PGBI 2020: ITS BRIEF HISTORY

Like any organization, the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Incorporated (PGBI) has its own story to tell.  The PGBI as an organization did not just appear out of the blue.  It has undergone its own process and in the passing of time, it became what it is now, the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Incorporated (PGBI) with members coming from various sectors of society, including the once exclusive circles of men in uniform.

However, barely nine (9) months after, another group called themselves the GUARDIANS BROTHERHOOD, INC. (GBI) applied for an SEC registration, and on December 10, 1984, the group was duly registered with the SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. It is worthy to note that in those two (2) SEC registered organizations, the fifteen (15) incorporators in each group are totally different.

On April 18, 1986, another group, a product of the unification process of the different GUARDIANS factions, registered with the SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMMISSION under the name GUARDIANS CENTRE FOUNDATION, INC. Of the fifteen (15) incorporators listed on the registration document of the GUARDIANS BROTHERHOOD, INC. Five (5) became a part of the fifteen (15) incorporators of the GUARDIANS CENTER FOUNDATION, INC. (GCFI). The organization as a result of unification efforts significantly increased its members, especially when lots of civilians called the MAGIC GROUP played an active and exemplary role in the growth of the organization.

During the provisional months of the unification efforts, some responded readily considering the good senator then as the unifying factor while others may have absorbed it negatively. Gruelling tasks indeed, but the unification core group was not derailed with all those discouragements and thus continued with their quest for uniting the brotherhood into one cohesive national organization.

Thus, the day of reckoning did happen on March 18 and 19, 2000 when GUARDIANS elders and key leaders coming from the different major factions of the GUARDIANS movement and splinter groups convened for a unification meeting in Manila. Expected as it was, the scenario and environment were very unlikely from the day the representatives / delegates from thirteen (13) regions with different orientations arrived all claiming to be the original GUARDIANS organization. Because for nearly twenty-five (25) years, the GUARDIANS movement had no clear vision of its directions nor any proposed formal structure.

Although it was indeed a lengthy and heartbreaking discussion and battle of the GUARDIANS titans, from the result of the unification meeting lies a great story – the birth of the “Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Incorporated (PGBI)” to unify all GUARDIANS factions and splinter groups under one umbrella organization.

On June 26, 2000, the SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION registered and issued SEC Reg. No. A200008885 to the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI).

The following are the delegates coming from different regions and representatives from some major factions of the GUARDIANS that drafted the PGBI Constitution and By-laws and the incorporators of the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Incorporated (PGBI). 

Incorporators:

Witnesses:

As early as July 2000, the organization has spread like a vine outside the Philippines, as far as the Middle East where the first leaf of PGBI was traced in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and fast spreading with no boundaries. The existence of overseas chapters where brothers and sisters composed of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) cannot be denied, playing very important roles in growth and giving more strength in the PGBI.

However, in the Tacloban City convention on September 21, 2013, Sen. Gregorio B. Honasan II was expelled from the organization through the Resolution of the National Executive Council (NEC), the governing body of the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. In that convention, the NEC elected Atty. REX ALVIN “ARAB” BILAGOT as the new National President and Chairman of the PGBI, and as such, Atty. Rex Alvin “FRMG ARAB” Bilagot became the new GRAND SUPREMO of the PGBI. 

Atty. Rex Alvin “FRMG ARAB” Bilagot led the organization for about five (5) years. At the 15^th National Convention in Baler, Aurora on June 2, 2018, the NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) elected Engr. MELLIARDINE “FRMG MEL” GAMET as the new National President and Chairman of the PGBI, who then assumed the position of GRAND SUPREMO.

On the 16^th National Convention in ISULAN Provincial Capital, Sultan Kudarat, a NEC Resolution was made expelling Atty. Rex Alvin Bilagot and some of his trusted men for gross and palpable violations of the PGBI Constitution and By-Laws, and for sowing intrigues and divisions within the PGBI organization. Much time, chances and his men were given to Atty. Rex Alvin Bilagot and opportunities to rectify their errors, they remained stiff-necked and openly defied orders and resolutions given to them.

Truly, the PGBI organization had its ups and downs, and at times cleansing was done within the organization, yet until today, the PGBI stands proud and steadfast in its goal of being a partner in our country’s aim of nation-building. The PGBI remains strong in its mission to help and care for each other as brothers and sisters in the organization and to be of help in the community. Molding each member into becoming a better person and remaining an asset to our community.

Under the visionary and able leadership of Engr. Melliardine “GRAND SUPREMO MEL” G. Gamet, the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing times, marking a significant milestone in its 20th year of existence. One of the notable developments in the organization’s history is the redesign of its logo, which was changed to better represent the PGBI’s evolving identity and values. After a collective effort by the national executive council members, the new logo was presented to the general membership on September 21, 2023, for its approval or affirmation in the general assembly. Following a thorough review and reflection of the constitution and by-laws, the new logo was finally registered with the Intellectual Property Office in the Philippines on November 23, 2023, with Certificate of Registration no. 04/20/23/00514542.

As the PGBI celebrates its 24th year, it is also proud to acknowledge the continued support of its three living legends, who have inspired everyone with their unwavering dedication to the organization. The trio, comprising Atty Pedro Leslie “FRMG PLS” B. Salva, P/Col Steve “FSGF SKIPPER” Martir, and Judge Arthur “FRMG COMET” Abudiente, have remained steadfast in their commitment to the GSM administration, providing invaluable guidance and inspiration to its members.

Under Grand Supremo Mel’s able leadership, the PGBI has continued to thrive and grow, driven by its commitment to uphold its core values and mission. The organization’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and evolve with the times has enabled it to stay relevant and effective in its pursuits. As the PGBI looks to the future, it is clear that the organization will continue to play a vital role in promoting unity, camaraderie, and social responsibility among its members. Its commitment to serving God, Country, and Family will remain unwavering, as it seeks to make a positive impact on the lives of its members and the wider community.

As the PGBI looks to the future, it is clear that the organization will continue to play a vital role in promoting unity, camaraderie, and social responsibility among its members. Its commitment to serving God, Country, and Family will remain unwavering, as it seeks to make a positive impact on the lives of its members and the wider community. Long live PGBI! Long live the GUARDIANS! The organization’s future is bright, and with Grand Supremo Mel’s leadership, it is poised to achieve even greater heights of success and distinction.