Book on PHILCAG’s feats in Vietnam launched

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21): Book on PHILCAG’s feats in Vietnam launched

A book dedicated to all Vietnam War veterans entitled “Warriors for Peace: The Saga of the Filipino Soldiers in the Vietnam War” penned by veteran journalist Ben Cal was launched on Aug. 16, 2016 at the AFP Museum in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Present in the event were former Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) members such as former Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Col. Francisco T. San Miguel, Gen. Triunfo Agustin, Gen. Raul S. Urgello, Mr. Jesus Dizon, Gen. Jose Maria G. Solquillo, BGen. Sinforoso Duque, Gen. Clemente Mariano, Gen. Ernesto Calupig, Gen. Roberto Manlungat, Gen. Jose C. Lapus, Gen. Miguel Sol, Gen. Mitch Templo, Gen. Ramon Ong, and Gen. Lisandro Abadia.

Also in the event were Undersecretary Eduardo Del Rosario, Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans, and Retirees Affairs; former Senator Edgardo Ilarde, Gen. Jose P. Magno, Mr. Manoling Morato, and Gen. Ramon Farolan.

Leaders of various veterans organizations, representatives of line bureaus of the Department of National Defense, and officials and staff of Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) led by Usec. Ernesto G. Carolina also attended the event.

In his welcome remarks, Usec. Carolina recognized Ben Cal’s efforts in helping PVAO in its mission to propagate the heroic deeds of Philippine veterans.

“Once again, Ben showcases the valuable contribution of Philippine veterans through humanitarian efforts conducted by the PHILCAG at the height of the Vietnam War. He gives a human face on PHILCAG’s accomplishments during the war to fulfill its noble mission 'To build and not to destroy' in the midst of raging conflict that won the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese people,” he said.

The author himself gave the guests an overview of his book.

“The book was conceived virtually out of the blue one morning at USSC coffee shop early last year shortly after I launched my other book, Victory at Bessang Pass. Over breakfast, Gen. Magno and Gen. Carolina encouraged me to write another book about the PHILCAGs in Vietnam. Without batting an eyelash, I accepted the challenge. The following day, I started researching and friends gave me photocopies about their PHILCAG experience. When I read them page by page, I discovered the great sacrifices our PHILCAG troopers had made despite the risk and ever present danger,” Ben Cal said.

“Warriors for Peace” was about the success of the PHILCAG Contingents in their civic action work in Vietnam at the height of the war. Said success was duly recognized not only by Allied nations that sent combat troops but also the Vietnamese people, including the Viet Cong who were given equal medical treatment by PHILCAG doctors and nurses conducting medical missions.

The officers and men of PHILCAG made great sacrifices of their safety by pursuing their work deep inside Viet Cong territories. Their mission in Vietnam “To Build and Not to Destroy” was the defining moment of their military career. Many of them occupied high positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) when they came home from Vietnam.

These PHILCAG officers also produced great leaders of this nation, such as the 12th President of the Republic of the Philippines in the person of Gen. Fidel V. Ramos who also became AFP Chief of Staff.

Other PHILCAG officers who became AFP Chief of Staff are Gen. Renato S. De Villa, Gen. Lisandro Abadia, Gen. Arturo Enrile, Gen. Clemente Mariano, and Lt. Gen. Eduardo R. Ermita who served as the guest of honor in the book launch.

“My two-year stint in Vietnam with the mission to extend humanitarian aid was the most remarkable moment in my 35 years in the military. I thank the Lord for giving us the opportunity to serve the people who needed our service the most during those times of conflict,” said Gen. Ermita.

The date of the launch was equally significant as the event because Aug. 16 was the date of PHILCAG’s departure for Vietnam 50 years ago.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=915879