Philippine military history

Philippine military history can be divided into several key periods, each marked by distinct influences and conflicts.

Pre-Spanish Era

Organized resistance against foreign aggressors is first recorded in the Visayas, with the Battle of Mactan in 1521. Lapu-Lapu, a native chieftain, is acknowledged as the father of the AFP for his resistance against the Spanish forces led by Magellan.

Spanish Occupation

Spain successfully occupied parts of the archipelago, facing resistance from Muslim leaders like Rajah Soliman in Manila. Pockets of rebellion arose, notably led by Diego Silang. Filipino soldiers were organized to fight for Spain and support Spanish expeditions, including reinforcing troops during the Chinese revolt in 1603. General Jose Prim dethroned Queen Isabela II of Spain in 1868, leading to the exposure of Filipinos to liberal principles and foreign culture, fostering nationalism. Propagandists like Marcelo H. del Pilar, Graceano Lopez Jaena, and Jose Rizal further fueled this spirit. Andres Bonifacio founded the "Katipunan" in 1892, and the Cry of Pugad Lawin in 1896 signaled the start of the Philippine Revolution. Internal conflicts emerged within the Katipunan, leading to the Tejeros Convention in 1897.

American Influence

As war broke out between the United States and Spain in 1898, the Americans convinced Filipinos to cooperate against Spain, promising independence. Aguinaldo declared war against Spain, and Philippine Independence was declared in Kawit, Cavite, in June 1898. The Philippine Navy was created shortly after. However, with the Treaty of Paris, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States, leading to renewed Filipino resistance. Significant battles ensued, but the capture of General Aguinaldo in 1901 and the surrender of General Malvar in 1902 marked the end of organized resistance against American forces.

Japanese Occupation

Following Japan's declaration of war against the United States, Japanese forces invaded the Philippines in December 1945. Combined US and Filipino forces withdrew to Bataan, but ultimately, Bataan fell in April 1942, followed by Corregidor in May 1942, ending organized resistance against the Japanese invasion.

International Peace Keeping Operations

The AFP has participated in international peacekeeping efforts under the United Nations, including the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) in the early 1950s, the Philippine Air Force Contingent in Congo in the early 1960s, and the Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) in South Vietnam in the 1960s. Philippine contingents have also been sent to East Timor, Iraq, and Liberia.

Evolution and Role of the ROTC in Previous Wars

The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program has deep roots in Philippine history. The Commonwealth Act Number 1, also known as the National Defense Act, provided the legal basis for ROTC instruction. The need for a citizen reserve force was recognized even before the American occupation and was utilized during the Spanish colonial rule.

During the Seven Year's War in Europe, a British flotilla arrived in the Philippines in 1762, entangling the colony in the European power struggle. Students from UST and Colegio de San Juan de Letran underwent military training and were sent to action. Despite being mismatched against the British force, they temporarily warded off the advancing enemies.

In 1922, the Department of Military Science and Tactics (DMST) was formally organized in UP, with the first ROTC unit established shortly after. Basic infantry courses became compulsory. In 1935, the National Assembly approved a plan to establish and maintain ROTC units in universities and colleges. By 1941, there were around thirty-three colleges and universities that maintained ROTC units, but these schools closed during the Japanese incursion.

In March 2001, the ROTC program faced scrutiny following the death of University of Santo Tomas ROTC Cadet Mark Chua. The National Service Training Program (NSTP) now has three components: ROTC, Literacy Training Service (LTS), and Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), allowing students to choose one as a requirement for their degree.

Currently, there is advocacy for enhancing the ROTC program and making it compulsory in state colleges and universities to promote patriotism and good citizenship.