Pagkalapag ng SINAG ay tinungo nila agad ang parking area sa loob ng military camp ng Philippine Air Force. Hindi na sila dumaan sa mismong airport dahil confidential ang kanilang paglabas at pagbalik ng bansa.
The surroundings were already quiet, with only the runway lights and the low hum of the wind greeted them.
LRR, o Light Reaction Regiment of AFP, known as the most elite unit of the Philippine Army. Sila ang unang ipinapadala kapag may high-risk na banta, urban man or remote terrain. Ngunit sa loob mismo ng LRR ay may mas lihim pang puwersa.
SINAG is a special unit with almost no official records. Hindi sila ipinapakilala sa media, hindi sila binabanggit sa briefings maliban kung kailangan. Ang kanilang mga operasyon ay kadalasang na sa pagitan ng classified at deniable. When a mission requires precision, silent movement, and the total elimination of a threat without noise, SINAG is the one that moves. Among soldiers, their name is spoken only in whispers—tinged with both respect and fear.
As soon as they reached the parking area, they headed straight for the waiting Jimny. Kai got in first and practically collapsed onto the back seat, slumping down with his head resting against the backrest.
“Sa wakas ay makakatulog na rin ako ng maayos,” sabi ni Kai na halatang ubos na ang lakas.
Binuksan ni Silver ang pinto sa likod at umupo sa tabi niya. “Sana bigyan tayo ng additional rest day,” aniya habang inaayos ang vest niya.
Rowan was at the very back of the vehicle, carefully arranging the bags and weapons they had brought. Because of that, he could clearly hear the conversation between the two.
Up front, Tres opened the front seat and got in, his back straight and his eyes still alert despite having had almost no sleep for days.
“We need to report tomorrow sa headquarters. Huwag na kayo umasa,” pagbasag ni Tres nang walang emosyon sa boses.
Napailing si Silver. “Sabi ko nga,” sagot niya agad, sabay bawi sa sinabi niya kanina.
Naglabas ng mahabang buntong-hininga si Kai na may kasamang inis. “Grabe naman,” mahinang daing niya.
Rowan closed the rear door and circled around to the driver’s seat, since he would be driving them to the headquarter. He sat down, took hold of the steering wheel, and looked into the rearview mirror.
“Let’s go? Wala na bang naiwan o nakalimutan?” paninigurado ni Rowan.
“Sana ‘yong pagod ko na lang ang naiwan,” sagot ni Kai nang nakapikit pa rin.
Napatawa sina Rowan at Tres sa sinabi niya.
Maya-maya ay umandar na ang sasakyan palabas ng air force camp.
While on the road, they noticed a group of SWAT officers deployed outside a supermarket. A section of the lane had also been closed off for police radios and monitors set up along the side. It was clear that an operation was underway, and the vehicles gradually slowed down.
“Anong meron?” tanong ni Rowan habang pinapabagal din ang takbo ng sasakyan.
Napatingin din ang tatlong kasamahan niya.
“Simulation ba ‘yan?” tanong ni Silver na nakaangat ang kilay.
“Huh? Magsi-simulation sila ng gabi?” wika ni Kai na medyo naguguluhan.
“Di ka sure,” sinagot agad ni Silver, sabay silip sa paligid.
“Nood tayo?” pag-aya ni Rowan na parang inaaliw ang sarili.
“Seryoso ba ‘yan? Hindi ba kayo pagod?” reklamo ni Kai na halatang nahihirapan pa rin sa kakulangan ng tulog niya.
His seniors paid him no mind. Rowan simply turned the steering wheel and headed toward the parking area near the supermarket.
Once they arrived, the three of them got out and slowly approached the supermarket. They observed the inside—SWAT officers were focused on the entrances and aisles, weapons raised and alert to every movement. Kai had no choice but to follow them, somewhat hesitant and visibly irritated by the operation’s strict intensity.
The four of them approached a table where radio and monitor operators were seated. A commanding officer was also there, his gaze fixed intently on the surroundings.
“Anong meron?” tanong ni Tres nang diretso pagkalapit.
Tumingin ang Hepe sa apat na lalaki. Medyo naiirita pa ito sa bigla nilang paglapit sa pag-aakalang mga civilian ang dumating, pero nang mapansin nito ang combat shoes at military pants na suot nila, ay dali-dali siyang tumayo, tumuwid ang kanyang likod, at agad na sumaludo.
Tinanggap naman iyon ni Tres nang mahinahon.
“Hostage taking. Babae,” sagot ng Hepe.
Tres looked inside the supermarket again. That’s when he saw the woman—a hostage-taker—holding a gun, focused on her target while the SWAT team slowly closed in on her position. For a moment, Tres almost froze at the sight, then glanced at his companions, immediately knowing this wasn’t an ordinary situation.
Their mood immediately changed. They observed more closely, all four of them carefully analyzing every movement inside. Bihasa na sila sa ganitong labanan at kapag may hostage, ito ang pinaka complicated sa lahat dahil may civilian na nakasalalay.
"Dalawang babae ba ang subject?" tanong ni Rowan sa katabi niyang si Tres.
Naagaw ng isang babae ang attention nila, lalong-lalo na si Tres na siyang ikinakunot ng noo nito. Dalawang babae kasi ang nakatayo habang ang iba naman ay nakaupo lang.
"I guess the other one on the right is trying to talk to the subject holding a gun," tugon ni Tres habang pinag-cross ang mga braso niya.
Dahan-dahan na lumapit ang babae sa subject at tinabunan ito sa paningin nilang na sa labas. Hindi na tuloy nila makita ang subject.
"Bakit ba ang tigas ng ulo ng babae na 'yan?! Hindi ba siya natatakot?" galit na sabi ng Hepe. "Pinapahirapan niya tayo lalo, eh!"
"Ano kaya iniisip ng babaeng 'to? She should just sit at the side and let the law enforcement do its job," mahinang sabi ni Silver na halatang naiirita rin.
Hindi nila marinig ang usapan sa loob ng supermarket kaya wala silang ka alam-alam kung ano ang pinag-uusapan nila roon. Tanging nakikita lang talaga nila ay iyong mga galaw na ginagawa nito sa loob.
"Sniper, get ready," utos ng Hepe sa pamamagitan ng radio.
SINAG remained deeply focused on what was happening. Tres also wondered how the SWAT team was handling the situation. The SWAT’s approach was more cautious, since their operations were centered on law enforcement protocols—unlike theirs.
"It works," singit ni Kai. "The subject is crying."
Unti-unting ibinaba ng subject ang baril nito. Lumapit ang babae at niyakap niya ang subject.
"Get ready to enter," utos ng Hepe.
The woman slowly aimed her gun at the subject, but immediately threw it aside. The subject fell, and at the same time, the SWAT team entered the supermarket.
Tres, Rowan, and Silver all let out a relieved breath at once, which caught Kai’s attention as he glanced toward them.
"Makapagpigil hininga naman kayo, parang hindi kayo bumabaril ng kalaban," pag-ismid ni Kai. "Tara na. Inaantok na po ako." At nauna na siyang naglakad papunta sa sasakyan.
"Kailan pa ‘yan natutong magsalita ng ganyan?" Tiningnan ni Tres si Rowan na nakakunot ang noo.
Tumayo si Rowan ng matuwid at hinarap si Tres. "Sorry po, Captain! Di-disiplinahin ko po ng maayos ang batang iyon."
Tumawa naman si Silver.
Estudyante kasi ni Rowan si Kai sa shooting class noon, kaya nagiging biruan na nila ang teacher-student relationship ng dalawa lalo na sa proper discipline ng isa't-isa.
"Tara na." Unang naglakad si Tres at sumunod naman ang dalawa.
♡♡♡
Kinabukasan sa Fort Ramon Magsaysay, kung saan matatagpuan ang headquarters ng Light Reaction Regiment ng Philippine Army, maagang nagsidatingan ang mga miyembro ng SINAG para mag-report ng kanilang huling mission na naganap sa Cambodia.
Inside, the room was cool, faint hum of air conditioning filled the spaces between silence. At the far end stood the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, his posture straight, hands resting lightly against the table as he studied the files laid out before him. He did not look up immediately when they entered. He was letting the seconds stretch just enough to establish the tone before his gaze lifted, sharp and assessing.
“At ease,” he said, though none of them had visibly tensed.
Tres stood at the front, his shoulders squared but not rigid, his expression was composed as always, revealing nothing beyond attention. Rowan and Kai remained just behind him, still as stone, while Silver shifted his weight slightly, hands in his pockets, while his gaze was already drifting toward the documents with mild curiosity.
The Chief of Staff General Villamor nodded once, as if confirming something to himself. “Your operation in Cambodia,” he began, “was executed with precision. Coordination with the host nation was maintained, the target was secured, and the victims were recovered alive.” His eyes moved briefly across each of them. “On paper, it was an excellent result. This is the kind of professionalism that reflects well on the Light Reaction Regiment, the special forces, and the AFP as a whole. What's more important is that no one's hurt. Welcome back.”
Tres inclined his head slightly. “Yes, sir. Thank you.”
Ang bawat isa sa kanila ay nakaramdam ng bahagyang pagbuhos ng relief sa kanilang dibdib dahil sa simpleng pagkilala at respeto mula sa pinakamataas na opisyal ng kanilang army.
Aksidente lang kasi ang pagkakabuo ng kanilang team. Nagpadala lamang ng apat na miyembro sa isang operation na lulusob sa isang ambush sa lungga ng mga terorista. Since halos ang ibang miyembro ng LRR ay may kanya-kanyang mission din, at kaunti lang din ang pumapasa ng LRR training. Ipinag-pull-out sina Tres, Rowan, at Silver upang sugurin ang bahay ng terorista. Dahil nga sniper si Rowan, hindi rin naman puwede na dalawa lang ang mag-aassault sa loob. Kaya ipinatawag ni Rowan ang estudyante niyang si Kai na dumagdag sa grupo upang mayroon siyang kasalitan sa sniping.
Hanggang sa nasundan at nasundan pa ng ilang special missions nila. Naging usap-usapan na rin na binansagan nga raw silang SINAG ng mga kalaban.
They were called SINAG because the enemy only sees them at the moment everything ends. They operate in darkness, intelligence, and silence. Their presence is unnoticed until the mission is already done.
Then later on, ginawan na rin nila ng meaning; Strategic, Interdiction, and Neutralization Action Group.
They were still part of Light Reaction Regiment, at tinatawag lang sila kapag may emergency mission or kailangan talaga 'yong skills nilang apat.
For a brief moment, something like approval settled in the room.
“But,” the General said, the word landing with quiet finality, “there is a concern.”
Tres did not move, but his focus sharpened.
The General's gaze settled on him. “The Secretary of National Defense,” he said, referencing the Department of National Defense without needing to name the man himself, “has reviewed the after-action report. Not just the official one.”
Silver’s brow lifted slightly at that, interest piqued.
“There were deviations,” the General continued, “moments where command structure became… fluid. Decisions made outside the agreed chain. Effective,” he added, almost as an afterthought, “but not sanctioned.”
Silence settled, heavier.
“They’re questioning control,” he went on. “Not your capability. Your control.”
Rowan’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, while Kai’s gaze remained forward.
Tres spoke with his calm voice. “We adjusted to prevent loss of life.”
“I am aware,” the General replied immediately, not dismissive but firm. “And I agree with your decisions.” He paused, letting that settle before continuing. “That is not the issue.”
He moved slowly around the table, stopping just a few steps in front of them. “The issue is that you made those decisions without oversight beyond your own judgment.”
Silver let out a quiet breath, almost a soft scoff, though he kept it under control. “Sir, with respect,” he said with a tone of light but edged, “kung naghintay pa kami, baka iba na ‘yong report.”
The Chief of Staff’s gaze flicked to him, enough to remind him where he stood. “And that is precisely why this is being discussed,” he said. “Because you were right.”
That hung in the air longer than expected.
“Right decisions made outside structure,” he continued, “create a different kind of problem.” He then exhaled slowly, the tension in his posture easing a bit. “The Secretary wants assurance. That units like yours remain… anchored. That judgment is not the only measure guiding action.”
“So, anong gusto nilang mangyari? Tres asked, confused.
The General shrugged. “Let's just wait.” He went back to his chair and sat. “Anyway, you will be deploy to Region XI sa susunod na araw or by next week. You will be notify na lang din siguro. Tatawagan ko pa sila roon,” sabi ng General.
"May engkwentro po bang nagaganap ngayon doon, sir?" tanong ni Tres.
Sumandal ang General sa upuan niya at ipinagdikit ang mga kamay. "Hopefully naman wala, ‘no? But you'll be going there to conduct class trainings ng SAF, at ng Infantry. Lalo ka na Lieutenant Rowan kasi kailangan ng sniping lesson. Captain Tres naman for the tactical.”
"Permission to speak, Sir!" pasigaw na sabi ni Silver.
"Go ahead."
"Lahat ba kami? Or silang dalawa lang po?" pagkukumpirma ni Silver, nagdadasal na sana hindi siya kasali. Hindi naman na din siguro kailangan ng EOD trainings doon.
Si Kai naman ay malaki ang kumpiynsa na maiiwan dahil ang mga seniors pa lang niya ay sapat na. Kaya naman pinipigilan niya ang matawa ng magtanong si Silver.
"Hmm..." pag-iisip sandali ng General. "Siguro si Tres at Rowan lang ata ang ni-request ng Region XI. Pero I will confirm."
Hilaw namang napangiti si Silver at umaasang hindi na sana.
Pagkatapos ng ilang minutong pagpupulong, lumabas ang apat mula sa opisina, naglakad sa maluwang na hallway ng base, habang ramdam ang sinag ng araw at ang malamig na simoy ng hangin sa mukha nila.
"Sana talaga hindi mag-request ng EOD," mahinang sabi ni Silver pero naririnig naman iyon ng tatlo.
"Ang unfair naman kapag ganon. Mas marami kaya bomb threat sa Mindanao," wika ni Rowan habang inaayos ang uniporme.
"Hays. Sarap ng buhay," pagsingit ni Kai na may pang-aasar sa mga seniors niya.
Masama naman siyang tiningnan ng mga ito kaya napangiti siya ng malapad.
"Kailan pa kaya ako makakatambay ng matagal sa Fort Mag.? Parang dadating lang ako rito para tumae tapos deploy na naman sa ibang lugar,” pagmamaktol ni Tres.
"Ramdam kita.” Pag-akbay ni Rowan kay Tres. “Magkasabay naman tayo. Ayaw mo ba akong makasama, Darling?”
"Darling..." saglit na tiningnan ni Tres si Rowan at umakbay rin, saka tumawa.
"Ang bantot talaga ng tawagan ninyo!" Nangingilabot na sabi ni Kai at inunahan sa paglakad sina Tres at Rowan.
***
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