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by CPvt Oliver Diamante, 4Cl
"KAMPILAN"
This is probably what one would hear every Sunday Training Day as
cadets leave their formation and go off to their respective private duties. A word that is not just said because they are
told to do so, but because cadets take pride of their unit. It is the Kampilan Battle Group and unlike any other unit, it
was made strong by experiences.
Probably one of the most essential units of the UP Manila ROTC is
the Kampilan Battle Group (KBG), a unit which focuses on battle strategies and combat essentials – contrary to the Rayadillo
Honor Guards which focuses on silent drills and marchings for parades and welcome ceremonies.
The Kampilan Battle Group, headed by CLtCol Ricky Bulalakaw, 1Cl basically specializes on battle and command
tactics aside from the usual marching and basic ROTC lessons. Thus, they are the front unit of the UP Manila ROTC which is
always ready to dismount the Strike Forces (SF) when it attacks other units anytime during the training day.
Several activities have been culminated by the Kampilan Battle Group for the academic year 2000-2001, like
the Markahan 2001, held last December 2000, Alay-Lakad held last August 2000, and the Presentation of Sponsors, which was
just held recently.
Several cadets could account for the benefits of being a member of the Kampilan Battle Group. CPvt Jose
Martin Atun, 4Cl said, “It is really nice to feel the camaraderie among my fellow cadets. The bonding just shows strong
over time and experiences…” On the other hand, CPvt Aaron Mark Hernandez, 4Cl said, “The experiences I had
were the best things in Kampilan, it seems like all the hard works have a reward in the end, and the experiences I had cannot
be traded for anything.”
These cadets would eventually finish their military sciences and may live different lives. However, being
a Kampilan member will always be in their hearts, a pride brought about by experiences and camaraderie among fellow cadets
and officers. Well, it is pride that only the Kampilan cadets could feel.
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