By J. Irving
General Sobejana and Distinguished members of the AFP Awards and Decorations Board —
May it be in your sins of omission that you made a terrible mistake for denying a true hero.
In every generation, there rise men who stand against overwhelming odds—heroes who face their giants not for glory, but for the safety and honor of others. Their names may be separated by centuries, but their courage is the same.
In the ancient hills of Israel, there was David, a shepherd boy who stood before Goliath, armed only with faith and a sling. He faced a giant warrior when all others trembled. With a single strike, he won not only a battle but restored the courage of his people.
And in the jungles of Ipil (the place of the infamous 1995 massacre), centuries later, stood First Lieutenant SEGUNDO “Boy” Bolo, a young officer who led his men into a den of danger. Eleven innocent lives—including Bishop Federico Escaler (a Jesuit) — were held by armed kidnappers, the lost command of the MNLF under Kumander Kamlon Awalon. The odds were steep, the terrain unforgiving, and the stakes immeasurable. Yet Lt. Bolo moved forward, with precision, courage, and a heart anchored in duty.
Against all odds, he accomplished what few thought possible—a rescue without a single casualty, neither among the hostages nor his troops. In the face of danger, he remained calm; in the presence of death, he chose courage; and in the line of duty, he embodied the very spirit of the Medal of Valor —gallantry above and beyond the call of duty.
Just like David, Lt. Bolo did not fight for himself. He fought for others—innocent lives caught in the crossfire of conflict. He did not seek fame, only the fulfillment of his mission and the safety of his men.
Both David and Lt. Bolo stood before giants: one a towering warrior, the other a band of heavily armed captors. Both faced impossible odds. Both triumphed through courage, skill, and faith. And both proved that true heroism is not measured by the size of the enemy, but by the greatness of one’s heart.
Today, in the feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (October 7), as we honor our heroes, by their faith and backed by divine intervention, let us remember these two warriors—David, the shepherd who saved a nation, and Lt. Bolo, the soldier who saved eleven lives without losing one. Their valor reminds us that courage, guided by faith and discipline, can conquer any foe and overcome any fear.
If David’s name is written in Scripture, then Lt. Bolo’s name must be written in the proud history of our Armed Forces. Both are testaments to the truth that a soldier’s greatest weapon is not in his hands, but in his heart—a heart that beats for duty, honor, and country.
May their stories continue to inspire us—to act bravely, to lead selflessly, and to believe that even in the darkest moments, a single act of courage can light the way for many.
Thank you, no thank you, and may General Brawner and the incumbent members of the Board of today reconsider the closure, making you be the ones to review and approve that you may live worthy for not denying the medal to a true hero. 🇵đź‡
Cyber Arnis 