Maynard Pascual; Top 7: CDT Johnny Boy Itcay; Top 8: CDT Ma. Carizza Matel; Top 9: CDT Catherine Cas; Top 10: CDT Rowena Solano/ CDT Neilmar Retana; PNP KAMPILAN: CDT Aleli Buaquen; JAIL KAMPILAN: CDT Cherifer Bayaga; FIRE KAMPILAN: CDT Rowena Solano; LEADERSHIP KAMPILAN: CDT Neilmar Retana; ATHLETICS KAMPILAN: CDT Lourdes Raborar; and, JOURNALISM KAMPILAN: CDT Sheryll Bautista.
𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱
While members of the PNPA Masaligan Class of 2011 joined the ranks of Police, Fire, and Jail Inspectors at various ages, some were commissioned as young as 20, serving across the nation.
𝙕𝘼𝙈𝘽𝙊𝘼𝙉𝙂𝘼 𝙎𝙄𝙀𝙂𝙀 (2013), 𝙈𝘼𝙈𝘼𝙎𝘼𝙋𝘼𝙉𝙊 𝘾𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙃 (2015) 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙈𝘼𝙍𝘼𝙒𝙄 𝘾𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙄𝙎 (2017)
Deployed during the 2013 Zamboanga Siege were Lakan Rennie Tayrus, Lakan Ricsil Duran, Lakan Broderick Noprada, Lakan Dexter Simon, Lakan Alexis Bahunsua, Lakan Alrick Erana, Lakan Santifrey Lorenzo, Lakan Nathaniel Florendo, Lakan Lumyaen Lidawan, Lakan Benjamin Ajibon, Lakan Genesis Aniversario, Lakan Janus Giangan, and Lakan Irvin Bellen. For the 2015 Mamasapano clash, the ultimate sacrifice of Lakan Rennie Tayrus and the SAF 44 are forever linked to this tragic yet heroic event. The 2017 Marawi crisis tested the mettle of the Philippine security forces. The Masaligan Class answered the call, with several members playing crucial and supporting roles in liberating the city. Lakan Lumyaen Lidawan, Lakan Ricsil Duran, Lakan Niel Allen Tuburan, Lakan Wilfredo Palamos, Lakan Daniel Joseph Estrabon, Lakan Jeff Richard Manogura, Lakan Kevin Lew Garing, and Lakan Janz Vladimir Hilarion displayed extraordinary courage and resilience during the intense urban warfare. Their contributions were vital in reclaiming the city from extremists.
𝘿𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙂𝙐𝙄𝙎𝙃𝙀𝘿 𝙎𝙀𝙍𝙑𝙄𝘾𝙀 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙍𝙀𝘾𝙊𝙂𝙉𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉
𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟺| Lakan Catherine Cas-Cardaño: Best Junior Officer of the Year (BJMPRO-X); Lakan Ma Carizza Matel-Morallos: Best Junior PCO in the Field of Intelligence, PRO4A Regional and Batangas Provincial.
𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟻| Lakan John Ryan Doceo: Best Junior Officer for Operations (Nationwide).
𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟼| Lakan Sheryl Bautista: Ten Outstanding Policewomen in the Philippines; Lakan Jenelyn Kiwingan: Ten Outstanding Policewomen in the Philippines; Lakan Gerald Orias: Best Junior Officer of the Year (BJMP-wide).
𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟽| Lakan Maila Alog: Best Junior Officer (Region-wide, PRO1).
𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟾| Lakan Catherine Cas-Cardaño: Best Junior Officer of the Year (BJMP-NCR); Lakan Junmarie Marcaida: Best Junior Commissioned Officer, BFP-NCR; Lakan Emerson L. Coballes: Best Municipal Police Station (Region-wide) – Bagac MPS; Lakan Arra B. Alpajaro: Best City Fire Station Nationwide.
𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟿| Lakan Lee Jan Ungria: Distinguished/Special Commendation Award, Best Junior PCO for Operations, PNP-IG; Lakan Janz Vladimir Hilarion: Best Provincial Mobile Force Company (Region-wide, PROBAR); Lakan Alma Cassandra Gardose: Best Junior Commissioned Officer (Region-wide); Lakan Junmarie Marcaida: Ten Outstanding Female Firefighter; Lakan Emerson L. Coballes: 1st PNP PRO3 Men Excellence Award – Pilar MPS; Best PDEU of the Year (National); Lakan Arra B. Alpajaro: Best Junior Fire Officer of the Year BFP-R7; Lakan Arra B. Alpajaro: Best City Fire Station BFP-R7; Lakan Shiryl Mae Gotladera-Saquing: Best Female Junior Officer (BJMPR2).
𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟶| Lakan Catherine Cas-Cardaño: Best Staff Officer of the Year (BJMP-NCR); Lakan Catherine Cas-Cardaño: Best Staff Officer of the Year (Nationwide); Lakan Clark Abeya: Best Junior Officer for Operations (CSG); Lakan Mark Anthony S. Saquing: Dangal ng Bayan Regional Awardee (CSC HAP).
𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟷| Lakan Abdulsalam Mamalinta Jr.: Best City Police Station (Regional Level); Lakan Gerard Paul Duran: Ayala Foundation Pulis Magiting X Pilipinong Magiting Awardee (PRO 10); Lakan Alma Cassandra Gardose: Best Junior Commissioned Officer (Region-wide); Lakan Emerson L. Coballes: Outstanding Municipal Police Station (Region-wide and National) – Pilar MPS; Lakan Mark Anthony S. Saquing: PNPA GEN FIDEL V RAMOS AWARD Outstanding Alumnus; Lakan Mark Anthony S. Saquing: BJMP Lakan Distinguished Award; Lakan Shiryl Mae Gotladera-Saquing: Best Junior Officer (BJMP-R2); Lakan Shiryl Mae Gotladera-Saquing: BJMP Associate Lakan Award.
𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟸| Lakan Alma Cassandra Gardose: Distinguished/Special Commendation Award; Lakan Peter Paul Sison: Distinguished/Special Commendation Award; Lakan Karl Marlo Sanchez: Distinguished/Special Commendation Award; Lakan Karl Marlo Sanchez: Best Junior Commissioned Officer for Operations (Region-wide, PRO 3); Lakan Lumyaen Lidawan: PNP Medalya ng Kabayanihan; Lakan Emerson L. Coballes: Outstanding Municipal Police Station (Region-wide) – Hermosa MPS; Lakan Alma Cassandra Gardose: Best Senior Commissioned Officer BFP R4A; Lakan Alma Cassandra Gardose: Best Senior Commissioned Officer (BFP R4A); Lakan Mark Louis R Rubiato: Best Junior PCO of the Year (PNPA); Lakan Santi Frey Lorenzo: NPTI Best Junior PCO-National.
𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟹| Lakan Catherine Cas-Cardaño: Best Staff Officer of the Year (BJMPRO-V); Lakan Karl Marlo Sanchez: Distinguished/Special Commendation Award; Lakan Lumyaen Lidawan: Distinguished/Special Commendation Award; Lakan Leopoldo Cajipe: Best Junior Officer for Operations, CIDG; Lakan Lee Jan Ungria: Best Case Officer, PNP-IG; Lakan Derick Dura: Best Junior PCO for Admin, APC-EM; Lakan Louila Eleazar Tio: Best Senior Commissioned Officer BFP R4A; Lakan Louila Eleazar-Tio: Best Senior Commissioned Officer (BFP R4A); Lakan Santi Frey Lorenzo: NPTI Best Junior PCO-National.
𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺| Lakan Catherine Cas-Cardaño: Lakan Distinguished Awardee; Lakan Catherine Cardaño: Distinguished/Special Commendation Award; Lakan Leopoldo Cajipe: Distinguished/Special Commendation Award; Lakan Nilo Morallos: Distinguished/Special Commendation Award; Lakan Allen Tuburan: Best Junior Officer for Operations, NCRPO; Lakan Jeciree Saquilabon-Basitao: Best Junior Officer for Admin, PRO7; Lakan Lee Jan Ungria: Best Junior Officer for Operations; Lakan Romeo Orcullo Jr.: Best Provincial Highway Team Cluster 3 (Nationwide, HPG 69th Founding Anniversary); Lakan Leopoldo Cajipe: Bronze Cross Medal, Armed Forces of the Philippines.
𝙀𝙓𝘾𝙀𝙇𝙇𝙀𝙉𝘾𝙀 𝘼𝘽𝙊𝙑𝙀 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝘽𝙀𝙔𝙊𝙉𝘿 𝙎𝙀𝙍𝙑𝙄𝘾𝙀. The class produced three pilots (Lakan Leah Amoguis, Lakan Garry Nee Tungala, Lakan Jeff Eijansantos) and seven lawyers (Atty Aleli Buaquen, Atty Sheryl Bautista, Atty Ron Karlo Quijote, Atty Joy Anne Creus-Pascual, Atty Jan Reanel Romero, Atty Honey Mae Rosete-Ruiz, Atty Garry Nee Tungala) as of this date.
𝙃𝙊𝙉𝙊𝙍𝘼𝙍𝙔 𝙈𝙀𝙈𝘽𝙀𝙍𝙎. The Masaligan Class of 2011 is honored to include a diverse group of honorary members: legal experts Atty. Mel John Versoza, Atty. Eduardo Ramos Jr., Atty. Argel Joseph Cabatbat, and Atty. Enrique Benigno Balindua; public servants Mayor Juan Paolo Lopez, Councilor Benjamin Abalos III, and Honorable Eden Lasala-Caballes; and community leaders Mr. Andrew Philip Yu, Ms. Michelle Gumabao, Mr. Gener Manantan, and Mr. Jimmy Dy.
𝙂𝙊𝙉𝙀 𝙏𝙊𝙊 𝙎𝙊𝙊𝙉: 𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙄𝙍 𝙈𝙀𝙈𝙊𝙍𝙔 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀𝙎 𝙊𝙉. +Lakan Rennie Tayrus (January 25, 2015); +Lakan Adrian Kenneth Flores (February 10, 2015); +Lakan Michael Tubaña (June 17, 2018); and, +Lakan Alvin Caballes (October 18, 2021).
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆: 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱
While the class has achieved significant success, they remain committed to learning from the individual setbacks experienced by a few members. Guided by the principle that ‘the right, which makes it the best, must always prevail,’ they operate as a steadfast support system, assisting each member in navigating the complexities of their professional environments. Ultimately, their enduring bond reinforces that ‘once a classmate, will always be a classmate’.
Notably, nearly a quarter of the class has attained the rank of Police Lieutenant Colonel, marking the commencement of senior officership in their early thirties. The Masaligan Class of 2011 continues to serve with distinction, embodying the values of integrity, service, and excellence. Their contributions to the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Bureau of Fire Protection stand as a source of pride and inspiration, establishing a lasting legacy for future generations of law enforcement officers.
Sources:
Kampilan, 2011
Interview with members, 2025
