In 2002, the CORPS Movement started a weekly Hospital Ministry to reach out to the PNP personnel who are in dire need of care and blessing in their most longing state. Most members of the CORPS Movement who were hospitalized due to different injuries recalls how vulnerability could shed off the macho culture of a policemen and how it could soften hearts of even those who are hardened by the service could.
For a couple of months, the ministry thrived. Hundreds of injured police from the PNP General Hospital and Camp Panopio were ministered and some even got Bibles from the CORPS Movement. But since volunteers were also stretched in their capacities and time the initiative was not sustained.
Eight years later, the opportunity to minister to the sick and dying became a reality when PSUPT Bernie Banac was named the Comptroller for the PNP- Health Service.
Having a heart to share the Gospel as well as discerning God’s movement, Col. Banac opened his office for pastors to pray and be a blessing to the sick and the wounded of the PNP General Hospital.
On a weekly basis, BOC volunteers (who were trained in Medical Counseling) would make rounds to the different wards of the Hospital to share the gospel. They would also provide counsel to those who are frustrated, lonely and depressed. They would even follow-up papers of patients who are not physically able to transact with their offices during their stay. The hospital has been a good training ground for pastors to have a heart for policemen.
“ We are happy that we are serving them in the moment of dire needs” Ptr. Noel Cortez, BOC Volunteer added.
It also opened the way for the CORPS Movement to have a prayer meeting among Christian Believers in the Hospital namely PSSUPT Renee Balagot, Head of the PNP Gen. Hospital; PSSUPT Loida Bustamante, Head of Nursing for the PNP Hospital and newly inducted PSINSP Gus Ferrer who serves as an ER Doctor at the PNP Hospital (see related article).
Col. Banac even gave an extra mile for the ministry, when he, PSUPT Eric Noble and the Cavaliers Class of 1992 contacted their US-Based Mistah, to give relief goods to the needy and indigent patient. Seeing Col. Banac’s sincerity in ministering to the sick, his Mistahs pledged to support him with Balikbayan boxes on a monthly basis. The initial donations were given during the opening of the Heroes Ward last February 17, 2011.
He also was instrumental in giving the CORPS Movement an opportunity to conduct two-day team building seminar to the members of the Quezon City Police District-Health Service last February 19, 2011. The seminar gave insight on leadership and team dynamics to PSUPT Jez Medina and her men as they rally towards being united in serving the men and women of the QCPD. It also served an opportunity to share the Gospel and the ministry of the CORPS Movement to the doctors, dentists and nurses of QCPD. In its success, the PNP General Hospital under PSSUPT Renee Balagot followed with its own team-building seminar wherein all 52 Doctors of the PNP- General Hospital attended. Upcoming are the nurses of the Health Service under PSSUPT Loida Bustamante. (see related story)
He now plans a monthly concert/ singing contest to the men and women of QCPD wherein he also wants this opportunity for the CORPS Movement volunteers to minister through songs. (see update story)
Surely, the appointment of Col. Banac to this particular post has not only brought an opportunity to revive a ministry but also an opportunity to save souls.
Another batch of Christian cadets of the PNPA has been received as part of the Cadet Christian Fellowship and the CORPS Movement Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper program last May 6, 2011 at the Center for Christian Leadership Center at the Philippine National Police Academy in Silang, Cavite
The twelve year-old mentoring and accountability program wherein the Keepers’ (Senior Officers) would guide their Brothers (Soon-to-be Inducted Officers) in the rough and tumble world of Public Service. The Keepers’ are burdened to share lessons from their experiences of triumphs and defeats to their Brothers so that they too could have a path to follow and lessons on how to keep the a strong Christian faith.
The event which was prepared by Ptr. Raymond Go and the graduating class of 2011 led by Cadet-in-Charge Joey Lidawan and was witnessed by missionaries from the International Graduate School of Leadership (IGSL), alumni from the PNP, BJMP and BF.
Former PNPA Director Bal Tira gave a strong message of preserving the faith and advice the cadets to always read their Bibles and to pray everyday so that they could grow. PSUPT Bong Malabed also gave a message of making a stand for truth and PSUPT Romy Palgue also gave the cadets a reminder on how God is good to all Christians.
PCI Sancho Celedio meanwhile explained the concept of the MBK to the cadets while Bro. Boi Manuel of the CORPS Movement formally inducted the graduating class which was highlighted by a ceremonial changing of shoulder boards and signing the pledge of Public Safety Servant.
“We are hoping Christian officers that would be inducted in the ranks, would have a profound impact on their field of service.” Bernabe Boi Manuel, CEO of the CORPS Movement Foundation further explained.
“They will surely be light and salt to each branch of public service because they are grounded in biblical truth.” He added.
In the heart of the Ortigas commercial district, secret meetings have been going on for the past couple of months between radical groups that seek major changes in the government. Strategies have been conceptualized to install “necessary” reforms in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and Local Government Units. They also have been actively seeking and congregating other crusader groups to this endeavor. The master plan is to help establish a “New Society” wherein the government has credibility and the community is alleviated from poverty.
They believe all these things are possible through Christ!
The Philippine Council for Evangelical Churches (PCEC), the Federation of Christians in Government (FOCIG), Jesus Offers Salvation, Hope and Unity for the Armed Forces (JOSHUA Ministry) of the Greenhills Christian Fellowship (GCF) , Christian Officers Reform the Police Service (CORPS Movement) and COPPS are all in agreement in this endeavor and his formed a coalition to achieve such grand objective.
In line with the principle of James 2:17 (Faith in Action), they have pushed the envelope of not only attending to their ministry audience but also serve the community, particularly “hot spots”, wherein their audience serves.
“We have the world to reach for Christ and it should not be bordered by our ministry targets” explained Bernabe “Boi” Manuel Jr., Convenor of the Coalition. “We in the Coalition are all ministering to respective Government agencies, But our faith should also touch the community whom the government serves.” He added.
Hot spots are defined as depressed and poverty stricken communities wherein its constituents due to their destitutions are being manipulated by leftist organizations, criminal syndicates, drug lords and corrupt politician todo their ill will.
The coalition intends to empower and support NGOS and churches within the particular communities to be effective with their ongoing works as well as lead people to Christ by establishing “house churches”.
House Churches, which is modeled by Christian Movements in China, are small groups of believers in an area which are not only as a spiritual haven wherein believers could freely worship but dynamic group that are involved in community building and human empowerment.
They also intend to train and safeguard children and teenagers in the community to be better citizens and to avoid the lures of vices and criminality.
First in the series of programs, are high impact information and fundraising drives (Marathon and Concerts) to challenge Christian communities and believers to make a stand and reach out to the community.
“There is a research that states 70% of the world economies are controlled by Christian believers, sadly, we have not seen that riches being used to minister or even help the rest of our Christian brothers being stricken by indigence of their daily life.” Manuel explained. “We hope that this initiative could make a significant difference.” He added.
The Coalition also plans to continue to have consultative meetings as it try to reach the whole Philippines for Christ.
More and more communities are blessing the PNP through the Bless Our Cops Program and have heeded the call of transform the PNP: transform the Nation. The first quarter of 2011 alone saw various movements from communities from Manila to Appari. Churches and laymen have changed their attitude from cursing the police to blessing them and have committed to be of help in creating a God-Centered, Service Oriented and Family Based Philippine National Police. Here are some of their stories:
BOC Tarlac : When God Beckons.
Having a cup of coffee, singing Christian hymns, listening to ministerial news over DZAS and praying and seeking God’s guidance was the daily non-Sunday routine of Ptr. Crensencio “Cris” Alipio. Alike most pastors; the layman from Victoria, Tarlac was having his typical day when something out of the ordinary happened.
For years, Ptr. Cris together with Ptr. Leonardo “Deo” Ilagan, and Ptr. Julius Arriesgado have been ministering to the police force city of Tarlac. Each has been a veteran of different police strategies, programs and ID’s to reach the PNP. Although they have utilized each and every means and experience to minister to the police, each passing leadership and personnel change made it quite challenge for them to re-enter the PNP. God suddenly blessed them and gave them a wide open door.
Ptr. Cris who was listening to DZAS chanced upon Bro. Dodie Lacuna’s radio program wherein PSSUPT Cesar Binag was explaining the concept of the Integrated Transformation Program (ITP) of the PNP. The interview focused on the steps taken by the PNP to improve its system as well as steps to make the community especially churches to be much more involved with the reforms at the PNP. The interview concluded with a challenge to each and every church to take their respective city for Christ.
“A great sense of joy overcame me and since I was on my way to Manila, I knew I had to know more of the program…I have to go to Camp Crame.” Ptr Cris said proudly.
Armed only with this information, Ptr. Cris went to Manila with determination and faith like that of Paul’s when he heeded the Macedonian vision. But like all triumphant journey, they have their share of obstacles.
At the gate of Crame, he was halted by a Head Support Service Patrol who was having a bad day. “Saan ka pupunta?!” the gruff said. Armed with the only information he knew, Ptr. Alipio responded with a smile, “Kay Col. Binag”. The name rang a bell and he was given access.
Upon entering, he realized how sprawling Camp Crame was and that there could be hundred police officers whose surname is Binag. Undeterred, he carried on and asked “Kilala nyo po ba si Col. Binag?” to anyone he passed upon. Luckily, a Police Chief Superintendent (General) passed by and responded quite unreservedly. “Kilala ko yun! Taga-PMO yun!” (We believe it was Kuya Sammy Tucay)
Off to the Project Management Office (PMO) he went, where a queue of visitors has already settled. Fortunately for Ptr. Alipio, Col. Binag was summoned at the National Head Quarters at that time and had to make a hasty exit and postpone all his meetings with his visitors. Upon seeing Col. Binag on his way out of his office, Ptr. Cris did not hesitate and briefly introduced himself and his intent.
Fatefully, it was a Thursday and Col. Binag invited Ptr. Cris to join the weekly pastor’s prayer meeting taking place that very same morning at his residence. After hearing different testimonies from different pastors ministering to the PNP that morning, Ptr. Cris returned the following day to learn more of the ITP program from the PMO.
Upon returning to Tarlac, Ptr. Cris, who was brimming with joy, shared his experience to Ptr. Julius, Ptr. Deo and other co-workers. The ITP was received whole-heartedly by all pastors ministering to the PNP in their different localities in Tarlac. A training for volunteers immediately ensued in Gerona, Tarlac.
Seeing that the response for the Bless Our Cops program was tremendous and the venue in Gerona was cramped due to the reponse, Ptr. Mamerto Bernabe of the Tarlac City Pastors Association, who too had a passion for reaching his city, offered his church at the heart of Tarlac City to be the venue. The training lasted for three months and it culminated in an ITP graduation rites last November 3, 2010 wherein over 50 churches attended.
50 churches who were all blessed and granted access to the PNP God’s providence and one man’s faith to heed God’s call.
BOC Tarlac: When God Beckons (Part 2)
For almost 10 years, Ptr. Jim De los Santos have been faithfully and passionately been blessing the PNP not only in his hometown of Cainta and the Rizal province, but wherever God leads him. With or without assistance or resources and only indomitable faith in hand, God has led him to other cities and town to continue ministering to the Police. Seeing that Tarlac was ripe and ready, Ptr. Jim heeded God’s call.
Together with PCINSP Fred Obar, Boi Manuel and other members of the CORPS Movement, they proceeded to Tarlac city to train BOC volunteers from all over Tarlac. After three months of police ministry training, God touched Ptr. Jim to stay and to further enhance to the commitment and the skills of the new volunteers of Tarlac.
So he invited over Elder Mike Aspirin of Joshua Ministry who is valuable ally of the CORPS movement and Ptr. Paul Weiss of Life Disciples Ministry. Together, they added another 2 months correspondence training in which pastors were equipped with the knowledge on how to conduct ministry to the government and armed forces and how to make disciples at their own level.
The second part was truly a blessing to the pastors as they have more in-depthly prepared for the harvest in the ranks of the PNP. Thank God for men heeding the call of God.
BOC Cagayan: A Northern Frontier Opens
Further North, Eighty spiritual and community leaders from the different towns of Cagayan and its surrounding provinces have pledged their blessings to the Police Stations of Cagayan as they took the challenge God Bless Our Cops last February 2, 2011 at the Northside Baptist Church Auditorium in Tuguegarao City.
Cagayan Provincial Police Director PSSUPT Ma.O R. Aplasca and his men, encouraged the churches of the Independent Baptist Missions for Asians under Dr. Richard Bitun, to help create a God-Centered, Service-Oriented and Family-Based Philippine National Police by blessing policemen through prayers, gift giving and being part of Cagayan Police Office’s community engagement.
“This was really an eye opener from me. I used to curse and lambast policemen for their faults, but after attending this event I realized that they faces a much more difficult challenge in everyday life than most of us since they are keepers of the peace, influence and power” said to Rev. Loreto Caranguin, Regional Director of the IBMA.
GBOC challenged the said leaders to be part of national transformation by starting out with the PNP which is the most visible and most influential public agency. “Im very elated that Dr Richard Bitun, Rev. Rodrigo Felipe JR, Rev. Loreto Caranguin, Rev. Remigio Requizo and their pastors has responded.” exclaimed PSSUPT Aplasca.
“I believe that as a policeman you should a good balance of three aspects in your life: personal, professional and family. Giving those three adequate attention is hard to do, but if you put God in the center of it you will strike a balance that is why we are tapping our local church base here in Cagayan to strike a balance in our police work“. He added.
In return for their support, the Cagayan Provincial Police Office with the help of the Regional Police Health Service of PRO 2 conducted a free medical check-up to pastors and different church workers of IBMA.
The event also featured a discussion on the best practices to best assist the PCR work of a Provincial Police Station by former Santa Barbara Chief of Police PSUPT Eric Noble and Health Service Comptroller PSUPT Bernard Banac and Bless Our Cops Head Coordinator Bernabe V. Manuel Jr.
BOC Apayao: The Northern Frontier Expands
Two months later, PSSUPT Nestor M. Bergonia, Apayao’s Police Provincial Director also opened his police stations to the pastors of IBMA with the GBOC program held last February 23, 2011 at the Luna Municipal Hall in Luna, Apayao.
The community effort led by Dr. Richard Bitun, North Luzon Director of IBMA , Ptr. Paul Tagoc of the Greenfield Baptist Church in Santa Marcela, Apayao who is also the IBMA’s Provincial Director for Apayao, Ptr Remigio Requizo the Police Ministry Coordinator of IBMA and Ptr. Remigio Gonzales, a former policeman turned pastor who is ministering at the Shoreline Baptist Church in Santa Ana, Cagayan pledged their support to be a blessing to the police in the different municipalities of Apayao.
The event was witnessed by Luna’s Municipal Mayor Betty Caluya-Verzola, Ptr Dan Afuang of JOSHUA Ministry and foreign missionaries under Armlynk from Bulgaria, Thailand and India. (See related stories)
“I’m thankful of the support of the CORPS Movement Inc. and Col. Aplasca to our city police and our province, Thank you for gracing our town with your BOC program.” Mayor Verzola replied.
PSSUPT Ma.O Aplasca was again instrumental in bringing PSSUPT Bergonia and the pastors of IBMA together as both would like to beneficially benefit from the relationship. The police would have a solid community support while the church could widen its mission field into government.
BOC Manila: Steadfast
Back in Metro manila, for more than eleven years, Ptr Noel D. Cortez continues to be a gleaming light amidst the wilderness named the Manila Police District. Through triumphs and tribulation, he continues to aspire that one day the tough and callous men of the capital will truly give their hearts to God.
Last February 28, which is also Ptr. Noel’s Birthday, the humble laymen of the Jesus Never Fails Church requested his pastor friends, church members, community leaders and his CORPS movement family to join him in a small thanksgiving in his church. The small birthday gathering also served as an opportunity to share the CORPS Movement’s vision to all attendees.
Those present, including PSUPT Remigio Sedanto, Chief of Police, Police Station 10 and his PCR head Officer PO3 Edgardo Silva head, were amazed at the scope and breadth of how God has truly blessed Ptr. Noel in his ministry with the Police.
His friends, Ptr. Rene Mercado, Ptr. Romar Soto, Ptr. Ephraim Mojica, Ptr. Jun Dela Paz, and Ptr. Bert Cassasola have accepted the essence of the Bless Our Cops program and have signified their intent of joining the Thursday Group meeting of the CORPS Movement.
His church members were happy with Ptr. Noel’s desire to reach his community and his work with the CORPS Movement. They pledged their support to him and his police ministry and on their own will try to be a blessing to the Police.
The community leaders led by Chairwoman Mila Sabado and her council were also thankful for Pastor Noel that his police ministry also benefitted his community’s peace and order situation.
As a birthday prayer, Ptr. Noel wished upon God that this year would be more productive and effective as his try to recruit more volunteers to bless the city of Manila.
The Thursday Faithful
There are still others who are faithful in there calling to bless the police whose faith, commitment and passion has never wavered. They minister to their respective cities and also been a part of the Compassion Ministry who visits the sick of the PNP-General Hospital among them Ptr. Atil of Navotas and the Northern Police District, Ptr. Ruben and Ptr. Dong of Valenzuela, Ptr. Eli of Malabon, Ptr. Dexter of Bacoor Cavite, Ptr. Smiley of Caloocan, Ptr. Armand of Rizal, Ptr. Marvin of Taguig, Ptr. Mac of Zambales and Ptr. Ralph of Quezon City.
(Excerpts from the CORPS Movement Vision Casting activity for the Independent Baptist Missions for Asians last February 6, 2011 at Tuguegarao City)
“If you want to transform the Nation, you should first transform its police.”
For most people, the Philippine National Police culture often resembles a Clint Eastwood movie backdrop wherein the good, the bad and even the ugly are meshed into one. Usual corruption charges, barbaric brutality, and ghastly manner of implementation displayed on the ill-fated Manila bus hostage tragedy brought only more ire not only from the Filipino public but also the world from the PNP.
But is it only the PNP?
The recent Senate hearings on the jueteng payola and “pasalubong and pabaon” charged LGUs and other Armed Forces units of the same corruption and wayward means.
The truth is the PNP only gets a “special eye” from the media because they are the most visible and most accessible government armed unit. Surely there are more unreported misdeeds happening all over armed forces unit of the government.
Unfavorable media mud slinging or not, the CORPS movement has not turned a blind-eye on the issues rocking the police organization and has been active in the PNP’s reform agenda. The Integrated Transformation Program (ITP) by the Project Management Office (PMO) was heavily influenced by the members of the CORPS Movement who shared their analytical finds, factual experiences, astute management insights and biblical principles to the program.
Bless Our Cops (BOC) program was one of the CORPS movements projects integrated into the PMO.Its mission is to gather communities and churches to “profess blessings to the Police/ Authority and to evangelize them” based on the principle of 1 Timothy 2:1 (“First of all, then, I urge that prayers, petitions and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life on all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savoir who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”)
BOC program is moving to the principle of transformation based on James 5:20 : “Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
If the PNP is deemed by public perception and the media as the most corrupt, Christians should do everything possible to save every policeman!
The CORPS movement has taken it as a challenge to put God into every cop and from its ministry experience it has realized five key reasons on why should Christians partake in evangelizing and transforming the PNP:
1. The Police are Ministry Highways to all of Society- A Police Officer transacts with all sectors of society. From vendors, businessmen, media, schools, local government, community leaders, churches, etc.; all are served by the police and once in their lifetime they have been acquainted to their local police. If a pastor who is limited to the pulpit or even his church should suddenly develop a friendship with a police and got introduced to his or her network, his/her ministry network also expands.
2. In a Police Station alone, evangelism opportunities are 24/7- If one Christian who has a strong desire to evangelize and wishes to continuously share the word of God through counseling, all he has to do is befriend a local police and wait at a Police Station’s detention cell. If statistic holds true (One criminal is apprehended by the police every hour in Metro); there should be 8640 souls to evangelize in a year. Also, If you win over a ranking police officer to Christ, he would find ways for his men to be shared with the Gospel. For example a Chief of Police in a Police Station has an average of 100 men, could easily set a bible study as part of the PNP’s moral ascendancy program.
3. Social Credentials for Ministers- For most Christians, we are not bothered by the way society thinks of us for we take more credence on what God thinks of us. Nonetheless, in order to touch an unbelieving world, you must have some credentials to be spoken of as well. Ministering to the police (or just being seen with them) and being regarded a valuable ally to them is a great credential.
4. Security- The PNP is the largest (strength and coverage wise) armed service in the country and arguably the most powerful. National Security as well as our basic freedom is dependent on how well the PNP carry out its duty as well as our basic freedom. Ministering to them and counseling them, on how to use that power could greatly affect the peace and order situation of any locality including a church’s immediate community.
5. Policemen Today, Government Leaders Tomorrow- In 1992, a Philippine Constabulary (the PNP’s predecessor) General became the President of the Philippines. Most policemen become public administrators and politicians after they retired from the PNP. (Lacson, Mendoza, Ebdane, Razon et al). If a pastor disciples one of this policemen, who will be one day become a Department Secretary, Senator or even a President, their ministry could be upgraded to a National Level.
The CORPS Movement believes that police is a vital mission field wherein nation building is quite possible thus it calls on to all churches to transform the PNP: transform the Nation!
A helpdesk agent based in Mumbai India is assisting an Internet Shop Owner set-up shop in Austin, Texas; An OFW father in Riyadh Saudi Arabia is preparing his 5th grade for an exam in his hometown of Ligao, Albay; Two bestfriend, one in Saskatoon, Canada and the other in Abu Dhabi, UAE are posting pictures during their high-school days in Facebook taken 20 years ago in Manila; A couple are chatting sweet-nothings to each other although both are working on cruise ships half way around the globe: Common day activities over the net, something impossible in real-time 5 years ago.
Whether it is in business, leisure or romance; technology has brought people closer to each other. The gap that distance and time created has already been bridged by technology.
This year the CORPS Movement will be using the same technology to broaden its ministry and reestablish relationship among Police Officers and friends.
The CORPS Movement is now on Blogspot, Facebook and Tweeter!
The CORPS Movement has an official FB and Tweeter page wherein it will place all announcements and activities will be disseminated to its friends and supporters. They will also place the Keeper, its official newsletter, in a blog format. The Bless Our Cops and My Brother’s Keeper will set up Facebook and Tweeter Entities as convergent point to all its members and volunteers.
For the Keeper, the reach of the official newsletter will expand tremendously as it will be accessible in all parts of the globe at any given time. Doing so will greatly reduce expenditures in printing and it will also be self sustaining once advertisements through Google ads are set.
To better coordinate with allied ministries all over the world and to better coordinate with churches and communities all over the Philippines, is the main objective of setting Bless Our Cops in Facebook. If the plans for BOC expansion should push through, the FB and Tweeter entities will be the most accessible and fastest medium to spread out messages and instructions. Setting groups in FB will also enable the CORPS Movement to structure the program to coordinators and volunteers.
For the MBK program, Brothers from the PNPA who are assigned in different localities and services (Fire and Jail) in the Philippines will be reconnected to their Brothers in the CORPS Movement. This initiative will try to cover with the batches from the graduating batch of 2011 all the way back to 1999 when the MBK program was incepted.
In the near future, the CORPS Movement will also utilize other social media (skypes, multiply, etc) not only to be relevant to future generations but also accustom the ministry through the changing times.
