It's too much!

“Great power comes with great responsibility!” Every leader possessed great power over others but has big responsibilities that he/she must comply. But even if he has these powers over others, it also has certain limitations. One certain limitation I know is not to abuse what he has which others do not have. But this limitation was not followed with one of the Civil Welfare Training Services (CWTS) officer.

Last March 9, 2007, two members of platoon Babaytan fainted. Want to know why that happened?!?! Let’s trace the history…

When the bell rang for the CWTS time, we gathered in Tan room for a short meeting. Razel, the CWTS President, said that with the two hours we have, we will just be practicing for the tribute we will be giving to the retirees and to those who will resign to office. All the other officers were assigned to different platoons namely Babaytan, Odyssey, Polaris, Voo doo Fink, and C2 girls. Platoons Babaytan, Odyssey and some C2 girls were merged to form section Tan. So as with Polaris, Voo doo Fink and the other half of C2 girls for section Gonzalez.

After the meeting, we had an inspection of uniforms which lasted for at least ten minutes. After which, we had some drills in marching. And if one got mistake, the rest will also suffer the consequences. It goes with the saying, “all for one, one for all!” We were asked to march gracefully with no sounds. It was very challenging for us. Because of much marching, my co-platoon, April Mae Gamboa asked this certain “officer” if she could rest for a while because she was very tired already and she felt like fainting if she will continue the drills. All were shocked with what this “officer” replied. He said “sige, i.move out tika sa platoon, rest for 3 minutes lang.” Then he faced us and said, “hala sige, damayi ninyo si April kay nalipong. Kamo pud paglipung-lipong pud mo para makapahuway”. If I were in the place of April, I will be very insult with what this “officer” uttered. It was like he did not believe that April was not feeling well already. We were really worried for April’s condition because she really looks pale. We were relieved when Sir Eldee and Sir Nico brought her to the clinic. Because of what happened, we had no time for snacks and we just kept on backbiting about this “officer”.

When recess time was over, we were again asked to line-up. Luckily, I was moved out in the platoon together with Jerah and Carla because Mme. Maglasang requested us to help her for the preparation for the High School Achievement Test. I was happy at that time because finally I can rest from those exhausting drills.

Jerah, Carla and I waited for our batch mates in the AS building. They were tasked to bring arm chairs there for the examinees. After a few minutes, I can finally see those white shirts and the black ones coming.

When they arrived at the AS building, we immediately arranged the chairs and numbered them accordingly. I think it was somehow the rest time for all. After all work was done, we then went back to the field to continue the things we need to do.

As we were walking to the field, the “officer” suddenly commanded us to line up as soon as possible. He then started counting “1,2,3...”. When the number reached to 35, we were not yet complete at that time. 46 was the last number he said. Because of we were very dilly-dally in forming the simple lines, we were asked by this “officer” if what was the difference between 46 and 15. So we answered him, “sir, 31 sir!”. Then he said to us, “okay, give me 31 bombers!”. Of course we have to obey him because he is an officer. So we did the punishment he asked from us. I don’t know why he was very angry with us. I think being late in forming the line is not the basis for the heavy punishment he made. He was not yet contented with the 31 bombers so he added 5 more. So we had 36 bombers all in all. I think he was just too much!

Because of what he did, two of my classmates cried for pain- Jezza and Jessa! After we were dismissed, we immediately went to our room. There, we cried and shouted because of tiresome. All agreed that the “officer” was too abusive. I think everybody was angry at him by that time. After all the chaos that happened, Jezza suddenly fainted in front of me. I was very nervous because I was the one beside her at that time. This “officer” then entered our room. When he went in, all stared at him. Jezza suddenly got her consciousness and scolded this “officer”. Jezza said that he was inconsiderate to us. I shed a tear upon hearing the words spoken by my friend. Yes! Jezza was right! After Jezza have spoken, some of my friends also talked to him and let him realized what he did was wrong. Razel even scolded this “officer”. Tan room was filled with tears and anger was present with everybody. Because of weakness, Jezza was sent to the clinic. My other classmate, Jessa was also sent to clinic for medication too. She also fainted because of tiresome.

This “officer” didn’t bother to ask an apology. I don’t know why he didn’t do it. Because of what he did, we were angrier at him.

After an hour, I checked on my friends at the clinic. I was relieved when I saw them fine already. Smiles were on their faces now.