By Eva c. Visperas

 

I first met him more than 10 years ago in Malasiqui town at the farmhouse of the congresswoman of the third district of Pangasinan.

On March 10, I met him again at a restaurant in Bonuan Tondaligan, Dagupan City.

A kabaleyan, a Dagupeño is back. The famous Colonel Ariel Querubin, celebrated as one of the nation’s most honored warriors.

Who wouldn’t be proud to stand beside him, have an interview with him, hear his insights about his military exploits, his gallantry, his prestigious Medal of Valor among numerous accolades, that are all testaments to his dedication to this country?

His photo deserves to be included to be flashed onscreen whenever that part of the Lupang Hinirang “Ang mamatay nang dahil sa ‘yo” is played.

While narrating his challenging years in the military service, literally fighting for the Philippines “sa isip, sa puso, sa diwa at sa gawa”,  I could see in his eyes his enduring dedication and commitment to the call of duty to the Philippines and his countrymen.

His tale as a valiant Filipino warrior is truly inspiring.

During our interview, he showed his scars from his wounds he suffered in battling enemies of the country. Once struck by a Sikorsky helicopter gunship rocket, with no vital signs, he was deemed lifeless and was placed at a mortuary, Querubin miraculously survived after 13 hours of surgery. Part of his liver, six feet of his intestines were excised, and mended his damaged pancreas. Against all odds, he survived for a nobler purpose.

Despite facing danger, rebellion, and imprisonment during his military service, he stayed true to his beliefs in courage, truthfulness, and loyalty.

He talked about divine intervention and familial love, constantly stressing that family is paramount. He kept saying that all his awards pale in comparison with what he has accomplished as a father.

On a Facebook post, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was guest of honor and speaker during the Binalonan town fiesta in February 2024, made a pitch for Col. Querubin. Remember that in 2001, GMA bestowed upon Querubin the Medal of Valor, the country’s highest tribute, for his pivotal role in seizing Camp Mack in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte. As said by GMA, Querubin is “my hero”.

In January this year, Querubin also joined Lingayen people during their town fiesta celebration. Mayor Pol Bataoil, also a PMAyer introduced him as “ang tao na nagmamahal sa ating bansang Pilipinas, … kami na upperclass niya… tinitingala namin sya, sinasaluduhan namin sya, at iniidolo namin sya, buong Pilipinas ay kinikilala siya. Sino ang taong ito na nagmahal sa ating bansa, na ibinuwis nya ang sarili niyang buhay para ang ating bansang republika ay mapanatili na hindi magkakahiwa-hiwalay, magkawatak-watak?”. That’s Querubin, no less!

On March 11, the good colonel again joined the entourage of former PGMA now a Pampanga congresswoman, the De Venecia family (former Speaker JDV, former Cong. Manay and Cong. Toff), Mayor Bona Fe De Vera-Parayno, among other officials as he graced Mangaldan’s town fiesta celebration.

The late President Fidel Ramos, our fellow Pangasinense, aptly described Querubin with these words of reverence: “Not only was he an excellent warrior in the jungles fighting terrorism and insurgency, he, too, represents a class of thinking Filipino soldiers imbued with a sense of idealism to take the urgent measures if necessary, to assert their belief of how and what this country should be.”

Expect to see him more in Pangasinan’s big occasions and in all the corners of the Philippines.

Col. Querubin has an unfinished mission.

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