By Lakan Maila B Alog
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด: ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ฑ๐บ๐ถ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด. 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.
๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ: ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐น
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ ๐ผ๐ ๐พ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐๐. The PNPA’s Reception Rites on May 1, 2007, initiated 390 cadets with immediate hardship. Following briefings and transport to Camp Castaรฑeda, 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.
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐. 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 (โMAndirigmang SAsabak sa LIpunang GANapโ)
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
๐๐๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐. 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.
๐ผ๐พ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐พ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฟ. 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.
๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐๐. 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.
๐๐๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐. 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.
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐ผ๐๐. 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.
๐๐๐๐๐๐พ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐ ๐๐๐ฟ๐๐๐พ๐๐ผ๐๐ 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.
๐๐๐ผ๐พ๐๐๐พ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐. 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.
๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐พ๐๐๐. 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.
๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐. 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.
๐๐๐๐ ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐. 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.
๐ฝ๐๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ผ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐ผ๐๐. 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.
๐๐๐ ๐พ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐ผ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ผ๐. 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.
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐พ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐พ๐๐. 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 Monumentโa CCPNPA Battalions’ initiativeโwhich stand at the entrance to the former Cadet Corps area.
๐๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฟ๐ผ๐: 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 Academyโs 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.
๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ: ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น ๐ช๐ผ๐ฟ๐น๐ฑ
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.
๐๐ผ๐๐ฝ๐๐ผ๐๐๐ผ ๐๐๐๐๐ (2013), ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐พ๐๐ผ๐๐ (2015) ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐ (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.
๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐๐๐พ๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐ธ๐ถ๐ท๐บ| Lakan Catherine Cas-Cardaรฑo: 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.
๐ธ๐ถ๐ท๐ป| Lakan John Ryan Doceo: Best Junior Officer for Operations (Nationwide).
๐ธ๐ถ๐ท๐ผ| 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).
๐ธ๐ถ๐ท๐ฝ| Lakan Maila Alog: Best Junior Officer (Region-wide, PRO1).
๐ธ๐ถ๐ท๐พ| Lakan Catherine Cas-Cardaรฑo: 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.
๐ธ๐ถ๐ท๐ฟ| 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).
๐ธ๐ถ๐ธ๐ถ| Lakan Catherine Cas-Cardaรฑo: Best Staff Officer of the Year (BJMP-NCR); Lakan Catherine Cas-Cardaรฑo: 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).
๐ธ๐ถ๐ธ๐ท| 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.
๐ธ๐ถ๐ธ๐ธ| 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.
๐ธ๐ถ๐ธ๐น| Lakan Catherine Cas-Cardaรฑo: 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.
๐ธ๐ถ๐ธ๐บ| Lakan Catherine Cas-Cardaรฑo: Lakan Distinguished Awardee; Lakan Catherine Cardaรฑo: 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.
๐๐๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐พ๐ ๐ผ๐ฝ๐๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐ฟ ๐๐๐๐๐๐พ๐. 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.
๐๐๐๐๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฝ๐๐๐. 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.
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐: ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐. +Lakan Rennie Tayrus (January 25, 2015); +Lakan Adrian Kenneth Flores (February 10, 2015); +Lakan Michael Tubaรฑa (June 17, 2018); and, +Lakan Alvin Caballes (October 18, 2021).
๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐ด๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ฎ๐ฐ๐: ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ณ๐น๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ช๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ
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 โonce a classmate, will always be a classmateโ.
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
