Joining the Armed Forces is a challenging profession. As they say when you are in the military service, "You're one foot is in the grave," which implies your life is in danger or you are about to offer a supreme sacrifice in order to defend the sovereignty of this country. However, this is not a deterrent for a military man to display his bravery in the field of warfare. Another Kampilan trooper has once again proven his gallantry in the line of duty and in defending the populace from enemies who seek to undermine the cherished peace and tranquility that everyone values in Central Mindanao.
One of them is Technical Sergeant Joel L. Tuganan, 846688 (Inf) PA, assigned to the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion under the mother unit of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, who demonstrated his gallantry and was once more placed at the highest echelon of victory for the 6ID as well as the entire ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines after he was named this year's (2022) "The Outstanding Philippine Soldier" (TOPS) by the Metrobank Foundation.
Who is TSg Tuganan, and why did the Metrobank Foundation recognize him? Let's take a look at his story here in the KWENTONG TAGUMPAY, dubbed "DUGONG Kampilan: Central Mindanao's Combat Ace and Marksman."
TSg Tuganan worked as a construction laborer while still a student in high school and college. He also worked as a waiter in Zamboanga prior to joining the military, where he served as a utility for Task Force Zamboanga's S2 Section from 2000 to 2003. Since TSg Tuganan was a private, only 33IB served as his unit until now, first in Sultan Kudarat, then in Jolo, Sulu, Lanao Del Sur, and currently in Maguindanao. He was a member of Taskforce Yolanda when Typhoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in Tacloban City and the province of Leyte.
What he will never forget from his past experiences during combat operations are missions where some of his colleagues put their lives in danger and lost them in the midst of the battle that turned into nightmares for him. He revealed that he had colleagues whom he had saved while engaged in combat with armed groups, but it was also painful for him to see one of his companions dying or bleeding heavily, like in Jolo, Sulu, where the operations take place one after the other. Meanwhile, during the said encounter, even their officer was hit by a bullet. He even managed to drag his wounded officer to safety, but later he was unable to do so because of the attackers' unyielding assault of fire on their position, where his wounded officer was suffering from the severity of his wounds. TSg Tuganan disclosed that during the aforementioned engagement, some members of his fire team were KIA, or Killed in Action, where his squad teams nearly perished because they were being surrounded by the Abu Sayyaf. He also had a similar experience when they engaged in combat with MILF Lost Command members in the mountains of Lanao del Sur. "However, when we have wounded colleagues, we do 'care under fire', like the encounter we had before in the mountains of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, where I saved the life of Sgt. Endario of the 62nd DRC through first aid," he added. On the other hand, in the secluded village of Tukanalipao, Maguindanao, he saved the life of Cpl. Cabildo. Even though they were surrounded by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), he still did not hesitate to treat and save his wounded pal in the midst of battle. In such a case, his two naked eyes once again witnessed the death of another of his fellow soldiers who offered their lives as a supreme sacrifice for the sake of the desired peace in Central Mindanao during the said bloody clashes, for whom the nightmares of the past came flooding back to him in the midst of encounters in Liguasan Marsh.
Because of his exemplary performance as a courageous soldier and peace advocate in his duty to his country, TSg. Tuganan was nominated and recommended by his current and former officers to participate in being honored by a prestigious organization—the Metrobank Foundation—that bestows awards on deserving and outstanding Filipinos in the area of "The Outstanding Philippine Soldier" (TOPS). According to him, he was given a recommendation by Colonel Harold Cabunoc, who was his former Battalion Commander in the 33rd IB and who is also a recipient of the same award. His former Battalion Commanders, Col. Ricky Bunayog and Col. Elmer Boongaling, who are also TOPS Awardees, gave him support during the preliminary interviews through final board interviews. Additionally, he expresses gratitude to his current Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Benjamin Cadiente Jr., and their Personnel Officer, Cpt. Carlito Christopher Agustin, who extended help for his requirements and focused on his itinerary for monitoring as well as rehearsals for the interview and other preparations he made. He prepared for the elimination, semifinal, and final board interviews in order to be given the mentioned award from the private sector. The panelists consisted of the judges, the senator serving as chairman, and the CEO of the private company. Professionals from various ranks, including public school teachers, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Marines, also underwent the meticulous process. His accomplishments in combat, administration as a training NCO/Instructor, and community service became TSg Tuganan's key and winning formula to obtain the said award.
Nonetheless, despite reaching this pinnacle of success, he cited his family, his entire 33IB comrades, whom he referred to as his "tropang Makabayan," and the troops who made the ultimate sacrifice for their countrymen as his inspiration for winning the once-in-a-lifetime award. According to TSg Tuganan, it is a great honor for enlisted personnel like him to be given a reward because it’s demonstrated that an NCO like him can partake in this kind of competition in which nothing is insurmountable for someone with a dream and a strong will. For those who also aspire to receive this distinction, he emphasized that they should only obey the legal orders of the officers and senior NCOs and think of good ways and solutions wholeheartedly for the good of the organization. He added that it is not bad to volunteer when you know that it is a great help for the community, the people, and the organization of the Philippine Army. He added that helping others and showing respect to fellow soldiers, especially the civilians around him, are just some of the great lessons he learned that should be lived. TSg Tuganan first of all thanks the great creator, his family, relatives, and the entire troops of the 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division, especially the Officers, former Commanders, and Senior NCOs who fully support and trust the enlisted personnel and the civilian supporters who really love the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
TSg. Tuganan was born in Baliwasan, Zamboanga City, and now lives with his loving wife and three children in Brgy. Talinga, Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte. While his wife was three months pregnant, they are only two siblings, and his older brother died on July 21, 2022, due to a hemorrhage, and both of his parents are deceased. TSg Tuganan is currently the first sergeant of Delta Company, 33rd Infantry Battalion of 6ID, PA and their battalion is stationed in Radja Buayan, Maguindanao, BARMM.
"Take care of the service entrusted to us by the government because this is the source of our family's "bread and butter" and continue to be of service to the entire Filipino people," the statement from the so-called Central Mindanao Combat Ace and Marksman said.