Marilyn Cahatol

Security personnel from the Philippine National Police ( PNP) , Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) assemble in front of the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on January 6, 2025, as they prepare for the "Pahalik' on January 7 as part of the annual Traslacion  of Jesus Nazareno on January 9, 2025. 

Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

TRASLACION 2025

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to support personnel wounded in the line of duty, as it paid tribute to Army Captain Jerome Jacuba, who was injured after an explosive device detonated near his location during a clearing operation in Maguindanao in 2016.</p><p>The officer lost his eyesight in the explosion.</p><p>In a video posted on Facebook on November 30—the day Jacuba said was when his military service ended—the soldier recalled his experience and bid farewell to the AFP after 15 years.</p><p>He explained that he was given a complete disability discharge (CDD) and was separated from the military supposedly because he could no longer serve after he was blinded in combat.</p><p>The video has garnered 15 million views as of this posting.</p><p>President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who also saw the video, instructed Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to review the CDD policy, saying injured personnel can still be productive and serve the military despite their condition.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/1/marcos-jr-tells-dnd-to-review-policy-on-complete-disability-discharge-for-soldiers-1754">‘Dapat patuloy ang pagkilala’: Marcos Jr. tells DND to review policy on complete disability discharge for soldiers</a></div><p>Marcos told AFP chief Romeo Brawner Jr. to suspend Jacuba’s disability discharge as this was neither right nor justified.</p><p>In a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla  said the military was committed to honoring Jacuba’s sacrifice and ensuring that no injured soldier is left behind.</p><p>“We pay the highest tribute kay Captain Jacuba for his courage and sacrifice for country, and we reaffirm our commitment to protect and stand by all our personnel that are wounded in line of duty,” Padilla told reporters.</p><p>&quot;Yung serbisyo nila remain a priority to the AFP and following the call of our Commander-in-Chief, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we are closely coordinating with the Department of National Defense, and we are conducting a comprehensive review nitong existing CDD policy natin to ensure that no wounded or disabled personnel [is] left out, especially na nakuha nila ito because it is in line of duty,&quot; she added.</p><p>The AFP spokesperson also clarified that Jacuba does not yet have a discharge order, adding that his case is still under careful evaluation.</p><p>Brawner personally visited Jacuba on Tuesday morning to clarify his current status, according to Padilla.</p><p>“Kanina, kami nila PAO [Public Affairs Officer] nagpunta doon. Sinama kami ng ating CS. Binisita natin si Captain Jacuba, and nirelay agad-agad ng ating CS ang instruction sa kanya ng pangulo, and ito naman iniclarify lang natin—wala naman pa siyang discharge order. Ito ay pinag-aaralang mabuti pa. This is going to be evaluated by different members—may board diyan na sila ay galing sa ating medical practitioners—to give the necessary recommendations,” Padilla explained.</p><p>The official noted that while Jacuba can no longer return to combat roles, the AFP is exploring meaningful assignments where he can continue serving.</p><p>“We are looking at the possibility of him being able to render service in different capacities. He is still able-bodied in the sense that he can speak really well. Pwede siyang maging instructor; pwede siyang maging advocate for mental health awareness. He still has a lot to contribute to the AFP,” Padilla said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/2/pnp-orders-full-review-of-disability-charge-rules-1042">PNP orders full review of disability discharge rules</a></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dm6o8_-4o04?si=cFAHQihl8KnLUz1g" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to support personnel wounded in the line of duty, as it paid tribute to Army Captain Jerome Jacuba, who was injured after an explosive device detonated near his location in Maguindanao in 2016.</p>

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to support personnel wounded in the line of duty, as it paid tribute to Army Captain Jerome Jacuba, who was injured after an explosive device detonated near his location in Maguindanao in 2016.

AFP honors wounded officer, reviews policy to ensure ‘no injured personnel is left behind’

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AFP honors wounded officer, reviews policy to ensure ‘no injured personnel is left behind’

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 02, 2025 02:37 PM PHT

Read More:

Complete Disability Discharge

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Department of National Defense

review

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Captain Jerome Jacuba

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