ROTC REFERENCES / INSTRUCTIONAL READING MATERIALS

HEADQUARTERS
CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY ROTC UNIT
604TH (ILO) COMMUNITY DEFENSE CENTER, 6RCDG, ARESCOM
Lopez Jaena St, Jaro, Iloilo City

A. Philippine Military History

1. LESSON TITLE: Philippine Military History
2. SCOPE OF THE SUBJECT
I. PRE-SPANISH OCCUPATION
II. SPANISH OCCUPATION
III. AMERICAN INFLUENCE
IV. THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION
V. EVOLUTION AND ROLE OF THE ROTC IN THE PREVIOUS WARS

I. PRE-SPANISH OCCUPATION

The first recorded organized resistance against foreign aggressor took place in
the Visayas during the Battle of Mactan on 27 Apr 1521 when the native chieftain
named Lapu-lapu, the acknowledge father of the AFP fought against the Spaniards led
by Magellan in the latter’s effort to subdue the former. Lapu-lapu refused to pay
homage to the King of Spain. Under estimating the capability of the natives, the
foreigners lost in the battle and Magellan was killed.

II. SPANISH OCCUPATION

Some islands of the archipelago were successfully occupied by the Spaniards.

In 1570, they tried to land in Manila, however, the Muslim leader, Rajah Sulayman
resisted their effort. In 1571, Miquel Lopez d Legazpi conquered Manila and made it as
the capital of the Philippines.
Pockets of rebellion took place. Notable of which was the uprising led by Diego
Silang where he displayed his
exemplary military leadership style and tactics in defeating the Spaniards.
The Filipino soldiers were also organized to fight for Spain and to support some
expeditions. Filipino forces were also sent to reinforce Spanish troops during the
Chinese revolt in 1603.

 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.

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III. AMERICAN INFLUENCE

 As the war broke out between the United States and Spain on April 23, 1898, the
Americans convinced the Filipinos to cooperate with the Americans against Spain
with the promise that the United States will grant independence to the Philippines.
Aguinaldo declared war against Spain. In June 12, 1898, the Philippine
Independence from Spain was declared in Kawit, Cavite. Later on, the Philippine
Navy was created 22 June 22, 1898 by the Revolutionary Army.
 The occupation of the American forces did not gain much acceptance from the
Filipinos because of many restrictions imposed to the Filipino forces as to access
to some areas. The hearse treatment by the Americans ignited the conflict between
them and the Filipinos. The latter were defeated which led to the fall of the Malolos
Republic.
 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 Miguel 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.

IV. THE JAPANSES OCCUPATION

 Consequent to the declaration of war by Japan with the United States, the invading
Japanese Forces landed in Vigan and Aparri in Luzon on December 10, 1945. Un-
able to withstand the very strong adversary and to save more lives and properties
from destruction, the combined military forces of the United States and the Filipinos
withdrew to Bataan for the implementation of War Plan Orange. Un-abated
Japanese strikes caused the fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942 and Corregidor on May
6, 1942. These events ended the organized resistance against the Japanese
invasion.

 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
MacArthur who landed in Leyte on October 20, 1944.

V. INTERNATIONAL PEACE KEEPING OPERATIONS

 The AFP had participated in international peace keeping efforts as its

commitment to the United Nations such as the Philippine Expeditionary
Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) in the early 50’s, the Philippine Air Force
Contingent in Congo, Africa in the early 60’s and the Philippine Civic Action
Group (PHILCAG) in South Vietnam in the 60’s. Philippine contingents were
also sent to East Timor, Iraq and Liberia to participate in UN peace keeping
operations.

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VI. 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
in the light of the constant.
 The result of the so called Seven Year’s War in Europe between France and Great
Britain, a British flotilla of thirteen ships, headed by Admiral Samuel Cornish and
General William Draper, arrived in the Colony on September 22,1762. The Philippines
got entangled in this European power struggle because the monarchs of Spain and
France both belonged to the bourbon Dynasty. On the one side where the combined
French and Spanish forces together with their colonies; on the other, the rising tide of
British colonialism in Asia. In retaliation for this entanglement, a military expedition
from Madras was sent to India, then a British colony.
 Spanish authorities in the colony were ill- prepared for such kind of international
assault. During this tumultuous period, the Philippines was headed by Archbishop
Manuel Rojo, a situation clearly indicative of the 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 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
skirmish 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.
 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.
 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. All able- bodied male students
in all colleges, institutes, and schools of the university were required to undergo
military training that focused initially on infantry and use of rifles. Appointed as the

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first military instructor was Captain Silvino Gallardo, who assumed office in the first
semester of 1912.

 In 1912, during the American regime, UP and Ateneo de Manila started to offer
military training. But their graduates could not find a career in military unless they
joined the PC or the Philippine Scouts (PS). Governor General Leonard Wood
encouraged the development of ROTC units, which were quite similar to those he had
organized in the United States, in the Philippines. With representation from the UP
Board of Regents to the US War Department, the services of an American Army officer
were obtained. This officer was later appointed as professor of Military Science.
 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.
 As a result of these encouraging events, other colleges and universities in Manila
followed suit. Ateneo de Manila, National University, Liceo de Manila, and San Juan de
Letran later formed their ROTC units. These units remained independent from one
another until 1936, when Office of the Superintendent (of ROTC units) of the Philippine
Army was activated to supervise all ROTC units in the country.
 Under the American tutelage, Commonwealth Act Number 1 provided the legal basis
for the mandatory citizen military training in the Philippines. The country’s national
defense plan was put into motion by the combined efforts of General Douglas
McArthur and Manuel Quezon. The defense plan envisioned an organization on citizen
army consisting of two major components: 1) a regular force of about 10,000 men
(including PC) and 2) a reserve force to number 400,000 by end of ten-year period.
The second component was to be accomplished by way of continuing program to train
21-year old able bodied men for a period of more than five months. Quezon personally
hand-picked Gen MacArthur to become the military adviser of the Commonwealth,
with the responsibility of formulating the Philippine Defense system. (Quezon later
conferred the status of “Field Marshall”, the highest military rank known in
international usage, on McArthur). At the opening session of the National Assembly on
November 26, 1935, Quezon re-iterated the need for a defense plan. According to him
“ Self defense is the supreme right of mankind no more sacred to the individual than to
the nation, the interests of which are immeasurably of greater significance and extent.
 On December 21, 1935, the National Assembly approved the plan amid criticisms it
received and the strict opposition mounted by several lawmakers namely Juan
Sumulong and Camilo Osias, and former President Emilio Aguinaldo. ROTC units in
various universities and colleges, therefore became source of reserve officers.
However, a major concern was that these units had yet to be. UP’s ROTC was the first
to be officially recognized; the ROTC units of Letran, UST, De la Salle, Adamson,
Philippine Normal School, the Philippine School of Arts and Trades, San Beda and
Siliman were likewise given recognition. By 1937, the Philippine government had
established and recognized seventeen ROTC, most of them infantry units. UP had a
field artillery unit aside from an infantry unit; Adamson and the Quisumbing schools
had chemical warfare units. Furthermore, UP also served as the training ground for
ROTC instructors and a source of basic ROTC training policies.
 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

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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 through
out the country that maintained ROTC units. However, all of these schools closed
down during the Japanese incursion in the Philippines.
 Japan’s misadventure in the Philippines had ended, but the service rendered to the
nation by the heroic men of ROTC has turned into a life-long commitment. Even during
the post war era, UP ROTC graduates exhibited here and abroad meritorious deeds in
the service of the Filipino people. On the one hand, they became part of the
government’s effort to solve the problem of insurgency in the country; on the other,
they manned the contingency forces that were sent at the height of the Korean (1950)
and Vietnam (1964) wars.
 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 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 NSTP has three (3) components namely:
 Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), which is designed to provide military
training to students to prepare for national defense, the Department of
National Defense (DND) is the lead agency in the implementation of the ROTC
component.
 Literacy Training Service (LTS), which is designed to train students to become
teachers to school children, out of school youth and other segments of the
society who are in dire need of their service, the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED)is the lead agency in the implementation of the LTS
component.
 Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), which will involve thestudents to
activities to contribute to general welfare and betterment of life, the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is the lead agency in the
implementation of CWTS component. The students can selectany of the
three (3) components as a requirement for their baccalaureate degree or two-
year vocational course.

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