Training

Military Science 1 Day 2

TRAINING DAY 2 MODULE

 TOPIC OUTLINE:
 Legal Bases
 Philippine Military History
 Military Organization

 LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of this segment you should be able to:
 Explain the legal bases of the establishment and creation of the Philippine Army.
 Cite the significant events in the history of the Philippine Army.
 Explain the functions of major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
 Illustrate the hierarchy of military organization through a diagram.

Good morning cadets! It’s the new normal, our situation right now makes it difficult
to continue with our studies but as they always say, education must and will always
continue. So let’s start with the new way of learning and that’s Active Learning! This
way, you will learn to learn by yourself, yes, all by YOURSELF. So let’s start our fun
and exciting learning journey! Have you ever wander if we have no army? Do you
think we can live peacefully and harmoniously if we have no army? Let us start with
the legal mandates in the history of Philippine Army.

LEGAL BASES

Quirino (2007) cited the following legal mandates pertaining to the creation of the Army.
Section 4, Article II of the Constitution provides that the prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the
people. The Government may call upon the people to defend the State and in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens
may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal military or civil service.

Section 38, Article VII, Republic Act 7077 – states that, “Military training for students enrolled in colleges,
universities and similar institutions of learning is mandatory pursuant to the provisions of the National Defense Act
of 1935 and the 1987 Constitution.”

Commonwealth Act Number 1, otherwise known as the National Defense Act, was the very first statutory
enactment by the Commonwealth government on December 23, 1935. Commonwealth Act Number 1 required the
compulsory military training of all college students. Executive Order Nr 207 was later issued by President Manuel L
Quezon requiring all college students to undergo military instructions pursuant to Commonwealth Act Nr 1. The
very rationale of military training is the defense of the state, whether actual or in preparation to make it more
effective in case of need.

The National Defense Act was amended in 1980 by Presidential Decree 1706 (The National Service Law)
which directs that military service will no longer be compulsory, but leaving the national service or training to be in
effect. Military Training Service (MTS), Civic Welfare Service (CWS), Law Enforcement Service (LES) make up the
National Service Program. But the CWS and LES component were suspended, leaving only the MTS program, which
is the present ROTC program. In SY 1993-1994 DND, CHED and DILG formed a tripartite committee, the Basic ROTC
Program was expanded upholding three (3) programs of the National Service Law (MTS, LES and CWS). It was
implemented in 1996 but failed since only five percent (5%) of the students enrolled in CWS and LES components
while ninety-five percent (95%) took the MTS (ROTC).

The rising agitation and recent events call for the re-examination and review of the sixty-year-old law
requiring college students to undergo military training. This resulted to the enactment of Republic Act Number

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9163 which makes ROTC Optional and requires male and female freshmen students taking baccalaureate degree
and at least two (2) year vocational/technical or associate courses to take the National Service Training Program
(NSTP) with any of the three (3) Program Components namely: ROTC, Literacy Training Service and Civic Welfare
Training Service.

PHILIPPINE MILITARY HISTORY

1. BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AFP

Spanish Occupation

General Jose Prim dethroned Queen Isabela II of Spain in 1868. The latter espoused liberal principles of
democracy. This paved the way for the exposure of the Filipinos in foreign culture leading to the development of
strong sense of nationalism among Filipinos. The works of famous propagandists Marcelo H del Pilar, Graceano
Lopez Jaena and Jose Rizal further nurtured the national spirit. Andres Bonifacio, who is considered as the father
of the Philippine Army, founded a more radical group called the “Katipunan” on 7 Jul 1892. In August 23, 1896, the
Cry of Pugad Lawin signaled the start of the Philippine Revolution against Spain. This was followed by pockets of
rebellion which inflicted so much loss to the Spaniards. While Katipunan was gaining strength, two factions
emerged – the Magdalo led by Aguinaldo and the Magdiwang led by Bonifacio. On 22 Mar 1897, the Tejeros
Convention was called to resolve the conflict between the two factions. As a result, Aguinaldo won the presidency.
The occasion also gave birth to the Philippine Army.

American Influence

With the Treaty of Paris, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States. Finding the
archipelago as a lucrative place for some economic activities, the United States strengthened their presence in the
Philippines. This prompted the Filipinos to again unite and fight for the freedom they have just won. Significant
battles followed suit exemplifying the fighting spirit and skills of the Filipino soldiers against formidable opponents.
The capture of General Aguinaldo by the Americans in Palanan, Isabela in March 23, 1901 and the laying down of
arms of General Malvar in April 16, 1902 ended the organized resistance against the American forces.

To hasten the Philippine campaign and to establish peace and order, an insular police force known as the
Philippine Constabulary was organized on August 8, 1901 followed by the establishment of the Philippine Military
Academy on February 7, 1905.

On December 21, 1935, the National Defense Act was enacted which officially created the Armed Forces
of the Philippines. The Philippine Air Force was later established on July 1, 1947

The Japanese Occupation

The defeat of the Fil-Am forces did not end the armed struggle in the Philippines. Those who refused to
surrender went underground and waged a guerilla fighting against the Japanese. The activities of the guerilla
forces were very instrumental in the successful come back of the liberating US Forces under Gen Douglas Mc
Arthur who landed in Leyte on October 20, 1944.

2. EVOLUTION AND ROLE OF THE ROTC IN THE PREVIOUS WARS

The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program has gone a long way in the Philippine history. The
Commonwealth Act Number 1 otherwise known as the National Defense Act provided the legal basis for the
conduct of ROTC instruction, the need for a citizen reserve force had been realized as early as before the American
occupation of the Philippines. In fact, it was utilized even during the long and arduous Spanish colonial rule in the
archipelago. A military training course, that time, became inevitable.

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Spanish authorities in the colony were ill- prepared for any kind of international assault. During
an unstable political situation in the archipelago. Father Domingo Collantes, OP, Rector and chancellor of the
University of Sto Tomas, organized a group of around two hundred (200) students from UST and Colegio de San
Juan de Letran who underwent military training at Sto Tomas Plaza in Intramuros, Manila. Father Collantes was
assisted by a sergeant in the Royal Spanish Army in setting up a battalion of young students for military
instruction.

These students were immediately sent to action together with 500 Hispano-Filipino regulars (in the King’s
Regiment ) and 80 Filipinos to counter the 7000 strong British Regiment. Though obviously mismatched against
the British force, the ragtag force assembled by Spanish authorities was able to somehow temporarily ward - off
the advancing enemies. Their battle lasted for five days, and the defenders suffered much in terms of the number
of casualties and injuries. Realizing the futility of continuous fighting, Governor-Archbishop Rojo surrendered
Manila and Cavite to Lieutenant General Dawsonne Drake on October 6, 1762. Though not so well known in the
Philippine history, our country did become a British colony for a while until June 1764. With the signing of the
Treaty of Paris on February 10, 1763, the Seven Year’s War ended and the British consequently left the archipelago
for good.

Despite this devastation, the Spanish king duly recognized the courage and bravery these students
exhibited in the battlefield. Henceforth, he granted the prestigious titles ‘muy leal’ (very loyal) to these young
defenders and ‘regalia’ (royal) to the institution to which most of them belonged. Up until this day, the ‘muy leal’
emblem remains part of the UST ROTC seal. A testament to the unwavering valor and the commendable spirit once
shown in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity.

Exactly one hundred fifty years later after 1762, various colleges and universities in the Philippines would
offer military training for their students. According to Brigadier General Jose Syjuco, author of the Military
education in the Philippines, most military historians marked the year 1912 as the beginning of the genuine ROTC
instruction in the country. In that year, the Philippine Constabulary (PC) started conducting military instructions at
the University of the Philippines (UP) on the old Padre Faura Campus.

On March 17, 1922, the Department of Military Science and Tactics (DMST) was formally organized in
UP. Among the department’s objectives were to: 1) develop patriotic, physically sound, upright and disciplined
citizens; 2) create a corps of trained officers for the reserve force; and 3) take the lead in fostering the university
spirit. On July 3, 1922, with the first ROTC unit in the country having been organized, formal military instruction
began in UP. Since then, basic course in infantry became compulsory and a pre-requisite for graduation from the
university. On October 26, 1929, the field artillery unit of UP was organized with the issuance of 75mm field guns.
In 1935, a mounted battery unit, equipped with 2.95-inch guns was also put in place.

Under the system, male students had to take basic two-year course and attend training on weekends.
Those students desiring reserve commission could attend two more years of advanced weekend training.
Completion of the advanced course made one eligible for a reserve officer commission. However, mandatory
training was not instituted in all colleges. As result, students who did not want to undergo military training simply
opted to transfer to schools who did not have ROTC units. To resolve the issue, President Quezon issued Executive
Order No. 207. By virtue of this directive, ROTC became compulsory in all colleges and universities with enrollment
of a hundred students or more. This action taken by Quezon was partly in response to the protest launched by
some schools that their enrollment had dropped due to the institution of ROTC units. By 1941, there were around
thirty three colleges and universities throughout the country that maintained ROTC units. However, all of these
schools closed down during the Japanese incursion in the Philippines.

Times have changed and the ROTC program has been placed in constant scrutiny, especially in terms of
significance to the importance in today’s reality. It drew a number of problems and subsequent protests not only
from the student sector but also from the school administration and the parents of the students who view the

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program as militarization. The strongest clamor for its abolition occurred in March 2001 as a consequence of the
death of University of Santo Tomas ROTC Cadet Mark Chua who was allegedly hazed by senior ROTC cadets for his
expose’ of several malpractices in the ROTC program. This incident was exploited by some leftist organizations
who staged rallies demanding the abolition of the ROTC. This clamor prompted both Houses to file separate bills
on the ROTC program. The House of Representatives filed House Bill Number 3593 and The Senate filed Senate Bill
Number 1824 which led to the enactment of Republic Act 9163 otherwise known as the National Service Training
Program (NSTP) Act of 2001, making the ROTC as just one of the three components of the NSTP where the
students can choose from. The ROTC training period was also reduced from two years to one year. Students can
also select any component of the NSTP, thus making ROTC optional. Female students are also required to undergo
NSTP as a prerequisite for graduation for a baccalaureate degree or two-year vocational courses.

The program experienced steady deterioration essentially due to issues and concerns which include
among others graft and corruption, lack of competent, dedicated and committed instructors and higher student-
instructor ratio. Moreover, students do not appreciate the Program as shown by the high rate of students
dropping out or deferring the ROTC training while many have decided to enroll in the other two components. This
has significantly reduced the number of our reserve force pool who are not only to be readily available in case of
war or national emergency but also to perform relief and rescue tasks when needed.

As of today, many concerned citizens and school administrators and legislators alike are advocating for
the enhancement of the ROTC program by making the same compulsory to state colleges and universities. The
Armed Forces of the Philippines is fully supporting this effort. The advocacy is based on the perceived decline in
the appreciation of the youth on the value of patriotism and good citizenship.

MILITARY ORGANIZATION

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recognizes the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines
as the legitimate expression of the people’s will. It is mandated to serve and protect the people and secure the
sovereignty of the state and the integrity of its national territory from internal and external threats. Therefore, the
AFP pledges allegiance to the Filipino people, adheres to the principle of supremacy of civilian authority over the
military at all times and vows to uphold and defend the constitution.

MILITARY ORGANIZATION

It is defined as a group of persons or units bonded together to perform military functions with definite
responsibilities and duties assigned to each individual.

THE CHAIN OF COMMAND

In any organization, flow of authority and responsibility is of utmost importance. It enables an

organization to function smoothly. And thus, everything that has to do with the operation of the group must pass
through channels. In the military point of view, effective management of the groups is shown through the chain of
command.

The President (Commander-in-Chief)

Secretary of National Defense –
Chief of Staff, AFP
Major Service Commanders (PA, PN, PAF)
Unified Command Commander (NOLCOM, SOLCOM, WESCOM, VISCOM, WESTMINCOM, EASTMINCOM)
Division Commanders
Brigade Commanders

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Battalion Commanders
Company Commanders
Platoon Leaders
Squad Leaders/Team Leaders

DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE

The Department of National Defense (DND) is located at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, EDSA, Quezon City.

The DND is the agency under the Executive Branch of the government which is responsible for the
supervision of the national defense program of the country. To accomplish this mission, it has executive
supervision over the bureaus, offices and services that are placed by the President under its jurisdiction.

MISSION OF DND

1. To support and defend the constitution of the Republic of the Philippines against all enemies
both foreign and domestics.
2. To ensure, by timely and effective action, the security of the RP and of vital interest.
3. To uphold and advance the national policies and interests of the RP.
4. To safeguard the internal security of RP.

ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

In line with the accepted concept of civilian authority over the military and as provided in our
Constitution, the President is the Commander –in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The President
exercises strategic direction through the Secretary of National Defense and exercises the same through the Chief
of Staff, AFP who directly represents him.

MISSION OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES.

1. To uphold the sovereignty, support the constitution and defend the territory of the RP against all
enemies, both foreign and domestic.
2. To advance the national aims interests and policies.
3. To effectively plan for the organization, maintenance, development and employment of its active
and reserve forces for national security.
4. To perform such other duties as the President may direct.

STATEMENT OF BASIC FUNCTIONS

1. The Chief of Staff, AFP – is the highest military officer in the AFP. Being the Commanding General
of the AFP, he exercises command over all elements of the organization. He executes the President’s command
functions in relation to military strategy, tactics and operation. He is the immediate adviser of the SND and is
responsible for the planning, development and examination of the National Defense Program.
2. The Vice Chief of Staff, AFP – VCSAFP is the Deputy Commanding General of the AFP. He assist
the Chief of Staff and performs his function during the latter’s absence or inability to perform.
3. The Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP – DCSAFP is designated by the CSAFP and exercises general
supervision over the Joint Staff and Special Staff (Administrative and Technical).
4. Secretary of Joint Staff, AFP – the SJSAFP is the executive officer of the CSAFP, VCSAFP and
DCSAFP. He is the secretary of the Joint Staff.

MISSION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE AFP

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The mission of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is: “To protect the people and secure the sovereignty
of the state and the integrity of the national territory.”
The following are the functions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines:

1) Uphold the sovereignty, support the Constitution and defend the territory of the
Republic of the Philippines against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
2) Promote and advance the national aims, goals, interest and policies.
3) Organize, maintain, develop and deploy its regular and reserve forces.
4) Perform other functions as provided by law or assigned by higher authority.

MAJOR SERVICES OF THE AFP

The armed force is composed of the Regular Force and the Reserve Force. The regular force consists of
the regular officers and men and a percentage of reserve officers and personnel called for or to active duty. The
AFP has three Major Services namely:

1. Philippine Army
2. Philippine Navy
3. Philippine Air Force

AFP ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

AFP

PA PN PAF Major Services

Area Commands

WESTMINCOM
NOLCOM SOLCOM VISCOM WESCOM SOUTHCOM
EASTMINCOM

AFP-Wide Support Separate Units

MISSION OF PHILIPPINE ARMY

GHQ/HSC PSG PMA AFPJCSC AFP
RESCOM
LOGCTR ISAFP AFPMC
To conduct prompt and sustained ground operations to accomplish the AFP mission.
AFPCEIS AFPCEIS PASAFP AFPFC
CAPABILITIES
1. Organize, train and equip army forces for the conduct of prompt and sustain combat operation
on land.
2. Develop doctrines, procedures, tactics, organization & equipment peculiar to the army.
3. Develop in coordination with other major services, doctrines, procedures, tactics and equipment
of interest to the army for joint operations.
4. Provide an organization capable of furnishing adequate, timely and reliable intelligence.
5. Organize, train and equip all army reserve units.

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MISSION OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE

To conduct prompt and sustained operations in the air especially those forces needed to defend the
Philippines against air attacks, to gain air superiority and control vital air areas.
CAPABILITIES

1. Organize, train and equip air forces for close support of surface troops.

2. Develop doctrines, procedures, tactics organization and equipment peculiar to air force for uni-
service operations.
3. Develop in coordination with other major services, doctrines, procedures, tactics and equipment
of interest to the air force for joint operations.
4. Furnish aerial photography for cartographic purposes in coordination with other government
agencies.
5. Perform such other functions as the President may direct.

MISSION OF PHILIPPINE NAVY

To organize, train, equip, maintain and operate naval forces, aircraft and other naval units necessary to
provide the water borne support required by the AFP in accomplishment of its mission.

CAPABILITIES

1. Assist government agencies in the enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to navigation,
immigration, custom revenue, quarantine and fishing in the territorial and contiguous water of the Philippines.
2. Develop doctrines, procedures, tactics, organization and equipment peculiar to the navy for uni-
service operations.

3. Perform such other duties as the President may direct.

MISSION OF ARESCOM

To develop, organize, train, equip and administer a high competent mobilizeable reserve force as an
integral component of the total army in the defense of the state and to participate in socio-economics
development effort of the government.

CAPABILITIES

1. Administer reservists.
2. Provide ready reserve force.
3. Conduct informal assembly.
4. Sustain the production of reservists.
5. Assist in relief and rescue operations during disaster and calamities.
6. Assist the local government units.
7. Assist in socio-economic activities.
Assist retirees and veterans.
9. Support the internal security operations in terms of intelligence collection and civil military
operations.
10 Support the “Berdeng Pilipinas” Program of the President.

That’s all for this module, see you next training day cadets!

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 REFERENCES:

 CALONZO, QUIRINO S: ROTC MS 1 Handbook/Workbook; Tarlac; 2007

 Philippine Constitution
 REPUBLIC ACT 9163
 Republic Act 7077

 PREPARED BY:

LTC MA. SALVACION P. COLLADO (RES) PA