The Hunters ROTC: A legacy of valor
BARRACKS AND STRATEGY
The 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Los Baños, celebrated on Feb. 23, 2025, at the Baker Memorial Hall, UP Los Baños, was more than a commemoration—it was a solemn tribute to one of the most daring and successful rescue operations in World War II. As one of the speakers at this historic event, I had the privilege of revisiting the sacrifices and heroism that shaped our nation’s history.
This was not just another battle in the waning months of the war; it was a testament to the unwavering bravery, solidarity, and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom. It is our duty to remember the Filipino guerrillas, the US 11th Airborne Division, and the Hunters ROTC—all of whom risked their lives to save over 2,000 prisoners from Japanese captivity. Their courage must never fade from our memory, and their sacrifices should continue to inspire future generations.
The dark days of occupation
When World War II reached the Philippines in 1941, our nation became a battleground. The Japanese Imperial Army seized control of towns and cities, enforcing brutal rule and imprisoning thousands. The peaceful town of Los Baños, once known for its rich natural resources and as the home of the University of the Philippines Agricultural School, was turned into a notorious internment camp where civilians—Americans, British, Dutch, and other Allied nationals—were subjected to inhumane conditions.
For almost three years, over 2,000 prisoners suffered from starvation, disease, and the constant threat of execution. Yet, despite these harrowing circumstances, hope endured. Filipino guerrillas, in coordination with the prisoners, resisted oppression through intelligence gathering and underground movements, setting the stage for what would become one of World War II’s greatest rescue missions.
The Hunters ROTC
Among the most remarkable forces involved in the liberation of Los Baños was the Hunters ROTC, a guerrilla force composed of young men—some still in their teens—who fought with unparalleled courage. When the 11th Airborne Division launched its daring operation, the Hunters ROTC had already positioned themselves around the camp, providing crucial intelligence and reconnaissance in the days leading up to the rescue.
Their role was indispensable. Captain Bartolome Cabangbang, leader of the Central Luzon Penetration Party, acknowledged that the Hunters ROTC supplied the best intelligence data on Luzon. Without their efforts, the operation could have suffered devastating consequences.
Role of the Filipino people
The liberation of Los Baños was not just a feat of American military strength—it was a product of the resilience, bravery, and unwavering patriotism of the Filipino people. Local guerrillas, scouts, and civilians played a pivotal role in ensuring the mission’s success, from intelligence gathering to disrupting enemy supply lines and guiding the rescuers through treacherous terrain.
Their selfless actions prove that victory is never achieved by military might alone, but by the unity and sacrifice of those who believe in freedom. Today, as we reflect on their heroism, we must ask ourselves: Are we ready to uphold their legacy? Can today’s youth parallel the resolve of the Hunters ROTC in times of crisis?
Challenge to the youth
The Hunters ROTC was born out of necessity, forged in the fires of war, and driven by an unbreakable sense of nationalism, bravery, and sacrifice. Their actions were not dictated by policy but by duty. They did not wait for the government to tell them to act; they stood up because their country needed them.
Today, we stand at a crossroads. Since the abolition of mandatory ROTC under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, replaced by the National Service Training Program (NSTP), the efforts to revive ROTC have repeatedly failed. Despite support from multiple administrations, including Aquino, Duterte, and Marcos Jr., legislation restoring ROTC has consistently lost momentum.
One glaring issue is that many members of Congress today—those who dictate national policy—have never experienced ROTC or any form of military training. Without firsthand exposure, they lack an appreciation for the political-military connection vital to national security. Worse, NSTP has produced a generation with diminished appreciation for nationhood and sacrifice, prioritizing ease and comfort over resilience and preparedness.
The imbalance in national defense
Our nation’s defense has always been carried on the backs of the uniformed services, with the reserve component making only a minuscule contribution due to the decline of ROTC. Those who do enlist in the military predominantly come from the less privileged sectors of society, while the elite and privileged seldom share in the burden of national defense. This disparity creates an unfair distribution of risk, where those with fewer opportunities bear the heaviest responsibility for securing our nation’s future.
ROTC today
The Hunters ROTC was not just a training program—it was a movement of young patriots willing to sacrifice everything for their country. They faced real bullets, fought in real battles, and proved their worth in the crucible of war.
By contrast, today’s ROTC, where it exists, lacks the urgency and seriousness that defined the Hunters ROTC. Modern warfare may rely on technology, cyber capabilities, and digital engineering, but the foundation of national security remains the individual soldier—one whose spirit is forged in discipline, patriotism, and the will to fight for the nation.
If we are to build a strong and capable defense force, we must not only revive ROTC but ensure that it instills the same values of bravery, leadership, and sacrifice that the Hunters ROTC exemplified. Without this, we risk raising a generation unprepared to defend the country in times of crisis.
Rekindling the Hunters ROTC spirit
As we honor the heroes of Los Baños, let us not simply relegate their sacrifices to history books. Instead, let us challenge ourselves to embody their spirit in our own time. We must revive a sense of duty, discipline, and patriotism among our youth, ensuring that when the time comes, they will rise to defend our nation—not out of obligation, but out of love for country.
The Hunters ROTC did not wait for orders; they saw a nation in peril and took action. The question now is: Will today’s youth do the same?
(Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos served with distinction as a military professional, 42nd Commanding Gen. Philippine Army, 1st Force Commander, UN Multi-National Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, former member, UP Board of Regents and Professorial Lecturer II (part-time), UP-Diliman.)