It is no surprise that Alfonso Aviles, a first class graduating Philippine Military Academy cadet responded the way he did to foil an armed robbery (Inquirer, 8/27/12). Instinctively, the young man, upon seeing the holdup man divesting a passenger of her valuables, tried to subdue the criminal right inside the jeepney they were all riding in.
Unfortunately the robber shot Aviles in the neck and also took away his PMA bull ring, a prized symbol of his cadetship. Aviles showed that even though he was still a cadet, the PMA has already imbued in him—and this goes for the rest of the PMA cadets—the value of service, bravery and “kabayanihan” in the truest sense of the word. He was willing to face danger, and even offered his life for others.
Sadly, Cadet Aviles remains in critical condition. He had gone to Manila to be a proctor at the PMA entrance examination. He was truly a man of service, giving of himself selflessly. It is each and every Filipino’s fervent prayer that the good Lord help him survive what he’s going through now; the country needs men of valor like him. His heroism is the best example that the PMA produces exceptional and gallant men willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice, if need be.
—ELLYN B. MANUEL,
manuelellyn@yahoo.com.ph