AFP, PNP top brass to join PMA homecoming

FORMER and current ranking officials in the police and the military relieve their moment as cadets with annual alumni homecoming of the Philippine Military Academy.

PMA information officer Lieutenant Col. Reynaldo Balido estimated around 2,000 graduates from Asia’s premier military institution would be attending the alumni homecoming which started February 15 until 17.

"Enrique Razon Jr., who is the chairman and chief executive officer of the Interna-

tional Container Terminal Services Inc. is this year’s guest of honor and speaker who will also take his oath as a member of the PMA Alumni Association, aside from being an adopted member of class 1988.

Aside from Razon, other dignitaries expected to be present are AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, Navy Flag Officer in command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, Army commanding officer Lt. General Rolando Joselito Bautista, Air Force top brass General Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr., PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa, Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu.

The yearly homecoming is an awaited event for the men in uniform giving them the opportunity to meet and re-acquaint with former “mistahs” or classmates and squadmates, who spent four years of their lives in a regimented military training prior to their deployment in the different branches of service in the AFP and PNP.

Balido explained preliminary activities prior to the homecoming include the golf tournament, the clash of the classes, and the Uncle “Bobo” Cup simultaneously happening on February 15 and 16.

A wreath-laying activity remembering their comrades who have passed away is set in the afternoon of February 16th at the alumni memorial area.

Meanwhile, Cadet barracks is set to be opened to members of the alumni and their families on February 17 until after the parade at the historic Borromeo Field, where the alumnus reminisce their lives as cadets marching and parading in their best-synchronized manner.

Security measures have been instituted inside and outside the academy for the arrival of the country’s top military and police officials, retired servicemen and cabinet secretaries.

"There are two layers of security preparations. First is the outer layer, where the Baguio City Police Office and AFP personnel will take charge, while AFP personnel will take charge for the internal security inside the academy to ensure the safety of everyone," Balido added.