GUEST COLUMNIST By Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos, AFP (Ret) As nations worldwide grapple with the challenges posed by conflicts, the recent Israeli-Hamas war serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of having a robust reserve force. Initiated on Oct. 7, 2003, when Hamas...
GUEST COLUMNIST By Lt. Gen. AURELIO B. BALADAD (Ret) The WPS is a battleground of international tensions, where overlapping territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) claims have sparked disputes among neighboring nations. Amidst this complex geopolitical landscape, the Philippines is at...
BARRACKS AND STRATEGY By LT. GEN. JAIME S. DE LOS SANTOS, AFP (RET) President Jose Ramos Horta of Timor Leste conducted an official visit to the Philippines from Nov. 9 to 11, 2023. I had the privilege and opportunity to engage with him during the luncheon hosted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr....
GUEST COLUMNIST By Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos, AFP (Ret) On Sept. 6, 2023, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong took the stage as the guest speaker for the National Issues Committee of the Management Association of the Philippines. The focal point of his address was the decline in the quality...
GUEST COLUMNIST By Lt. Gen. AURELIO B. BALADAD (Ret) The Philippines finds itself at a crucial juncture regarding pension reform, particularly concerning the welfare of retired military and uniformed personnel (MUP). House Bill No. 8969, enacted on July 26, 2023, aims to address the...
GUEST COLUMNIST By Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos, AFP (Ret) Sept. 21, 2023, marks the 51st anniversary of the declaration of martial law, a momentous event that occurred half a century ago. Over this period, our country had undergone significant political transformations under different...
BARRACKS AND STRATEGY By Lt. Gen. AURELIO B. BALADAD (Ret) Nestled within the country’s scenic beauty, Southern Luzon has long held the promise of prosperity. Yet, it is the region's recent embrace of peace and security that has truly set the stage for development. As the region charters a...
GUEST COLUMNIST By Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos, AFP (Ret) Last July 21, 2023, the leadership of the AFP changed hands. Gen Andres Centino turned over the position to Gen Romeo Brawner Jr. Succession to the highest leadership of command is predicated on a new retirement law that gives a...
BARRACKS AND STRATEGY By Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret) As the CSAFP (Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines) was recently installed and a change of command for the CGPA (Commanding General Philippine Army) occurs today, a sense of excitement and hope permeates the ranks of...
BARRACKS AND STRATEGY *By Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos, AFP (Ret)* Golf is more than just a game; it embodies discipline and character development. Every swing, from tee-off to green, reveals how a player handles stress and pressure. Patience, persistence, and humility are key to achieving...
BARRACKS AND STRATEGY *By Lt. Gen. AURELIO B. BALADAD (Ret)* The current peace and order situation in Muslim Mindanao shows both progress and challenges. Although there have been significant advancements in recent years, the region still experiences occasional outbreaks of violence and...
BARRACKS AND STRATEGY By Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos, AFP (Ret) To enhance external defense capabilities, structural and institutional reforms are imperative. The military's mindset, which has been shaped by years of counterinsurgency operations, needs to evolve into a more enlightened version...
