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Writer's pictureJohn Mark Aguinaldo

The LION of Warfare

Updated: Feb 16, 2023

The war in Marawi cost hundreds of lives in its liberation, with properties destroyed, churches burned, and the government taken over. It was a situation that took place over the peaceful city of Marawi and a proof that a single match can burn an entire bridge. What was supposed to be a simple military operation involving a small number of rebels turned out to be just the tip of the iceberg, with rebels coming into the city and taking over government establishments, hospitals, city jails, and the City Hall itself.


It was complete unpredicted and unprepared chaos, a deception that a small problem would be the worst war that the Philippines had in decades. Desperate times need desperate experts, and that is when PCOL REX MALIMBAN entered the warzone of Marawi. As an expert in tactical and technical aspects of war, he led the PNP in fighting the rebels until the reinstatement of liberation of the said city. PCOL MALIMBAN proved that a commander should know the situation on the ground, and must be on the ground. His tactics challenged the status quo that a commander should lead in oversight.


As a senior officer, he did not let his men fight upon orders only, but he was there fighting with them. In fact, in some operations, he was the team leader. It resonates in my mind that in order for you to be an effective leader, you should set an example. The example that PCOL MALIMBAN portrays is the will to fight for his men and his country. He does not just sit at a table, receive reports, and give instructions, but he leads in the frontline. He proves that our men are encouraged when they see the leader working with them and not locked in a comfortable office. He ensures that he sees the situation on the field in real-time and initiates the plan while taking full responsibility.





One thing that PCOL MALIMBAN portrays is that he considers the safety of his men first. He does not let the troops advance without the assurance that there is a medical station 200 meters away. His concern for his men is evident in all his missions; he does not execute acts that he is unsure of and that would impede the safety of his men. He is the best leader that a subordinate could ask for. It has been months, and he never left his troops.


Door by door, house by house, he ensures that he is there, present along with the troops. Especially during a rescue mission, he led the night rescue of women and men trapped in the gunfight, endangering his life for the sake of others. He is a true example of a leader. Just like King Leonidas of Sparta, he fights alongside his soldiers, defeating a huge part of the Persian Empire with only 300 men. PCOL MALIMBAN is the modern King Leonidas, a modern hero, unwavering and unfailing.



PCOL MALIMBAN's leadership in Marawi serves as an inspiration to many, especially to those who are in the military or law enforcement. It shows that leadership is not just about giving orders and making decisions, but it's also about being there for your subordinates, especially during times of crisis. His example reminds us that as leaders, we should never forget our duty to serve and protect the people we lead. We should always be ready to make sacrifices, even if it means putting ourselves in danger. This kind of leadership instills trust and confidence in our subordinates, which is essential in achieving our objectives, whether it's in the battlefield or in any other mission. In the end, the success of any organization depends on the effectiveness of its leaders, and PCOL MALIMBAN's leadership in Marawi is a testament to that.



 

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/186746-fallen-not-forgotten-saf-troopers-killed-marawi-pnp/

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