PGBI STORY: 20/20

Written and authored by:

Atty. Pedro Leslie “FRMG PLS” B. Salva

National Executive Vice-President,

Chief Legal Counsel, and Corporate Incorporator

Like any organization, the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) has its own story to tell.  The PGBI as an organization did not just appear out of the blue.  It has undergone its process, and over time, it became, as it is now, the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) with members coming from various sectors of society from the once exclusive circles of men in uniform.

The PGBI traces its history back to the late 1970s when a small group of non-commissioned officers led by then Constable First Class Leborio “FGF Abraham” Jangao, Jr formed a small circle of military men and called themselves the DIABLO SQUAD.  It remained within the Mindanao area, and there was no significant growth of the organization as it limited its circle to military men. However, due to the noble purpose for which the organization was created, slowly the organization grew despite some sort of resistance from the higher command in the military. The group remained an informal organization until March 12, 1984, when the DIABLO SQUAD (CB) BROTHERHOOD ASS’N., INC. was registered with the SEC under Registration No. 119564. No Constitution and By-Laws were submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

However, barely nine (9) months later, another group called themselves the GUARDIANS BROTHERHOOD, INC. (GBI) applied for SEC registration, and on December 10, 1984, the group was duly registered with the SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. It is worth noting that in those two (2) SEC registered organizations, the fifteen (15) incorporators in each group are different.

On April 18, 1986, another group, a product of the unification process of the different GUARDIANS factions, registered with the SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMMISSION under the name GUARDIANS CENTRE FOUNDATION, INC. Of the fifteen (15) Incorporators listed on the registration document of the GUARDIANS BROTHERHOOD, INC., five (5) became part of the fifteen (15) Incorporators of the GUARDIANS CENTRE FOUNDATION, INC. (GCFI). The organization as a result of unification efforts significantly increased its members, especially when lots of civilians called the MAGIC GROUP have played active and exemplary role in the growth of the organization.

However, it was perceived that there is still a need to unify further the organization, as some have been doing their activities on their own. Sen. Gregorio B. HONASAN II and his trusted men then started to solidify and intensify the recruitment of members through more unification efforts.  Though more unification efforts were undertaken in Mindanao and other parts of the country, it did not achieve what the leaders were expecting. It was only when a national convention was called, primarily through the efforts of then Sen. Gregorio B. HONASAN II that a greater impact of unification was felt. 

During the provisional months of the unification efforts, some responded readily considering the good senator as the unifying factor while others may have absorbed it negatively. Grueling tasks indeed but the unification core group was not derailed with all those discouragements and thus continued with their quest for uniting the brotherhood into one cohesive national organization.

Thus, the day of reckoning did happen on March 18 and 19, 2000 when GUARDIANS elders and key leaders coming from the different major factions of the GUARDIANS movement and splinter groups convened for a unification meeting in Manila. As expected, the scenario and environment were very unlikely from the day the representatives/delegates from thirteen (13) regions with different orientations arrived, all claiming to be the original GUARDIANS organization. Because for nearly twenty-five (25) years, the GUARDIANS movement had neither a clear vision of its directions nor any proposed formal structure.

Although it was indeed lengthy, heartbreaking discussions and the battle of the GUARDIANS Titans, as a result of the unification meeting lies a great story. The birth of the “Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Incorporated (PGBI)” to unify all GUARDIANS factions and splinter groups under one umbrella arrived, organization.

On June 26, 2000, the SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION registered and issued SEC Reg. No. A200008885 to the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI).

The following are the delegates coming from different regions and representatives from some major factions of the GUARDIANS that drafted the PGBI Constitution and By-laws and the Incorporators of the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Incorporated (PGBI)

Incorporators:

Witnesses:

As early as July 2000, the organization spread like a vine outside the Philippines, as far as the Middle East where the first leaf of PGBI was traced in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and fast spreading with no boundaries. The existence of overseas chapters where brothers and sisters composed of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) cannot be denied playing very important roles in growth and giving more strength to the PGBI.

The fact cannot be denied that the charisma and popularity of Sen. Gregorio B. HONASAN II as the PGBI’s GRAND SUPREMO, the magical acceptance, and the high morale and reputation of GUARDIANS movement contributed to each other for the growth of the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Incorporated (PGBI). by leaps and bounds. Sen. Gregorio B. HONASAN led the PGBI as its National President and Chairman from the inception of the PGBI in 2000 up to 2013. For thirteen (13) years, Sen. Gregorio B. HONASAN II was leading the organization.

However, in the Tacloban City convention on September 21, 2013, Sen. Gregorio B. Honasan II was expelled from the organization through the Resolution of the National Executive Council (NEC), the governing body of the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. In that convention the NEC elected Atty. REX ALVIN “ARAB” BILAGOT is the new National President and Chairman of the PGBI and as such, Atty. Rex Alvin “FRMG ARAB” Bilagot became the new GRAND SUPREMO of the PGBI.

Atty. Rex Alvin “FRMG ARAB” Bilagot led the organization for about five (5) years. On the 15^th National Convention in Baler, Aurora last June 2, 2018, the NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) elected Engr. MELLIARDINE “FRMG MEL” GAMET as the new National President and Chairman of the PGBI, who then assumed the new GRAND SUPREMO.

On the 16^th National Convention in ISULAN Provincial Capital, Sultan Kudarat, a NEC Resolution was made expelling Atty. Rex Alvin Bilagot and some of his trusted men for gross and palpable violations of the PGBI Constitution and By-Laws and sowing intrigues and divisions within the PGBI organization. Much time, chances, and opportunity were given to Atty. Rex Alvin Bilagot and his men to rectify their errors, yet they remained stiff-necked and openly defied orders and resolutions given to them.

Changing conditions and needs, however, dictate that the PGBI Constitution and other legal orders should likewise reflect the changing times. Structural and organizational refining was affected by starting at the top of the PGBI hierarchy, and each one has its own time to leave and has choices to be made at each time, whether graceful or ungraceful. In this instance, those choices are sometimes painful if it means accepting an ungraceful exit from the organization. Although they play a part in carving PGBI history, we have to respect them and let them go.

Truly the PGBI organization had its ups and downs, and at times cleansing was done within the organization, yet until today, the PGBI stands proud and steadfast in its goal of being a partner in our country’s aim of nation building. The PGBI until now, remained strong in its mission to help and care for each other as brothers and sisters in the organization and be of help in the community. Molding each member into a better person and remaining an asset to our community.

With the able leadership of Engr Melliardine “GRAND SUPREMO MEL” G. Gamet, the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) continues to advance confidently along its path of growth and service. His vision and dedication have invigorated the organization, ensuring that its activities and programs align with the core principles embodied in the preamble of the PGBI Constitution and By-laws: To serve GOD, COUNTRY, and FAMILY. Under his guidance, the organization remains committed to its mission of fostering brotherhood, leadership, and community development, while upholding the values that define the GUARDIANS.

As PGBI celebrates its 25th year of existence, it is evident that the organization is becoming stronger and more resilient. Over a quarter of a century, PGBI has built a legacy of service, camaraderie, and leadership that continues to inspire its members and the communities they serve. This milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication of its members and the effective leadership steering the organization forward.

The organization’s growth over the years reflects its ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to its founding principles. The spirit of unity, service, and brotherhood remains at the core of every initiative, ensuring that PGBI remains relevant and impactful. The celebration of this 25th year is not only a reflection of past accomplishments but also an affirmation of its bright future.

Long live PGBI! Long live the GUARDIANS! As the organization moves into the future, it remains committed to its founding ideals, continuing to serve God, serve the country, and uplift families. With the leadership of Engr Melliardine “GRAND SUPREMO MEL” G. Gamet and the unwavering support of its members, PGBI is poised to reach greater heights and make a lasting difference in the lives of many.

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Quote on History: “A people without the knowledge of their history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” Marcus Garvey

2020 Copyrights, Committee on Professional Development & Continuous Education)