Senator Robinhood Padilla’s recent induction as a lifetime member of the esteemed First Scout Ranger Regiment is a moment of pride for the esteemed Scout Rangers. The honorary Scout Ranger Badge was bestowed upon him during the graduation ceremonies of Scout Ranger Class 220-2023, held at the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) in Camp Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan, on September 1, 2023.
Senator Padilla’s pride was evident as he wore his badge during the Senate’s plenary session on Monday, September 4, taking the opportunity to explain its significance to his colleagues.
This privilege of becoming an honorary lifetime member is a distinction reserved for only a select few Filipinos, including luminaries like President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Mark Villar, Senator Bong Go, and Senator Manny Pacquiao. An honorary Scout Ranger enjoys all the privileges of a regular member of the Scout Ranger community – for life.
Ranger Padilla expressed his profound gratitude to his fellow Scout Rangers for their invaluable role during the Marawi Siege, emphasizing that the events in Marawi were not a reflection of the true teachings of Islam. He lauded the soldiers for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the faith of Muslim Filipinos. He underscored the courage of Filipino soldiers, willing to lay down their lives for the sake of their Muslim brothers in Marawi.
In his welcome remarks, FSRR Commander Brigadier General Isagani Criste recounted a pivotal moment in Senator Padilla’s role as a peace mediator, particularly the hostage crisis in Basilan on March 20, 2000, at the time of President Joseph Estrada’s administration, during which the kidnappers demanded Padilla’s involvement as a negotiator. Padilla converted to Islam while incarcerated in Muntinlupa for illegal gun possession. Padilla and the other negotiators scaled mountains despite the tremendous angers involved. On that same day, two hostages were released.
“During those crises, a remarkably courageous and patriotic Filipino citizen risked everything, including his life, for the cause of peace. He voluntarily ventured into the mountains of Punoh Mahaji to reduce the likelihood of bloodshed and loss of life. Sir Robin succeeded in persuading the terrorist group to release nearly half of the hostages,” Brigadier General Criste recounted.
During his conferment in Bulacan, Ranger Padilla also seized the moment to advocate for the enactment of mandatory military service for the youth. He urged the Scout Rangers to become “ambassadors” for the passage of the mandatory ROTC bill. He also pledged to support an increase in the Scout Rangers’ budget in 2024.
Salamat at mabuhay po kayo, Scout Ranger Padilla! (INSITES by Joji Codilla)
