By: Lakan Grace M. Yerro-Naparato (Class Secretary/Historian)
The Marangal Class of 2005 was not merely a batch of cadets who passed through the hallowed grounds of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA)—they were a generation of warriors, forged in adversity, strengthened by discipline, and bound by an unbreakable brotherhood. Their story is not just one of endurance but of transformation—a journey that turned ambitious young men and women into the vanguards of law and order in the country.
The Crucible: A Test of Strength and Will
On November 5, 2000, over 12,000 hopefuls from across the nation converged at regional testing centers, all vying to pass the PNPA Cadet Admission Test (PNPA CAT). However, PNPA does not mold the weak—only 1,607 candidates progressed past the rigorous neurological-psychological evaluations, medical and physical examinations, and the feared panel interview. In the end, only 163 cadets—143 males and 20 females—were selected to take their oath.
Their journey officially began on Reception Day, May 16, 2001, when they stepped into a world governed by strict discipline and relentless challenges. The Breaking Period tested their physical endurance, mental resilience, and ability to adapt to a regimented lifestyle. Many faltered, unable to withstand the grueling transformation, but those who endured found strength in the Caution System, a mechanism that instilled unity and collective responsibility.
Forging an Identity: The Birth of “Marangal”
During this period, the class collectively decided on the name “Marangal”, a word that embodies honor, integrity, and noble service. This name would define their journey and the values they upheld throughout their cadetship and beyond.
To further solidify their identity, CDT 4CL Ryan Manongdo designed the class seal, a symbol of their mission and unwavering commitment to service. Alongside this, they adopted a class song, “I Will Be Here” by Steven Curtis Chapman, which became a powerful anthem of their unity, perseverance, and dedication to the calling they had chosen.
A Higher Calling: Choosing the Road Less Traveled
Unlike traditional colleges and academies—and unlike most PNPA batches except Classes 2002 to 2004—every member of PNPA Class 2005 was already a baccalaureate degree holder before entering the Academy. They came from diverse academic backgrounds, equipped with knowledge and promising career opportunities in various fields. Yet, they chose the less traveled path of public service, sacrificing personal ambitions for a life dedicated to duty, discipline, and the protection of the Filipino people.
A Unique Challenge in PNPA History: The Lowest of the Low
Every PNPA class begins as the lowest-ranked cadets in the hierarchy, but the Marangal Class of 2005 faced an unprecedented experience—they were at the bottom of a five-class hierarchy (2001-2005), a situation no other batch had ever encountered.
This was due to the reinstatement of Class 2001 cadets, who had previously been dismissed following the tragic death of an underclassman. Their return meant that Marangal Class of 2005 remained the lowest of the low, subjected to intense scrutiny and even greater challenges from upperclassmen. Instead of breaking them, this forged their resilience, strengthened their camaraderie, and molded them into leaders prepared to rise above adversity.
Trials in the Classroom: A Battle of Minds
The four-year cadetship program was not just physically demanding—it was an intellectual battlefield. With a new curriculum introduced, cadets were required to master advanced mathematics, including Differential and Integral Calculus, which proved especially challenging for those without a mathematical background. Alongside these, they tackled subjects vital to law enforcement, such as Psychology, Law, Police Operations, and Leadership.
The first semester was a test of endurance—cadets fought to maintain their standing, and by the second semester, “survival of the fittest” became their mantra. Twelve cadets struggled academically and were integrated into the lower class through the Fit-in Curriculum.
Despite the relentless pace, there were cherished moments of respite. On December 23, 2001, as their upperclassmen were out for their break, the king and queen of the Corps escaped the pressures of training at Enchanted Kingdom, briefly experiencing the joy of youth. Other significant breaks included a visit to Villa Escudero in San Pablo, Laguna, where they immersed themselves in Filipino heritage, and Ocean Adventure, where they marveled at dolphins and breathtaking coastal views—memories forever etched in their journey.
Recognition and Tragedy: The Defining Moments
On April 8, 2002, the long-awaited Recognition Day finally came. It was more than just a ceremonial handshake from upperclassmen—it was a symbol of triumph, proof that they had conquered plebe hood and earned their rightful place in the Corps.
However, their journey was not without its darkest moments. On August 27, 2002, tragedy struck with the untimely passing of Cadet Fourth Class Andawi, sending shockwaves through the Academy and the nation. One of their own was accused of the crime, yet instead of evading responsibility, the cadet courageously faced the consequences. The repercussions were swift—several Marangal Class members, including their Class President, were dismissed or turned back. It was a defining test of their unity, but they reorganized, endured, and emerged even stronger—true to the essence of being Marangal.
Becoming Warriors: Training Beyond the Academy
Their training went beyond the traditional classroom and field exercises. On May 1, 2003, Marangal Class of 2005 was turned over to the Special Action Force Training School (SAFTS) for the 45-day Special Action Operation Orientation Course (SAFOOC)— the first of its kind for any PNPA class. A baptism of fire that forged them into true warriors of public safety, pushing their physical and mental limits to prepare them to harsh realities of law enforcement.
They endured:
• Relentless “kuripaspas” (rapid jogging) with full gear, backpacks, and rifles
• Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Training, mastering urban combat and tactical team
operations
• Marksmanship drills, learning to shoot while moving and responding under pressure
• VIP security and close-combat defense, preparing them for high-risk operations
The class did not just survive—they excelled! The first-ever SAFOOC seal, was created by their class, a symbol of their hard-earned skills, discipline and brotherhood.
The Final Test: Preparing for the Real World
As their final year approached, cadets faced their ultimate challenge—the Cadet Attachment Program (CAP). This three-month immersion placed them in real police, fire, and jail stations, allowing them to integrate their training into actual law enforcement operations.
Their CAP experience was divided into two categories:
• Rural CAP – Assignments in Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas Police Provincial Offices under Police Regional Office CALABARZON
• Urban CAP – Deployment across different NCRPO districts, experiencing the challenges of policing in Metro Manila
By June 28, 2004, they made a life-altering decision—choosing their bureau of preference:
• 157 cadets joined the Philippine National Police (PNP)
• 12 cadets joined the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
• 10 cadets opted for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)
A Legacy Etched in Honor
On March 17, 2005, the Marangal Class of 2005 graduated 178 cadets—160 males and 18 females. Of these, 122 were original members of Class 2005, while 56 were turnbacks from other classes, yet they fully embraced the commitment and brotherhood of Marangal.
Their numbers represent more than just statistics—they stand for countless hardships, sleepless nights, and sacrifices. They left PNPA not as the same individuals who entered in 2001, but as leaders, warriors, and defenders of peace.
Their story is not just about those who wore the uniform—it is about the spirit of service, honor, and sacrifice that defines every member of the PNPA family. Today, they continue to uphold their class name—Marangal—in law enforcement, in their respective bureaus, and in the hearts of the Filipino people.
As Balik Akademya 2025 approaches, their legacy stands tall, a beacon for future cadets. They are a testament that while the path to greatness is paved with hardship, those who walk it with honor will forever be remembered.
Source:
Philippine National Police Academy
