"Unwavering Courage and Resilience: The Story of PCol Malimban, The Living Legend of Marawi Siege"

We are very fortunate to have PCOL REX ARVIN T MALIMBAN, one of the heroes of the Marawi Siege, as our speaker for the Enhanced Learning Package, a program that our Director has supported for the graduating class, the MASIDTALAK CLASS OF 2023. Our Director wants to increase the graduating class's knowledge and leadership abilities so that when we leave this Academy, we are prepared to handle real-world situations.

PCOL REX ARVIN T MALIMBAN is a proud member of PNPA KAPANALIG CLASS OF 1997. He is the youngest to graduate not only in their class but among all other graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy. He was able to graduate at the young age of 20 because the Cadetship training is only two (2) years throughout their period. He was a young inspector who was so eager to join the Special Action Force but was ineligible due to his age. Before being reassigned to head the LRT (Light Reaction Team) with older, more seasoned, and well-trained subordinates, he was first sent to another unit where he gathered experience. He told us that in order to be regarded by his subordinates as competent enough to command them, he pushed himself to complete numerous operations courses, including the Commando Course, the Snipers' Course, and other training pertinent to police operations.

Additionally, PCOL MALIMBAN was honored with national and international accolades (1). He was dispatched on a crucial mission to a foreign country during the war, like Syria. Without any ties abroad, he managed to save 1,000 Filipino expatriate employees by himself. He stayed abroad, gaining a variety of experiences that helped him develop into a stronger officer. By 2017, he has been given the responsibility of commanding the SAF troops during the Marawi Siege. He served as an amazing example of a leader that not only commands his followers but also sets an example for them.

During their mission, he claims that he forbade his troops from taking anything from the war-damaged businesses other than the food that they desperately required because they did not have enough supplies for their month-long stay in Marawi. Additionally, despite the fact that he was already a senior officer at the time, he continued to lead his soldiers, encouraging them as they fought their foes. He stayed with his comrades until the battle was over, demonstrating his prowess in battle techniques, tactics, and talent. He has shown himself and won numerous accolades for displaying bravery and valor. That motivated them to persevere through the hardships and tribulations of the five (5) month-long battle and ultimately triumph over the militants linked to the Islamic State, the Maute group, and the Jihadist group.

I came to understand during the session that we future officers should not only demand but also provide an example for our soldiers to follow since a strong leader does so. Also, he has demonstrated exceptional service, particularly in the operational areas which most impressed me. Additionally, he stated that commitment, ethics, and discipline are crucial in the military. He also revealed to us that the decision the SAF commander gave them to back the army in an assault on the last enemy base when he felt they were already finished was the hardest one he had to make at the moment. He was dejected because he was concerned about how many of his troops might perish in the combat once more.

However, as an officer, he must continue to stand and command his troops until the battlefield is freed. They were able to complete their task as a result of his superb leadership and teamwork with the troops. His life teachings taught me a lot, and they also motivated me. He is an officer who should be imitated since he not only sets a great example for his followers but also cares about their wellbeing.

_____________________________________________________________

(1) Tupas E. (2019) PhilStar Global Marawi cops get medals, promotion Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/05/30/1921983/marawi-cops-get-medals-promotion