By: Lakan Cleve Taboso (Bugle Call, 2009)
On January 31, 1988, the Philippine National Police Academy conducted the Cadet Admission Test for thousands of examinees, but only 300 were called in for the series of physical and neuropsychiatric tests. After a thorough screening, the number was again reduced to 120. The transition affected everyone. The “breaking period” weeded out those adamant against change. Only the exceptional survived; those who could not run along bogged down and were left behind.
Soon enough, an invisible wedge was driven into their complacent personalities, giving them a tougher image of their former selves. Each of them developed characteristic ways of responding to life in the Academy. When one’s inner control was strong enough to direct their behavior in accordance with the expectations and norms of the Corps, then one could truly become an officer and a gentleman.
To this day, years after they have passed through the portals of the Philippine National Police Academy, the Tagapamayapa Class of 1990 still stands as the lofty goals of the Academy.
The TAGAPAMAYAPA Class of 1990 had 89 graduates and produced 17 star-rank officers across the tri-bureau, with 77 original members still living. All members have now retired honorably from service. Notably, Lakan Rhoderick C. Armamento, its current Class President, made history in the PNPA as the first three-star Lakan produced by the Long Maroon Line. (PNPAAAI Records, 2025)
Three of its members were appointed as Regional Directors: Lakan Franco Simborio (+) of PR09, BJMP Regional Office 4A; Lakan Arnel Gongona; and Lakan Arnold Buenacosa for BJMP Region 6. Likewise, Lakan Harold B. Tuzon was promoted to two-star rank and designated Commander of APC Eastern Mindanao. Lakans Harris R. Fama and Daniel Mayoni served as Director, ITMS; Lakan Ferdinand Sifuentes as Director, PSPG; and Lakan Ruel Acidre as DRDA PR012. Some of its elected/appointed, regular, and adopted members are as follows: Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, Deputy Speaker Congressman David Jay Jay Suarez, Mayor Ramil B. Rivera of Cabiao, Nueva Ecija; Vice Mayor Samuel Gadingan of Bansalan, Davao del Sur; Assistant Prosecutor Irene Medrano of Quezon City; Deputy National Security Adviser Jonathan Malaya; and Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel of the Department of Agriculture. Some of the retired members opted to join government sectors, such as Lakan Eugenio Paguirigan of the OTS, Lakan Antonio Bartolome of the LTO, Lakans Enrique Magalona and Eduardo Marquez of the NICA, and Lakan Ronaldo Mendoza of the PAOCC. Three members work with LGUs: Lakan Manuel Lukban of PDRRMO Bulacan, Lakan Leony Roy Ga, Administrator of Iligan City; and Lakan Ramil Ramirez, Public Safety Head of Ormoc City. Others work successfully in private entities, while some have chosen to reside abroad permanently. (PNPA CL 1990 History, 2025)
