CORPS Movement Assists PNP HSS in Training Staff

In line with its commitment to be a service oriented organization, the CORPS Movement trained the newly recruited Police Officer 1 and new volunteer doctors of the PNP- Health Service last September 1, 2011 as part of their Moral Recovery Program training requirement .

Alike the previous trainings done by the CORPS Movement,  the “FaithBlocks” system in order to help the new policemen to identify their priorities in life, accountability and moral obligations as they start out their careers in the Philippine National Police.

PSUPT Dionisio Borromeo also presented to the group his testimony of how God changed his life and called him to minister among his fellow policeman. He also challenged each new recruit to stand for what is right in their young careers.

Bro Boi Manuel introduced the concept of “FaithBlocks” and taught the value of having foundation forming and knowing priorities in life. Ptr. Dan Afuang taught of the accountability of each policemen to the service, their family and God. Ptr. Jim Delos Santos taught of the value of teamwork and integration of ideas. Bro. Jojo Dellosa taught of how to utilize technology especially social media and how to create social networks as well. Col. Borromeo ended with questions on the heart which asks the new policemen are they prepared to meet their God should anything happen.

Faithblocks has not only been used as sustaining means of the ministry but also as an evangelistic tool to spread the Gospel.

Cadet Christian Fellowship Celebrate 22nd Founding Anniversary

They say that some of the most amazing of stories begins at the most unlikeliest of events: the beginning of the Cadet Christian Fellowship of the Philippine National Police Academy is such story.

In 1989, two plebes –harried, tired and starving- tried to sneak in food to their barracks to suffice their depravity: an intolerable offense against military academy edict which warrants an impious chastisement. The two was almost sure of their success as they have already gone out of the camp and back in without being detected under the cover of night. Until the final corridor, Master Sergeant Roranes who was sentineled  at  the barracks stopped the two on their tracks. The two know the bitter consequences of their act and was waiting for the subsequent lashing:  the lashing never came. The elder officer let the plebes eat their bounty on the spot and reprimanded them but did not minced a harsh word.

Dumbfounded by this unnatural kindness especially for plebes, the two asked why the tactical officer was gracious and kind to them. The officer stated: I’m a Christian.

The act of kindness turned the two plebes into believers themselves and would become organizers of a small bible study in camp. The small bible study grew, became a fellowship and eventually into church which still stands after twenty two years.

Each year the Cadet Christian Fellowship retells this story to new cadets to acknowledge God’s goodness and mercy to the cadet corps of the PNPA and to tell how one policeman’s dutiful testimony of Christian act could lead into something wonderful work for the Lord.

Last August 23, Former members of the Cadet Christian Fellowship, members of the CORPS Movement Foundation led by former PNPA Commandant PSSUPT Cesar Binag and friends once again joined in celebration of God’s goodness to the Corps of Cadets of the PNPA.

Rizal, the Filipino, Writing and God: The Reflections and Revelations of F. Sionil Jose

Members of the CORPS Movement Foundation was overjoyed when the of the Bread of Life church invited them as guests to a forum which featured National Artist for literature F. Sionil (Frankie)Jose as part of the church’s  cultural and national initiative.

Here are some revelations from F. Sionil himself…

On Rizal

“Rizal is our national hero by popular demand, there is no national edict that declares him. If there is a motion in Congress for Manny Pacquiao to be our national hero, he could.”

On Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo

“Noli and Fili are deathwish. When Rizal published them, there was no turning back. It was truly heroic… My only regret was that Rizal did not let the bomb explode at the end.”

A Tip for Students

“Learn the classic. It serves as a good foundation… Even Rizal in his novels has borrowed from western traditions.  He was not an Asian in a cultural sense, he was a westerner in thought.”

If Rizal Was Living among Us Today

“… he will be ignored.”

The Three Ethical Failures of the Filipino

“We (the leaders) sold the revolution of 1896, we collaborated with the Japanese in World War 2 and we easily forgot Martial Law…If Imelda Marcos would suddenly appear, some of you would even take pictures with her. We are shallow people…mababaw ang kaligayahan at mababaw ang lungkot”

On Global Competitiveness

“On writing or as it in any field, one should compete with the best not only in the local scene but those leading in the world…if some author wrote something really relevant, I would say “ Why didn’t I think of that?”

On  Authors

“No writer should be in the business of boring you.”

The greatest fault of the great cultural civilizations

“…they forgot about God.”

BOC 4 Metro Leg: Empowers the Church of Taguig and Marikina

BOC4 was conceived not only to help evangelize the police and help reach the community through the police ministry, but a critical aspect of the program is also to help churches be dynamic in growth and development. Last August, the BOC4 bus meet with the pastors of Taguig and Marikina to help them be empowered and equipped with programs to foster church growth as well as be to relevant to the communities that they are reaching.

In Taguig, a group of pastors of the AGAP ministerial association meet with BOC 4 to partner in helping reach out the cities. They also committed themselves to the vision of BOC4 and has started to think of programs that would help the government of Taguig have a good standing relationship with the churches of the City. The grouped was organized and introduced by longtime CORPS volunteer Ptr. Jim Tarog who is now heads the City Environment and Natural Resources Office of Taguig

Those who attended include Ptr. Ponce Bunjan of the Jesus Is Lord Church, Ptr. Eden Singson of House of Grace, Ptr. Ramon dela Cruz of Christ Liveth in Me, Ptr. Yolanre Yray of UFC,  Ptr. Quiterio Nudalo of the Lord Reigns Int’l, Ptr. Roy Bulalacao of MCJ, Ptr. Gerry Viray and Ptr. Dexter Navarez of All for Christ Church, Ptr. Rogelio Mendoza of Jesus the Word of Truth, Ptr. Remelito Mission of the Lord Reigns, Ptr. Benjamin Abogado of Harvest and Healing, Ptr. Tinton Marcos of JLLCM, Bro. Florante Fons of Tipas Christian Fellowship, Ptr. Wilson Rama of Christ the Savior Christian Church, Ptr. Raffy Tablang of Isa Almasih Ministry, Ptr. Rodrey Tagle of House of Grace, Ptr. Allan Alicando of LJOR and Ptr. Amadeo Genihi of Hope and Abundant Life.

In Marikina, police ministers and loyal stalwarts of the CORPS Movement also renewed their commitments to the programs and platforms of BOC4. The group was led by Ptr Walter Ibanez of the Marikina Fundamental Baptist Church and includes Ptr. Mark Mauricio of the same church, Ptr. Marwin Pesuelo of the Taytay Christian Church, Ptr. Vincent Castillo of the Calvary Fundamental Baptist Church, Ptr. Elpidio Ticman of the Pillar of Faith Baptist Church and Bal Pastor of the Montalban Fundamental Baptist Church.

BOC4 Makati is also in the works as there are talks with Christian Schools and Educators in the city led by Bro. Rudy Floresco.

BOC 4 Luzon Tour: Olongapo, Iba, San Fernando, Baguio and Dagupan

All Aboard!

Barely a month after its maiden voyage, the BOC4 bus have been trekking key cities of Luzon and have embarked key passengers. As new partners get involves, more and more precincts and police stations are being blessed, churches are being equipped and municipalities and towns are being reached for Christ and with faith the Philippines will be won for Christ.

Last July 17, 2011, the BOC4 bus hit Olongapo City and tapped the Full Gospel Businessmen Association of Subic Bay led by their Chairman Dr. Benjamin Salinas Jr. and includes: Danreen Mallari of I-Care Fellowship, Orly Duque of the Rotary Club- Olongapo, Engr. Lynyrd Solis of Saintex Media and Dickinson Foo of New Cherry Blossom Restaurant; and the Olongapo City Ministerial Association –a longtime co-laborer in Christ- represented by Fernando Allanique of the Assemblies of God, Leonardo Garcia of the Acts 1:8 Christian Church to minister and reach out their city for the Gospel.

After presenting to the group the vision and programs of BOC4, Zambales-based CORPS Movement member PCI Pogie Penones challenged the group not only the stations and precincts of their town but also to reach out to its communities as well by taking an active part in the province’s sport initiative and also its family wellness programs.

The group now plans to reach out to their communities by reviving the “Usapang Mag-asawa” forum     that was one of the key projects of the CORPS Movement Foundation during 2006 and was used by God to mightily hold firm the love and values espoused by  god-fearing  families. The group also are open to join in the multiple sports program promoted by the provincial government of Zambales.

A week later, last July 21, the bus hit Iba where it met pastors and ministers of the capital city of Zambales. The group was led by Bishop Virginio “Boy” Ducos of the Grace Better Future Church, Freddie Ferranco of the Jesus Covenant Community, Armando Mendiguarin of the Assemblies of God, Joel Alviar of the Philippine Faith Mission Church,  Ananias  Custodio and Jolly Ragadio of the Philippine Missionary Fellowship, Willy Dizon and Jerry Dejacto of the Christ Jesus Our Life Church, Fred Baliutay of the New Tribes Mission of the Philippines, Roger L. De Gracia of the International Christian and Native Ministries, Robert Nitura of the Way of Salvation Church and Ernesto Dando of the Jesus Glorious Lord Fellowship.

The overall concept of BOC4 was presented at the Provincial Hall to the group. The following day a course on how to minister to the PNP was also presented to the pastors and ministers who were willing to reach out to their local police and community.

Maj. Penones who have been a valuable ally in reaching out the province also presented to the group the plans of having the first BOC general conference at the Potipot Island in Candelaria, Zambales where the provincial government could also help in promoting their sport tourism drive.

Two days later, last July 23. the BOC4 Bus was on the road again and was heading to San Fernando, La Union to trailblaze new partnerships with Christ Commission Fellowship- La Union and the La Union ministerial fellowship. The group met with Pastor Reginald Chan and Bro. Bernard Angeles of CCF- San Fernando and Ptr. Aurelio Nitura of the La Union Council of ministries. The group agreed to reach the city of San Fernando and its policemen as well as to seek unity among the different associations in the city. PSSUPT Antonio Mendoza was there to give his support in this endeavor.

The same scenario was also seen in Meycauayan, Bulacan where Meycauayan Chief of Police Eric Noble partnered with the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church in order to reach out his community. The husband and wife tandem of John and Diwani Oliva of JIL was excited over the fact that they could reach out their city police and also their community as well. Talks of unity through the BOC program have been discussed as the Meycauayan Police is set to assemble the churches.

The BOC4 Bus then went to the city of Pines to meet with partners in the academe and ministerial profession. They meet with Ptr. Arnold Perona of GCF Baguio, Ptr. Vio Muncada of Church of God Baguio and Ptr. Robbie Casas of Guiding Light Fellowship to open partnerships and other opportunity to best reach out the city. All churches has expressed their support towards the program and has already set a second appointment for the BOC4 team to meet with the leaders of their church.

The BOC4 Bus also entered the hallowed grounds of Camp Gregorio Del Pilar to meet with PMA Christian Fellowship’s Erwin and Amelie Luga, Col. Orli Caingcoy as well as a Corps of Christian Professors in the university: Lt. Col. Lloyd Cabacungan, Lt. Col. Ed Montero, Maj. Lope Domingo Jr. and Lt. Ross Mar Villareal. They signified an interest to conduct trainings for men and women in the armed services to lead men through Christ using the BOC4 platform with the aid of the CORPS Movement Foundation and Joshua Ministry.

In Dagupan, the BOC 4 team met with the More than Conquerors Breakfast Club led by their President Ashok Vasandani. The group of Christian businessman gladly supported the vision of BOC4 and has accorded to the plan of reaching out to their community by ministering to the police. They were introduced by PSUPT Jun Borromeo Jr. who was formerly the Chief of Police of Dagupan City. In turn, the BOC4 Movement serenaded the group with special numbers from PSUPT Jun Dalaygon of the PNP Traffic Management Group. 

Secondary tours are scheduled to these cities as alliances and groupings are in the works.

Next Stop Davao…

A Soldier’s Tale of Faith and Love

The Bible shows a lot of Godly men who exemplified living in faith. Hebrews Eleven serves as a Hall-of-Fame of ordinary people who with great love towards God choose to faithfully follow his ways and mirrored grace to their fellowmen.  Even bloodstained warriors and harbingers of war, became ministers of peace when they decided to follow God as seen in the lives of Saul, David, Joshua, Samson, Gideon etc. Through time we are shown models of Christian soldiers who were at the forefront of campaigns but were also vanguards of the faith: men like Gen. George Washington, Gen. Robert E. Lee, Gen. Ulysess Grant. etc.

Sadly, the same model of faith in the modern day is rare. It is even rarer in the Armed Services of the Philippines, where the hardship of a military life calloused a lot of hearts and corrupted souls. But once in a while, you’ll some beacons whose lives became a guide for others to follow. Such was the life of Lt. Manuel B Binag Sr.

Lt. Binag or Papa Manning was a humble, good-natured and God-fearing soldier as evidently seen in his influence to his sons and daughters who themselves kept the faith and continuously strive to love God. Although long retired, he would always adhere to the disciplined life of a soldier; never taking what he does not own, giving to those who did not own and keeping his character free of any blemish. As a devout  family man who loved the Lord, he led his whole family to Christ, taught them how to deliver all their worries to Christ  in prayer and  teach them the value of a true relationship with Christ. His sang hymns to his last breath.

His life was filled with lofty Christ-centered ideals- which in a way influenced the officers of the CORPS Movement Foundation into conceptualizing its own core principles: God-centered, Family-based and Service-Oriented. He was a model of a good and faithful Christian soldier.

Last July 25, the volunteers and officers of the CORPS Movement gave honor to the humble Christian Soldier by singing hymns to the Lord and blessing his family

To the Binag family: Tess and Mar, Manny and Adel, Onchie and Amy, Al and Alleli, Cesar and Agnes,  Jessica and Frank,  Des and Dodong. Our heartfelt condolences and our thanks for your father’s example which extended even unto us.

The Breakfast Club Devotion: Why God Allow Disasters?

Typhoon Juaning bludgeoned the Philippines with heavy rains leaving 56 casualties and again awakening dreadful memories among storm battered and hope drenched Filipinos. Three other typhoons (Kabayan, Lando and Mina) are threatening the country and the weather forecaster foretell of a month’s worth of deluge ahead. Amidst these disasters when faith is silenced with gloom and prayers are at-times unanswered, the weary minded and desperate, even among us faithful, would ask where is God in such circumstances and to a point even mock His authority. 

Such was the topic at the PNP General Hospital Breakfast Club Morning Devotion, as Elder Mike Aspirin elaborated the rationale why God allow such desolation and how God silently works his extends his helping hands even with them.

The very first words of the Bible explain how God has an authority overall nature since He created them: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth.”Genesis 1:1 

Paul seconded this truth when wrote to the Colossians stating that “for Him were all things created that are in Heaven, that are in Earth, visible or invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him and for Him. Thus, he has control overall things in the world whether they are storms, eruptions or floods. 

Since He is in control, we could supplicate to God and beseech him with good weather, safety and even miraculous deed against all impending calamities as in the instances in the lives: of Moses when God was displeased Israelites because of the golden calf, of Joshua when he commanded the Sun and the Moon to stay still, of Elijah when he prayed for rain after three years of drought, of Peter at the Sea of Galilee and of Paul in his trip to Rome.