By J. Irving

At AFP-Computer Systems Center (CSC), workstations on our table are called “dumb” computers. It won’t work unless the IBM 4341 mainframe is running. Being adept with mainframes, I was recruited to join OJ2 (the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence) in 1992 – the arrival of the IBM ES9000 mainframes. Rumors were spreading around that the expensive machine was donated by the CIA because it came along with an American systems admin, who would oversee the operation. The respective Intelligence offices of the Army (PA) and the Constabulary (PC) acquired also similar ones through the same source. We were able to interconnect the three mainframes through dedicated PLDT lines. The programming language was in REXX, not COBOL. The database of the mainframe became the depository of all intelligence work; buildup of incidents, threats and dossiers of personalities. 

As a life hack: I found a leverage in requesting for a house inside Camp Aguinaldo – bypassing seniority, favouritism and the long queue for the priority list. During that year, in1992, electrical power failure was so frequent and rampant. The mainframe has its own generator and heavy duty UPS, a roomful of car batteries. So, I cited in my letter to the GHQ Housing Board that my physical presence inside camp was terribly needed 24/7 to keep the mainframe running…my request was immediately approved with the endorsement of J2. I, only with a lowly rank of Major, got one of the five newly built single-detached houses near hole #17 beside the golf course, within the Generals’ Row…

As early, learn how to phish … have a mind of a hacker.