Bugle Call (2009)
From the thousands of examinees nationwide who took the Integrated National Police Cadet Admission Test in 1982, only 250 passed the written examination and underwent a rigorous screening process at Camp Panopio, Cubao, Quezon City. Only 86 successfully met all the requirements and were admitted at the Philippine National Police Academy to comprise the Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Class of 1985.
They took their oath on May 1, 1983, at Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba, Laguna, after being subjected to nerve-wracking psy-wars and back-breaking physical exercises during the Reception Rites.
Their Recognition Rites, held on February 24, 1984, marked the end of the “ten-month seemingly endless days of struggle for survival in a new world”.
Of the original 86 members, 70 of them graduated on June 10, 1985, with their guest of honor, Minister of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile. Out of 70 graduates, 68 joined the Integrated National Police, and two (2) joined the Fire Service.
Their class bore the brunt of constant exposure as Civil Disturbance Management contingents in Mendiola, Manila, at the height of anti-Marcos rallies and demonstrations in 1986. They are the only class who never became upperclassmen and never experienced the Incorporation Rites. In their senior years, they had the misfortune of being deprived of the role of the immediate supervisors over underclassmen due to the “total segregation policy” of then Philippine National Police Academy Superintendent, Police Brigadier General Alfredo S. Lim, in his desire to eradicate all forms of hazing and maltreatment.
They earned the distinction of having the highest number of Silent Drill exhibitions with 23 performances in and off-campus, which gave honor and prestige to the Academy.
Their class takes pride in being mentored by three esteemed Integrated National Police generals who served as PNPA Superintendents in succession: Police Brigadier General Guillermo P. Enriquez, Jr., Police Brigadier General Alfredo S. Lim, and Police Brigadier General Carlos C. Javier. The first PNPA graduate to complete the Basic Airborne Course was the Class Baron, Robert G. Po.
The class topnotcher, Police Lieutenant Fortunato Guerrero, also made history as the first PNPA cadet to graduate with the highest distinction in the Basic Intelligence Course for the Philippine Constabulary/Integrated National Police in 1988—a course typically dominated by Philippine Military Academy graduates.
In response to the Academy’s appeal for additional police officers to bolster its manpower, six of their graduates answered the call. Police Lieutenants Robert Po, Fortunato Guerrero, Reynaldo Martin, and Amador Navarroza returned to PNPA as Tactical Officers of Classes 86, 87, and 88. Police Lieutenant Ferdinand Tiqui and Fire Lieutenant Marchel Pangilinan served as Tactical Officers for new fire recruits at the National Fire Service Training Center.
The Makatao Class of 1985 proved their commitment to public service, discipline, and excellence. Their sacrifices and contributions laid the groundwork as their legacy remains a beacon of inspiration to the young generations of cadets. The class produced 11 star-rank officers from the tri-bureau, while 52 original members are still living.
Source:
PNPAAAI Records
Philippine National Police Academy
