PBBM orders reinstatement, promotion of Jacuba to Major; demands reform of discharge rules

· President Marcos ordered the immediate reinstatement and spot promotion of Captain Jerome Jacuba to the rank of Major

· Jacuba, who lost his sight in a grenade blast, was previously forced into retirement under a Complicated Disability Discharge (CDD)

· The President deemed the old policy unjust, stressing that soldiers injured in the line of duty should not simply be discharged

· PBBM directed the DND and AFP to swiftly review and update all CDD policies to ensure continued recognition and duty for injured personnel

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has taken decisive action to correct a profound injustice within the military ranks, ordering the immediate reinstatement and promotion of a Philippine Army officer who was prematurely discharged after sustaining life-altering injuries in the line of duty.

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The President’s directive goes beyond a single personnel action; it demands an immediate overhaul of the military’s restrictive disability discharge policies to ensure all soldiers injured while serving the nation are properly recognized and retained.

The center of this story is Captain Jerome Jacuba, an Army officer with fifteen years of dedicated service, who was tragically blinded by a grenade explosion during a mission.

Despite his profound sacrifice, Jacuba was subsequently placed under a Complicated Disability Discharge (CDD)—a policy often used to release personnel deemed unfit for combat operations due to injury.

In a video message released Monday, President Marcos expressed his profound disappointment and moral conviction regarding the case.

“Isang sundalo natin na nasaktan dahil sa sakripisyo niya, dahil ginagawa niya ang duty niya para ipagtanggol ang Pilipinas, ay basta pagka nasaktan, ay bibitawan na lang natin. Hindi naman tama ‘yun,” the Commander-in-Chief stated plainly.

Moved by the circumstances, which he reassessed after watching a video detailing Jacuba’s plight, President Marcos intervened personally.

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He announced that he has instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff to immediately suspend Jacuba’s CDD status.

Furthermore, as a tribute to his bravery and service, Jacuba will be granted a spot promotion to the rank of Major.

President Marcos emphasized that a soldier’s contribution is not limited by physical fitness alone. Despite losing his sight, Major Jacuba’s extensive experience remains an invaluable asset to the institution.

“Maghanap tayo ng mga iba’t ibang posisyon na puwede pa naman siya ‘yung ating mga tinatawag na the major adaptive duties. Kasi kahit nabulag na po, marami pa rin duty na pwedeng gawin ng isang sundalo, lalong-lalo na sa isang sundalo na may 15 years na experience. Maraming maidadagdag at maitutulong sa atin ‘yan,” the President remarked, ensuring that Jacuba’s professional trajectory continues despite his injury.

Crucially, the President stressed that Jacuba’s case must serve as the catalyst for sweeping institutional change.

He announced that a new policy on the CDD will be crafted as quickly as possible, directing the Department of National Defense (DND) to undertake the review.

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“Kaya gagawa po tayo ng bagong polisiya sa CDD sa lalong madaling panahon,” PBBM stressed, clarifying that this reform is intended for all troops.

“Ito ay para sa lahat ng ating mga sundalo na dahil sa ka-duty nila sila ay nasaktan, sila ay nagka-injury, ay dapat naman patuloy din ang ating pagkilala sa kanilang katapangan at sa kanilang sakripisyo,” the president said.

The order signals a significant cultural shift within the military, moving away from a system that prioritized combat readiness over continued service and recognition for those who have sacrificed their physical well-being for the country.

The promotion of Major Jacuba stands as both a personal victory and a promise of a more compassionate and equitable future for all wounded servicemen and women.

In other news, Maryan Pascual Esteban, the OFW who perished in the high rise blaze in Hong Kong, was scheduled to return to the Philippines to be with her family and her 10-year-old son in December. Her distressed parents in Isabela are making an emotional plea to the government for the swift return of their daughter's remains from Hong Kong. Philippine government agencies have guaranteed financial assistance and comprehensive support for the young boy she tragically leaves behind. The child harbors an ambition to become a firefighter, motivated by the wish that no other person should perish in a conflagration.

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Meanwhile in news abroad, a devastating shooting incident at a family gathering in Stockton, California, resulted in four fatalities and left a total of 14 people wounded. The violence tragically erupted during a child's birthday celebration held on Lucile Avenue. Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee committed to coordinating with safety officials to uncover the facts behind the tragedy. Investigators suspect the attack may have been premeditated or targeted, though specifics regarding the assailant(s) have not yet been disclosed.

Source: KAMI.com.gh