The Philippines most southern island, Mindanao, has been experiencing continuous trouble caused by several secessionist group more particularly the Moro rebellion. The government considered this situation as serious and has been sending the armed forces to topple down this uprising. In the forefront of this armed conflict are elements of the then Philippine Constabulary (PC) which was always assigned in the provinces and interior areas to fight these insurgency problems. This Constabulary men, mostly in their early twenties were left to conduct combat operations and occasional civic & community assistance in luring back the citizen to side with the government. The Philippine Constabulary, usually assign teams composed of eleven to fourteen soldiers in one front outpost called detachment to curved down, if not eradicate rebellion and brought back normalcy in these areas. The Cotabato province, well known of its Moro rebellion was always the most dangerous area of assignment for these Constabulary soldiers. The PC men as they were known, learned to survived using protracted warfare schemes, fighting the enemy using two fronts, through guns and through friendly community relations. However, the PC men also adopted schemes for themselves to survived the regular harassment inflicted to them by the enemy. Buddy system were applied protecting each others’ back at all times. This was when the soldiers organization came into life. The “Anito” which was later on called the “DIABLO Squad” and much later known to be the “Guardians”. It was April of 1976 that the original eleven (11) members of the Anito Group was formed in a PC Detachment at Sitio Kidama, Parang, Maguindanao where then Constable 1st Class Leborio Jangao, Jr, PC, organized it for the purpose of simple camaraderie and the concept of protecting each other. These Philippine Constabulary soldiers were all assigned in one detachment under the leadership of CIC Jangao. Being stationed in one place, made it easy to organized. The eleven Anito members including CIC Jangao were, CIC Leborio “Abraham” Janagao, Jr who conferred himself as Godfather (GF) and with a pseudonym “Abraham”, CIC Ernesto “ Alas” P. Torres, Jr, CIC Arthur “ Percival” Camins, CIC Nolito “Halcon” Alabarin, , CIC Alex “Zeus” Bonifacio, CIC Cesar “ Alvaro” Arevalo, CIC Romeo “Brix” Gonzales, CIC Alvin “Domino” S. Salvacion, CIC Margarito “Azul” Ejansantos, CIC Jaime “Jerico” Bargamento, , and CIC Hamid “Krisanto” S. Singa. CIC Leborio Jangao, Jr conceived the idea of forming them with his personal concept of “Walang Iwanan” during encounter in the actual combat against the enemies in the battlefield, underlying its principles of Brotherhood, Unity, Solidarity and Oneness”. The Anito Group, which was sometimes branded as the “Diablo” gained recognition as fierce fighting soldiers. Having established the image of brave and gutsy PC men, the group gained respect and sometimes fear from the enemies. In the later part of 1976, the group was transferred in Barangay Baliton, Glan, formerly part of South Cotabato province and now under Sarangani province to conduct a peacekeeping campaign in said area. In their brief stay in Barangay Baliton, they gained recognition and support from the constituents for their exemplary performance. Since then, there was no expansion of membership, as the group was reassigned to the different PC Provincial Commands and PC Strike Battalion in Mindanao The life of a soldier is considered unpredictable. Part of their duty was to obey the order of the higher authorities. As soldiers, they were ready to be transferred and or assigned anywhere in the country. So, in 1979, Leborio “ Abraham” Jangao, Jr was reassigned again in Lanao Norte PC Provincial Command located in Iligan City. This time he resumed his plan of expanding the membership of the group prompting him to convince his fellow soldiers to join his group and recruited them to be his immediate disciples. Having perhaps, the concept of the “twelve tribes” of Israel, he formed the “Diablo Squad- Dirty Dozen” to start an organization. He then formally named it as the DIABLO SQUAD, and the members of the twelve Tribes were named the DIRTY DOZEN. All of the members were soldiers mostly belonging to the Philippine Constabulary except of the three (3) members, one belonging to the Philippine Army, Nephtali Real, numbered 1-11, the other one belongs to the Police force, Alberto M. Tinoy numbered 1-12 and Elpidio Seletaria who was from the Philippine Navy and was numbered 1-13. There were actually fourteen (14) Dozen are: 1. EUSTIQUE “FGRF ACHILLES” (1-1) FUENTES 2. ROBERTO “FGRF ORO” (1-2) VALCONCHA 3. PHILIP “FGRF PEPE” (1-3) BAHIAN 4. ORLANDO “FGRF VALIENTE” (1-4) VILLABITO 5. ERNESTO “FGRF SERVANDO” (1-5) BELLESAS 6. ERNESTO “FGRF STA. CRUZ” (1-6) METILLO 7. YOLANDO “FGRF MERCENARIO’ (1-7) BORDEOS 8. CARLITO “FGRF ARIES” (1-8) CALICA 9. WILLIE :” FGRF MALINCHE” (1-9) PUEBLAS 10. PHILIP “FGRF CORONADO” (1-10) ISLA 11. NEPHTALI “FGBF NAPOLEON” (1-11) REAL 12. ALBERTO “FGGF PHANTOM ( 1-12) TINOY The thirteen (13) members of the Dirty Dozen were given the assignment to recruit twelve members each as their recruitment quota and grant them the mark of their own as a continuation of their numbers. The concept was to continue and expand the DIABLO SQUAD through the thirteen members of the Dirty Dozen identifying their lineage. This was actually taken from the idea of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and Abraham was considered the father of all nations. Leborio Jangao adopted the pseudonym Abraham and considered himself as Godfather (GF), the eventual father of all DIABLO squad members. The original concept of the Diablo Squad was for the membership of rank and file men of the AFP. Expansion should only be for the Non-Commissioned officer and below. This was a brotherhood of ordinary soldiers whose experience prompt them to bond themselves and help each other. The Diablo Squad started to spread and grew reaching other AFP units. The name Diablo became a legendary recall, catching the interest of commissioned Officer and the AFP higher command. This made CIC Leborio “GF Abraham” Jangao uneasy being the target of the ire of the AFP chain of command. At this instance, he met the then 1Lt Gil K. Taojo, Jr, the Officer In Charge of the Regional Security Unit (Intelligence Unit) stationed in Iligan City. Leborio “GF Abraham” Jangao discussed with Lt Taojo the existence of the DIABLO SQUAD fraternity. Being classmates in the PC Basic Course in Parang, Maguindanao in 1973, it was easy for them to understand each other. Lt Taojo believed on the purpose of CIC Jangao in forming the Diablo Squad. Leborio Jangao suggested to Lt Taojo to help him (Jangao) with the Diablo Squad. This was suggested because Leborio Jangao felt that he could no longer stand the pressures of the other commissioned officers and most especially the higher AFP Command. Leborio Jangao was just an ordinary soldier at that time, and the members of the Diablo Squad were all ordinary soldiers. Leborio Jangao felt that they need some commissioned officers as their cloak for the Diablo to avoid harassment and evade the ire of the officers. It was not really Lt Taojo who was the special officer to be approached. Leborio Jangao may have approached someone else. However, because Lt Taojo was available and they were once together in their lives as soldiers, Leborio Jangao felt more easy to approached Lt Taojo. 1LT Gil K. Taojo, Jr agreed to join the Diablo Squad and be marked bearing the pseudonym SGF LAPULAPU, and numbered 01, as the first commissioned Officer who joined the DIABLO SQUAD fraternity in 1980. Captain Anastacio Labitad,PA, who was then the commanding officer of the Composite Military Police battalion also joined the Diablo Squad. Considering that he was more senior in rank than LT Gil K. Taojo, Jr. he should have been marked with the number ahead than the later. However, since LT Taojo already bore the marked of the first commissioned officer, the number of Cpt Labitad was “00” with the pseudonym “ Patton”. Later on Police Lieutenant Lilia Buala joined them and marked as “02” with the pseudonym “ Amazona” The entry of 1LT Gil K. Taojo, Jr to the Diablo Squad was not a welcome call for the members of the Dirty Dozen. They were opposed for his membership considering that the concept of the Diablo Squad was for the rank and file members of the AFP only. Besides, they were very sure that being a commissioned officer and with the rank higher than all of them, they will be dominated and his authority in the AFP ranking will surely prevail, giving them no freedom and equal opportunity to participate in the decision making of the Diablo Squad. However, CIC Leborio Jangao convince the members of the Dirty Dozen that the entry of 1LT Taojo was a big help for the organization in consideration of his present rank and influence. The present situation of the Diablo Squad is not stable during that time. The AFP high command was questioning already the existence of the Diablo Squad, and with the membership of Commissioned officers, this will at least give them protection. The entry of 1LT Gil Taojo, Jr created a stir in the existence of other members. His rank in the AFP was definitely carried on to the organization. The once equal treatment of members, suddenly turned into an officers command ruling. 1LT Taojo, Capt Labitad and PLT Buala started making decisions for the Diablo Squad. CIC Jangao was only consulted considering that he was the one who originally organized the Diablo Squad, but decisions of the commissioned officers always prevailed. This prompted the other members of the Dirty Dozen to “stay low”. The others continued to support CIC Jangao but lukewarm to the leadership of 1LT Taojo. Later on , only the names of 1LT Gil “Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr, Cpt Anastacio “Patton” Labitad, Lt Lilia “ Amazona” Buala and Sgt Leborio “Abraham” Jangao were known to the Diablo Squad. The Dirty Dozen was sometimes forgotten. Their existence and lineage was not propagated and supported by the Commissioned officers and there was even an attempt to disband it for the reason that the name “Dirty Dozen” was no good to hear. The members of the Diablo squad continued to spread all over Mindanao. The ordinary members who belong to the rank and file became interested in joining the organization. Positive responses were at hand from the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Diablo Squad help minimized if not eradicate in-fighting in the AFP. The internal competition were lessen. Soldiers from the battle front who usually cause trouble with other commands were controlled. The Diablo brotherhood prevails and instead, you can notice soldiers assisting each other despite of the fact that they belong to different commands. More and more commissioned officer joined the Diablo squad. Seeing its potential force, those who may have some personal reasons opted to be part of the group. The continuous recruitment and growth of the Diablo Squad caused more worries in the AFP higher leadership. The entry of rebellious soldiers and critical to the AFP leadership during that time made the existence of the Diablo Squad more vulnerable to suspicion of internal uprising. The AFP having an unstable flow of command was critical to any organization within the AFP. Most of the officers of the AFP high command, capitalized on the bad connotation the name “DIABLO” brought to the AFP. The Diablo Squad continued to experienced harassment from commissioned officers as instructed by the higher ups. The recruitment of Lt Taojo and other commissioned officers of the AFP never resulted to stabilizing the organization in as much as pressures is concerned. The thought of the stoppage of the harassment and pressures to the Diablo Squad the moment Lt Taojo will be recruited, never materialized. Despite of the presence of Lt Taojo, Captain Labitad , Lt Buala and other officers, the higher command of the AFP still continued to pressure the organizers to disband the Diablo Squad. The continued pressures to disband the Diablo Squad prompted its officers to adopt another title with a more subtle and meaningful name. In the later part of 1981, the DIABLO SQUAD was renamed into DIABLO SQUAD THE CRIME BUSTERS. A Constitution and By-laws of the Diablo Squads the Crime Busters was drafted and later on adopted by the membership. The name Diablo became an acronym giving every letter of it a very meaningful translation. Every letter of the acronym DIABLO was given a meaning which when define shall state: D – stands for Dauntless, I – Ingenuous, A – Advocator, B – Banner, L – Liberty and O – Oneness . In Tagalog version means: Mga Matapang at Matapat na Tagappagtanggol ng Watawat, Kalayaan at Pagkakaisa ng lahing Pilipino. Finally, an assembly of all available members was called at Empire Village, Pala-o, Iligan City on November 16, 1981 and the delegates ratified, approved and adopted the Constitution and By-laws of the Diablo Squads the Crime Busters. The first MAGIC GROUP members were all lawyers in Iligan City known as the MAGIC FIVE namely: Atty Ulysses Lagcao, Atty Angel Mencias, Atty Roberto Albulario, Atty Nicomedes Palangan and Atty Melvin Salise Every letter of the Acronym MAGIC represents:. M - stands for Magistrate, A – Advocator, G – Grievances, I – Impotent and C – Citizens which means: Mga Mahistradong Tagapagtanggol ng mga Naaapi at Walang Lakas na Mamamayan. In that same year of 1981, the first National Convention of the DIABLO SQUADS, CRIME BUSTERS was held in Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City with more or less five hundred (500) members attended. During this occasion, Lt Gil “ Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr, PC had been officially conferred the title Founder Supreme Godfather (FSGF), Capt Anastacio “ Patton” Labitad, PA as Supreme Godfather Consultant (SGFC), and Sgt Leborio “ Abraham” Jangao, Jr, PC and Founder Godfather. In addition, Sgt Malih “Mohammad” Maong PC was commissioned to organize the pioneering DSCB in Zamboanga City and nearby provinces. The Commissioned officers prevailed over the leadership of the Diablo Squad. As expected by the original members of the Dirty Dozen, the ranks in the AFP will always rule in the organization. The original Dirty Dozen was never given honor neither recognition. The widespread recruitment of the Diablo Squad within the ranks in the AFP continued. The AFP high command felt it was already growing and becoming a threat to the Armed Forces. The situation was far worse because it was coupled with the news that an impending Coup de E’tat was in the offing. During that time, the grip of the then President Marcos was dwindling. More and more military officers were disgruntled and the AFP leadership who was at that time loyal to the President was disturbed with instability. The existence of the Diablo Squad was not an exemption. Some officers of the AFP higher command suspected that the Diablo squad may be in cahoots with the coup plotters. Besides, some members of the RAM is too identified with the Diablo Squad. This resulted to persecution against DSCB members in Mindanao. The Diablo Squad leadership received many complaints coming from DSCB members in different places in Mindanao informing them on how they were persecuted by its respective commanders. In the middle part of 1983, The leadership of the Diablo squad in the persons of LAPULAPU, ABRAHAM and PATTON met inside the GHQ canteen and talked about the reported persecution of DSCB members in Mindanao. It was discussed that the Diablo Squad should be identified as a civilian organization and not a military fraternity. This can only be done if a non military person should be the one to lead the organization. According to the accounts of Lt Gil “ SGF Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr. , he volunteered to resign from the Armed Forces and lead the organization to ease the pressure and help the members who are in the AFP service. However, there were some information though conflicting, claimed that the expiration of the enlistment of Lt Gil “ SGF Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr converted him to civilian and that it gave him the chance to lead the Diablo Squad as a civilian leader. You may have noticed that even after Lt Gil “ SGF Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr. conversion to civilian, the members of the Diablo Squad continued to experienced harassment from the higher Military command. So, their claim and analogy never came into reality and never ease the pressures of the AFP higher command. The first assembly of the DSCB at Marcos Sports Center, Cagayan de Oro City was held in 1983. This was already attended by many members coming from the civilian recruits. Said occasion was highlighted by the presence of the then Cpt. Anastacio “ Patton” Labitad, PA and the then MSgt Leborio “FGF Abraham” Jangao, Jr as resource speakers attended by more or less one hundred members coming from the different provinces of Region X. It was very ironic that despite of the increasing number of members of the Diablo Squad and its existence for almost eight years, the organization was not able to secure legal personality. Meaning, despite the leadership of Commissioned officers of the AFP and the support of many members, the Diablo Squad was not legally registered in any government entity either in the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Cooperative Development Authority from 1976 up to 1983. Accounts states that it was able to secure a Constitution and By Laws as early as 1980 and even drafted another one in 1982. It spread like wildfire for those years. It suffered persecution according to some but none of the officers worked for its legality. Persecution should have been minimized if the Diablo squad was legally registered. Having a legal personality will always have all the reason to fight back legally and get the needed justice. It was only in 1984 that concerned members from Zamboanga City worked for the registration of the Diablo Squad (CB) Brotherhood Association, Incorporated securing SEC registration and finally registered it under registration number 0119564 dated March 12, 1984. These were, Edwin H. Vargas, Leovigildo Lanto, Mamerto Romero, Jesus Mabalot, Jose Saplan, Jefrey Hortador, Reuben Roa, Jesus Paul, Jose Regino, Ceferino Bernardo, Elias Enriquez, Salvador Olarte, Jose Manglikmot, Antonio Espiritu and Roman Tigas. The registration gave the Diablo Squad equal rights as all other association. This should have been a cloak of legality and can already be an arm to fight the persecution claimed by majority of the rank and file soldiers who are members of the organization. This was however, disowned by the Commissioned officers leading the Diablo squad headed by Lt. Gil “ Lapulapu” K. Taojo, Jr. The reason of disowning this group and branding them as unscrupulous was not known to other members. Instead of thanking these very people of giving legitimacy to the Diablo Squad by registering it the SEC, they were condemned. In that same year, the group of Lt. Gil “ Lapulapu” K.Taojo, Jr, caused the disbandment of the Diablo Squad by instructing the then Sgt. Leborio “ Abraham” Jangao to sign a disbandment letter and give it to the AFP higher command. Sgt. Leborio “ Abraham” Jangao was enticed to disband his own organization, the organization he conceptualized and formed, the brotherhood that catapulted these commissioned officers to limelight and made them famous. The group of Diablo Squad members headed by Lt Gil “Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr., immediately replaced the Diablo Squad Crime Busters with the Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (GBI). Leborio “ Abraham” Jangao, Jr, the father of the Diablo Squad was no longer in the list of incorporators. The GBI was registered in December 10, 1984 with SEC registration No. 123899. Leborio “ Abraham” Jangao, Jr was again enticed to write a letter to the SEC requesting the office to cancel the SEC registration of the Diablo Squad (CB) Brotherhood Association, Inc. However, the request was not given due course because Leborio “ Abraham” Jangao, Jr was not part of the Registered Diablo Squad in as much as legality was concerned. The replacement of the Diablo Squad Crime Buster into Guardians brotherhood Incorporated was a decision of few Diablo Squad officers. The general membership was not consulted nor informed of the proposal. They were all left behind and taken for granted. The reason known to the general membership of the Diablo Squad why it was replaced with the Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (GBI) was because of the pressures made by the higher hierarchy of the AFP. However, the reason given was in conflict of the earlier pronouncements of the leaders of the organization. The reason of recruiting Commissioned officers within the Diablo Squad was to ease pressures from the AFP leadership. Leborio “ Abraham” Jangao recruited Lt. Gil “Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr for him to lead the organization and ease whatever pressures from the other commissioned officers. But this never happened. Despite the entry of Lt. Taojo, the harassment and persecution was still widely experienced by the members. Then, the name was again change to Diablo squad the Crime Busters, to again ease the pressures and ire of the AFP Leadership. But still, the harassments escalated. The alleged sacrificed of Lt. Gil “Lapulapu” Lapulapu Taojo by allegedly resigning and converting to civilian in order again to curved the harassment inflicted to the Military men was never realized. Then again, Changing further the name from Diablo Squad Crime Buster to Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated never resulted to stability of the organization. It continued to experienced harassment and persecution. Not known to everyone, while the Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (GBI) registered in December 10, 1984 under SEC registration No. 123899, was conceived and known to be the replacement of the Diablo Squad Crime Busters, The original Diablo Squad (CB) Brotherhood Association, Incorporated registered in March 12, 1984 under SEC registration No. 0119564, continued to exist as legitimate organization. This was only revoked on August 11, 2003 for routine reasons of failure to submit annual reports. This means that, the GBI now became a faction of the original Diablo Squad and not the original as claimed by majority of its members. This is perhaps the reason why, majority of the original members of the Diablo Squad are still in-active or have lost their enthusiasm to function actively within the GBI. This side of the event was never known to the original members of the Diablo squad turned Guardians. They were made to believed that the Diablo Squad no longer exist. This has resulted to the exodus of the Diablo Squad members to the GBI. The DIABLO Squad died because of “pseudo information”. The father of the Diablo Squad collaborated with the Lt Taojo and the rest of the GBI Incorporators to cause the downfall of the very organization they once proudly represents. They don’t even want to carry its name at this time having claimed that this carries a bad connotation and image. The untimely Death of the Diablo Squad suddenly came in 1984 . The instant birth of the GBI in the expense of the Diablo members brought to life in that same year. The Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (GBI) expanded rapidly. In the absence of fast communication system and having controlled the communication of the military camps, many Diablo members believed on the legitimacy of the GBI being the replacement of the Diablo Squad. Nobody within the original Diablo members was able to dispute the claim. Besides, the organization was already controlled by new recruits having occupied key positions in the military and the magic group. The original Dirty Dozen were still bearing the ranks lower than the commissioned officer. Further, Leborio “ Abraham” Jangao, the perceived father of the Dirty Dozen sided with these officers for apparent reasons. He never realized that he was being set aside and eventually be forgotten. The recruitment was then focus on the Guardians, forgetting the once strong, united and the original Diablo squad. There was also a rapid expansion of the MAGIC GROUP throughout the Philippines. The word GUARDIANS, an acronym was better known than the DIABLO. Emphasizing the meaning of every letter of the word GUARDIANS which means: G- Gentlemen, U – United, A –Associates, R – Race, D – Dauntless, I –Ingenuous, A – Advocator, N – Nation, S- Society It means that Guardians are Gentlemen, United Associates of the Filipino Race, Dauntless and Ingenuous Advocator of the Filipino Nation and Society. The original GBI organization was administered by a Cpt. Anastacio “ FSGFC Patton, PA as President, Lt.Gil “FSGF Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr., PC (INACT) as Vice Pres. and Sgt. Leborio “FGF Abraham” Jangao, (PC) as Adviser). Leborio “ “Abraham” Jangao, Jr became merely an adviser. The original organizer and who conceptualized the founding of the Diablo Squad was no longer within the decision makers’ group. The leadership was occupied by Officers of the AFP. The original concept of the organization to be the brotherhood of ordinary soldiers vanished. The organization of the Diablo was then became the turf of the officers of the AFP. Cpt. Anastacio “FSGFC Patton” Labitad, PA directed that DSCB members shall have the “GUARDIANS’ tattoo on the lateral extremity of the left upper arm just below the shoulder and the additional marking of “GM” (Guardians Mindanao), “GV” (Guardians Visayas), and “GL” (Guardians Luzon) shall be tattooed on the superior area in-between the thumb and the point finger of the left hand and the “GBI Rank/Branch of Service” on the right hand. New members are tattooed with the traditional “GUARDIANS” mark on the right upper arm and the additional markings on the left and right hand respectively. The events that succeeded after Sgt. Leborio “ Abraham” Jangao recruited Lt Gil “ Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr can be equated to the life of Andres Bonifacio, the father of the Katipunan. Andress Bonifacio sacrificed a lot in organizing the KKK for the sake of the ordinary Filipino people. When Emilio Aguinaldo, an “ilustrado” who belong to the “elite” Filipino, became a member by way of recruitment, he lord it all in the KKK and eventually causing the death of Andres Bonifacio. Emilio Aguinaldo became more famous than Andres Bonifacio. He even became the President of the Republic of the Philippines, while Andres Bonifacio, the father of the KKK, was killed, upon the order of Emilio Aguindaldo during the Philippine revolution. In 1985, Guardians Foundation Centre Incorporated (GCFI) was created as a foundation of the GBI organization. The main tasked of the GCFI was to generate financial/logistical support for the GBI organization particularly those GBI members who are in distress or in extreme necessity financially. The leaders and members of the GBI were surprised of the swept turning of event when GCFI recruited prospective members for membership which is contrary to the very purpose of its existence. GCFI became a legitimate separate Guardians organization registered under the SEC. This became a faction of the GBI. The first Regional Assembly of GBI Region XI Chapter held at Venees Hotel, Matina., Davao City on August 17, 1986. There were more or less six hundred members who attended the said first Regional Assembly. The main agenda of the said assembly were the Information and Education about the objectives of the GBI organization. The regional election was also held. Persecution against the Diablo, now GBI members by some Officers became worst. Some unscrupulous field commanders in Mindanao particularly in the Army Commands strictly and severely enforced the directive of the Higher Command that non – erasures of GBI markings shall mean non – reenlistment into the Regular Force AFP. What was at stake during that time was the very survival of their families because their means of livelihood were so threatened. Such occurrence was so hurting for them to bear but still they managed to reiterate further their unwavering loyalty deep inside their hearts to the GBI organization. But the members continued to survived. Sensing the immediate needs of the Organic’s (Uniformed men/women in the AFP/PNP) protection, GBI Region XI Chapter hierarchy called for a Regional Convention sometime in 1989 purposely to circumvent the said unabated worsening situation. GBI Chapter in General Santos City hosted the said Regional Convention to promulgate innovative measures to amend some provisions of the original GBI Constitution and Bylaws. The focal point of the said amendment was centered on the conversion of the GBI organization from a military fraternity to a civilian –led organization known as Non—Government Organization (NGO) similar to some other civilian organizations. Unfortunately, the efforts of amending some of the obsolete provisions of the original Constitution and Bylaws of the GBI was not finished due to lack of material time and it was reset indefinitely until sometime in 1995 that the matter at issue was finally realized with the completion of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Guardians Brotherhood Region XI Chapter Incorporated. It was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29, 1995 with SEC Registration DNO95-000521. In 1999, The Guardians Brotherhood Region XI Chapter Incorporated particularly Davao City Chapter hosted the 1st National Convention for Guardians Unification held at Greenheights Hotel, Buhangin, Davao City on October 1 and 2, 1999. This was attended by more or less 400 delegates from the different Regions in Mindanao which includes Lt. Taojo, Leborio Jangao and Cpt. Labitad who were then conferred earlier as Triumvirate. Sen Gringo Honasan, Mayor Benjamin “BCG” de Guzman and Mayor Rodrigo “CM” Duterte also graced the occasion. The convention delegates were able to come up with a Constitution and Bylaws for Guardians Unification under the name Philippine Guardians Incorporated (PGI). In this particular occasion, Gregorio “SGF Goyong” Duremdes was promoted to the rank of Founder by the National Triumvirate in the presence of Sen Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan. Few days later, the said Constitution and Bylaws was hand carried by Dionisio “Fdr Moulder” Quieta to the office of Sen. Gringo Honasan for subsequent registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Unfortunately, the National Secretariat for Guardians Unification formed by Sen Gringo Honasan rejected the said Constitution and Bylaws. Sen. Gregorio “SGF Gringo” Honasan, the Interim National Chairman for Guardians Unification called for another National Guardians Unification Convention. It was held at Videospecs Building, Roxas Blvrd, Pasay City on March 18 and 19, 2000. Every Region was allotted one voting delegate to tackle the Constitution and Bylaws for Guardians Unification. The delegates were able to come up with a New Constitution and By-laws under the name PHILIPPINE GUARDIANS BROTHERHOOD INC (PGBI) and subsequently registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 26, 2000. Dionisio “ Fdr Moulder” Quieta joined Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan with the PGBI and became one of the Incorporators abandoning the Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated ( GBI). Lt. Gil “FSGF Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr, Cpt. Anastacio “ FSGF Patton” Labitad, Msgt Leborio “ FGFC Abraham” Jangao and the rest of the officers of the GBI campaigned for the adoption of the PGBI as the new unification name. However, after knowing of the salient provisions of the new PGBI Constitution and By-Laws, they made a one hundred eighty degree turn and rejected the PGBI. They found out further, that under the PGBI Constitution and Bylaws the role and functions of the Founders are just mere advisers only and cannot hold vital or key positions in the Administration of the PGBI. The National GBI organization has suffered another blow after the creation of the PGI, the supposed unification group of the Guardians. The original plan of further changing the name from GBI to PGI purposely for unification was actually supported by the Triumvirate namely, Lt Gil “FSGF Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr., Cpt Anastacio “FSGFC Patton” Labitad and Msgt Leborio “FGFC Abraham” Jangao, Jr. It was only upon learning that the Two officers Lapulapu and Patton will have no major role and can no longer decide for the organization that they withdraw their support from the unification group. However, announcement were already made and majority of the GBI and Diablo members already joined the PGI which was actually registered as PGBI. Again, an exodus of GBI members flock the PGBI. This includes the Iligan City Diablo Squad –GBI Founding Chapter. The original Diablo Squad members were enticed to join the PGBI because they were told that this was the collective decision as a result of the National Convention attended by the Triumvirate. All of the members of the Founding chapter was set to join the PGBI except for Alberto “MF Phantom” Tinoy, a member of the original Diablo – Dirty Dozen was then in Saudi Arabia working. After the expiration of the work contract of Alberto “ Phantom” Tinoy in Saudi, Arabia, he went home to Iligan City and was informed of the new development. However, he refused to join the PGBI and instead talked to the original Diablo squad to stay foot with GBI being their present group from the Diablo Squad. He lead the preparation of the position paper stating among others their stand to stay with GBI as it was believed to be the remaining remnant of the Diablo Squad. That earned another name for the founding chapter for their loyalty and steadfastness in times of confusion and urgency. Alberto “MF Phantom” Tinoy proved it again that being a member of the original Dirty Dozen, he cannot be cannot be swerved. Majority of the Dirty Dozen never joined the PGBI. A regional assembly of GBI members in Region X area was held at Cagayan de Oro City on May 4, 2002. This was called by Cpt. Anastactio “FGSC Patton” Labitad was attended by members coming from the different Provinces and Cities under Region 10 areas. Lt. Gil “FSGF Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr and top leaders of Region XI Chapter were invited to attend the said assembly. It was in this particular occasion where Lt. Gil “FSGF Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr Jr and Cpt. Anastacio “ SGFC Patton” Labitad were officially installed as MASTER FOUNDERS by virtue of a resolution passed by the participants of the said assembly. Also taken up in the said assembly were the election of Interim Regional Officers as well as information drive on the concept of Federation as a system of governance of the GBI geared towards the establishment of a Federated Guardians Mindanao, Federated Guardians Visayas and Federated Guardians Luzon. The Guardians Brotherhood Region XI Chapter Incorporated hosted the 1st Mindanao Founders’ Summit at Maguindanao Hotel, Claro M Recto St., Davao City on May 26, 2002 with an inspiring theme: “PANAGHIUSANG HUGPONG GUARDIANS MINDANAO PINAAGI SA FEDERALISMO”. The GBI adopted the concept of Federalism. This Federal System of Governance was duly deliberated and subsequently voted upon overwhelmingly by the said participants (Founders). After a month, GUARDIANS BROTHERHOOD REGION X CHAPTER INCORPORATED was registered was finally with the Securities and Exchange Commission with SEC Reg H20002000255 on June 14, 2002. The 2nd GBI National Convention was held in Elena Tower Inn, Tibanga, Iligan City on April 5, 2003. Indeed, it was a pilgrimage to the mecca of the Guardians World. Among the highlights of the said festivity were the celebration of the 23rd Anniversary of the GBI Founding Chapter of Iligan City, the adoption of New Bylaws of GBI and the promotion of Suprema Amazona Buala to the rank of Master Founder. The 3rd GBI National Convention was held in San Abuyog, Leyte on April 29-30, 2005. Among the highlights of the said National Convention was promotions to National Founders of some deserving active Founders in the organization from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and the elections of new set of Officers in the National Chapter. In this year also that Guardians Brotherhood Region X111 Caraga Chapter Inc. was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission IN Cagayan de Oro City adopting the Federal System of Government through the efforts and initiative of Felix “FRMG Ely” Datingaling. In 2006, Lt. Gil “ MF Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr, called for the conduct of the unscheduled 4th National Convention and Special National Assembly. This was hastily conducted at Molave Hotel, Tagum City, Mindanao, Philippines on August 26, 2006. The affair was participated in by delegates coming from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, with attendance mostly coming from Davao area particularly from Davao Norte and Davao Oriental, the home province of Lt. Gil “ MF Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr. The calling of the unscheduled convention was an offshoot of the bickering between Lapulapu and the group of Lawyers who are members of the GBI Davao City. This was triggered by the insistence of Lapulapu for the implementations of his decisions and policies even if this was not in accordance with the GBI By Laws. He further claimed that he was cloth with “ Inherent Powers” as carried by being the first Supreme God Father of the organization. He was insisting that he is not covered with disciplinary rules and that the GBI Justice tribunal has no jurisdiction over him. However, the GBI officers who are Lawyers argued that the GBI is an “organization of rules and not of Men” and therefore, nobody is exempted in the pursuit of order. Every member is subject to disciplinary schemes and is answerable to the members. As a result, Lt. Gil “MF Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr was subjected to a trial by the GBI National Justice tribunal based on the complaint filed against him by several officers for several violations against the Constitution and By Laws. He was invited and summoned to defend himself but MF Lapulpau refused to recognized the tribunal. Lt. Gil “MF Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr was expelled from the GBI, the order was approved by the National President as recommended unanimously by the members of the Tribunal. Upon learning of this predicament, Lt. Gil “ MF Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr. commissioned Dante “ Offroad” Simangan to draft a Constitution and By Laws that will give MF Lapulapu immunity. After thorough review and study, an amendment to the GBI By Laws was introduced during the special Assembly giving the Triumvirate Power to replace and appoint officials from the national down to the local level of the GBI. A shift from the Presidential Form of Government into a Parliamentary Form of Government was also introduced in the amendments, whereby participants have unanimously voted for the ratification and approval of the new GBI Constitution and By-Laws adopting the Parliamentary Form of Government. In this new system of government, the new structure was properly arranged and at this point in time, the National Triumvirate was officially installed headed by Lt. Gil“MF “Lapulapu” Q Taojo, Jr declaring him as the new Prime Minister of the GBI Organization. It was followed by organization of Officers in the National level through appointment. The GBI however again suffered another division as some chapters and regions continue to follow the mandate of the elected officers under its National President, NF Awel Gana. On December 9, 2006, the appointed Guardians Parliament installed Themistocles “ John Bull” Romeo was as a new member of the National Triumvirate in lieu of late Anastacio “MF Patton” Labitad who passed away on that same month. Themistocles Romeo was at the same time elevated to the rank of Master Founder (MF) from his rank as National Founder (NF) On April 25-27, 2008, another National convention was held at Tumaga, Zamboanga City. This was attended by delegates coming from The Different Chapters and Regions all over the Country with participation of members coming from the overseas. Though the attendance was not really substantial, It further amended the Constitution and By Laws. The New By Laws followed the concept of Federalism giving more authority to the Provincial and City Federal Confederations of the GBI. The form of the Guardians government is now Parliamentary – Federal. The Constitution and By Laws was drafted by Dante “NF Offroad” M. Simangan with the advise of Gil” MF Lapulapu” K.Taojo, Jr. The position of a Supreme Master Founder (SMF) was given to MF Lapulapu. The GBI under the auspices of Lt. Gil “Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr continue to experience leadership challenge. Since Lt Taojo assumed leadership of the organization starting from the Diablo up to the GBI, breaking away of members and the continues resignations and creations of another factions became already a routine. Judging from history, and as a result of the research conducted by the new members of the Guardians, the center of the ire and division was focus on Lt Taojo himself. His brand of leadership is not applicable to the very independent minded, principled and democratic members. His autocratic style of management coupled with his dependency with the organization became an obstacle to the growth of the organization. The first “blunder” of Leborio “Abraham” Jangao by allowing the Commissioned Officers of the AFP to join the organization which was supposed to be an organization of ordinary soldiers without clear policies as to the leadership issue resulted to the unstable leadership of the organization until today. History tells us that after the entry of Lt Taojo, the leadership immediately was handled by him and the supposed pioneering members, the Dirty Dozen were no longer given the chance to lead. The very purpose of Leborio Jangao to ease the ire of the AFP higher commend upon the entry of Lt. Taojo was never realized. The membership of Lt. Taojo became an opening for other Commissioned officers to be accepted as members of the Diablo Squad and eventually turned the organization as their mass base for loyalty and support. Though, positively, these lessen and even eradicated the in-fighting between soldiers in the different AFP major services. The name of the organization was change several times in order to make it appear to be non- offensive and to avoid the ire of the AFP higher command. However, the purpose was never realized. The perception of the leadership of the organization failed and it even further drag the organization into the pit of interest giving more concerns with the AFP higher command. The refusal of other original Diablo members to adopt the new name from Diablo members to Guardians was a clear manifestation of lukewarm respect to the leadership of the organization. Some were caught un aware of the sudden change of name. Other members never knew of a consultative assembly for them to be heard of their opinion before a major decision should have been approved and implemented. Lt. Taojo and the rest of the incorporators may have missed the theory of consultative leadership considering that the organization was at that time already a mixture of civilian and military members. The creation and eventual separation of the GCFI which was supposed to be the financial arm of the organization was a clear picture of dissatisfaction. Lt. Taojo as a leader was not able to hold on the officers and members to stay with the GBI. Another blow to the leadership was the creation of the PGI, a unification group that was conceptualized, agreed, and eventually implemented by majority of the active members of the GBI and later collapsed as a unifying group but was continued with a separate leadership structure. The hierarchy of the GBI was not able to hold on again to the organization and many of its members opted to join the group organized by Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan. The PGBI of Sen. Honasan even grew bigger than the GBI and many of the original Diablo Squad members found it more convincing joining them than the GBI. This is again a clear view of leadership dissatisfaction. Leborio “Abraham” Jangao, the father of the Diablo Squad was eventually expelled by the GBI under the leadership of Lapulapu. Brotherhood was forgotten. After what Leborio “Abraham” Jangao did to Lapulapu, giving him all the support and recognition, relinquishing to Lapulapu his chances to be the top most person of the organization, he ( Lapulapu) was not able to at least protect him( Abraham) and help him in times of needs. At the very least, even in the ranks of the GBI leadership, breaking away continue to exist. The group of Fdr Libra Go, broke away and formed their own group which was using the same SEC registration of the GBI. The group call themselves GMB. The cause of the broke up was still leadership questions, and Lt Taojo was not able to solve it. Later on, he’s pronouncement even further aggravated it and caused more trouble. Succeeding breakaways continued and creation of factions became an ordinary routine for the Guardians. The GBI under the leadership of Lapulapu became the producer of dissatisfied members that was seen as those that organized their own Guardians Factions. The continues refusal of Lt. Gil “ SMF Lapulapu” Taojo, Jr to relinquished his leadership to other much qualified and effective members caused the organization a lot of problems and created more divisions. His desire for a perpetual stay in the higher hierarchy of the organization was seen as the cause of all these problems now the organization was experiencing. Sensing all these things and events, the newly recruited members who now became officers started to conduct research within the organization. Many of them being, highly educated and occupying high and sensitive positions in their field of profession were not satisfied of the explanation given to them of the failure of the organization. Most of these new members even “dug” in more, on the history of the Diablo and asked many pioneering members about the true beginning of the organization. They started to question some decisions of the Triumvirate and even argued with precession and reasons. As a result, the new members were either relieved, suspended or even expelled by Lapulapu through his Acting Prime Minister for no apparent reasons or sometimes fabricated accusations. In May 22, 2010, the Diablo Squad - Dirty Dozen together with the original Diablo members and the new GBI members called for Special Assembly in Iligan City, the home of the Diablo Squad and the Guardians. This was supposedly intended only for Mindanao members. However, concerned members from Cebu and Luzon choosed to attend the assembly for them to know the real issues. Despite of the SMS messages by MF Johnbull and SMF Lapulapu declaring the assembly illegal and ordering the members not to attend, the assembly was able to gather 205 participants with all the regions in Mindanao represented. The organizers were not expecting an overwhelming response from the members and such attendance was already more than enough to decide on pertinent matters. The attendee of the special assembly decided to submit amendment to the GBI Constitution and By laws pointing among others the scrapping of the immunity claus of the Triumvirate to give equal rights and opportunity with other ordinary members. It also proposed the autonomy of the three (3) major islands of the Philippines and the overseas. It also introduced transparent collections and the full implementation of important provisions of the Constitution and By Laws which is being rigged by Johnbull and Lapulapu. The proposal was submitted immediately to the National headquarters and to the Guardians Parliament through Johnbull and Lapulapu. However, this was not given due course and was not included in the agenda when Lapulapu and Johnbull called for a Parliament session and Conference. Instead, those national officers who attended the assembly was even further relieved from their duties and complaints were filled with fabricated accusations. This has turned the supposed solution to the problem a reason for expulsion. With this development, the founding chapter together with other national officers and the Dirty Dozen meet again in June 9, 2010 and finally decided to withdraws their support from Lapulapu and form a separate group which will no longer recognize the leadership of the Triumvirate and expose their acts which were not in accordance with the doctrine, history and principle of the original Diablo Squad. The members of the Dirty Dozen came out into the open and voiced out their disappointments. Many of the original Diablo Squad air their feelings and related their story. Actually, this has started several years ago until the old and reliable members of the Diablo Squad can no longer held their disappointments. The dirty Dozen, whom for several years just held their breath and stayed in the sideways finally stood up and said it all. They sympathized with this new members and supported their cause. They corrected the history and related the true events that brought the organization into the limelight. The Diablo Squad – Dirty Dozen feel that it was already the time for them to speak up and assert their existence and faced the reality. They are now finally leading the organization by asserting the argument that the word DIABLO was and is never bad after all. The sacrifices and suffering they experienced in the fast for pioneering the organization cannot be bought with anything but a sensible recognition and respect of the name. In order for the organization to succeed, the Dirty Dozen proposed for a more democratic organization. The true history should be written and exposed, and the leadership should be open to those who are qualified, capable and able. Personal interest should never be part of the agenda, and those found guilty shall be meted the equivalent penalty. Everyone, which means officer or member, shall be treated equally as this was the vision of the organization when it was first organized in 1980. There shall not exist any person who may be treated as above other members. The concept of the Diablo Squad of helping each other shall remain as the highest value within the Diablo-Guardians family. The original Diablo squad- Dirty Dozen proposed for the organization of the DIABLO-GUARDIANS MAINTREAM INCORPORATED, a TRUE DECENDANTS OF THE DIABLO SQUAD, to be known to everyone with all the ORIGINAL DIABLO MEMBERS to affiliate and renew their membership. This will bring together the OLD DIABLO SQUAD members and the NEW GUARDIANS members into one solid, renewed and true brotherhood under one organization.
Posted on: Sat, 10 Aug 2013 17:52:40 +0000
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