Meaning of “GUARDIANS”

The term “GUARDIANS” was not chosen arbitrarily. It is an acronym of certain words which best represents the noble ideals of a GUARDIANS. The term is the closest word approximating the ever-watchful citizen of the COUNTRY, the FILIPINO PEOPLE, the FAMILY, and the BROTHERHOOD itself, thus.
   

G	Gentlemen	God -fearing
U	United	United
A	Associates	Active
R	Race	Relentless
D	Dauntless	Dedicated
I	Ingenious	Inspired
A	Advocators	Advocates (of)
N	Nation	Nationalism, and
S	Society	Social Justice

meaning, [ God-fearing, united, active, relentless, dedicated and inspired advocates of Nationalism and Social Justice] which when translated in Pilipino will mean, [Makadiyos, nagkakaisa, masigasig, walang humpay, buong pusong nakalaan, tagapagtaguyod ng nasyunalismo at katarungang panlipunan]

The GUARDIANS Unification Process

As early as 1996, there were already exploratory talks among the various GUARDIANS factions nationwide to unify under one organization, one name and leadership. The move to unify was an offshoot of the following developments:

1. Rampant recruitment into the GUARDIANS’ various factions, short of undergoing the traditional strict screening process. Many of the recruits, particularly among civilian members, were found not qualified and not deserving of being a MAGISTRATE, the acronym of the first letter of the word MAGIC Group. Some were found engaged in criminal and nefarious activities and other illegal schemes and thus are considered undesirables.
2. Exorbitant collection of dues and other unreasonable monetary solicitations from members. In most cases, the supposed chapter funds became the common cause of conflict and misunderstanding among members. Aside from this, there were occasions when even lawful orders of chapter officials were not followed.
3. With the aforementioned problems, unification among various factions became imperative, and the new goal was to place all groups under one (1) umbrella organization, one (1) common constitution and by-laws, and one (1) leadership.
4. Unification also aims to consolidate and reorient the members about the objectives and directions of the organization and later to institute a cleansing process specifically aimed at those who violate legal orders and the organization’s Code of Conduct.

In December 1998, an initial unification meeting was held in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental through the initiative of ex-Capt. Ramon “SGF ESPHINX” Espino, who untiringly organized the Mindanao Convention together with his group. It was attended by prominent leaders and personalities among whom were: Former Senator Gregorio B. Honasan II, P/Insp. Leborio Jangao, Gil Taojo, Col. Anastacio Labitad, Col. Gregorio Duremdez, Col. Billy Bibit and Rev. Fr. Nilo Tayag.

The meeting was followed by another convention held in Buhangin, Davao City, in October 1999, where a new constitution and by-laws were drafted, although it failed to gather a clear majority of regional representations. The majority of those who attended were from Mindanao chapters, except Zamboanga or Region IX. Only one from Luzon and a few from the Visayas were present.

Idealism of GUARDIANS

The GUARDIANS was the result of the ideals towards a better AFP, PNP, Nation and Society. Thus, as explicitly stated in the Constitution and By-Laws; the GUARDIANS are…

The GENTLEMEN and UNITED ASSOCIATES of the Filipino RACE and DAUNTLESS, INGENUOUS ADVOCATOR of the NATION and SOCIETY or when translated in Pilipino Language will absolutely mean: Mga Maginoo, Nagkakaisang Katuwang ng Lahing Pilipino, Magigiting Na Tagapagtanggol ng Bansa at Lipunan.

Immediate Goals and Objectives:

1. To have vigorous stance in any manner affecting the legitimate offensive and defensive action that serves the best interest of the Organization.
2. To foster mutual understanding, unity, oneness, solidarity, support, cooperation, camaraderie and harmonious relationships between and among members.
3. To strengthen the social, cultural, intellectual, spiritual, and political awareness of all members.
4. To render moral, spiritual, financial, and material assistance to any member who maybe in distress.
5. To adhere religiously to the principle of COLLECTIVISM under the theme “ISANG BANSA, ISANG DIWA” to wit: collective leadership, decision, action, and responsibility.
6. To represent their members and defend their interests before the proper agencies or bodies to take other joint lawful concerted actions for the redress of grievances.
7. To take cognizance that the spirit of idealism and unity shall always bind us and see us through many adversities in the service of Our Country (Para sa Bansa), People (Para sa Kapwa Pilipino), Family (Para sa Pamilya) and fellow GUARDIANS (Para sa Bro/Sis)
8. To commit itself to the establishment of a better society and a government that shall assert its sovereignty, promote unity and economic prosperity, and ensure peace, justice, and freedom for our people.

Immediate Goals and Objectives:

1. To adopt a strong and proactive stance regarding any matters that impact the legitimate offensive and defensive actions benefiting the Organization.

• To promote mutual understanding, unity, solidarity, support, cooperation, camaraderie, and harmonious relationships among all members.

• To enhance the social, cultural, intellectual, spiritual, and political awareness of every member.

• To provide moral, spiritual, financial, and material assistance to any member in distress.

• To faithfully embrace the principle of COLLECTIVISM under the theme “ISANG BANSA, ISANG DIWA,” emphasizing collective leadership, decision-making, actions, and shared responsibility.

• To represent members and advocate for their interests before relevant agencies or bodies, engaging in lawful concerted actions to address grievances.

• To acknowledge that the spirit of idealism and unity will always bind us, guiding us through adversities in service to our Country (Para sa Bansa), our People (Para sa Kapwa Pilipino), our Families (Para sa Pamilya), and our fellow GUARDIANS (Para sa Bro/Sis).

• To commit to the establishment of a better society and a government that asserts sovereignty promotes unity and economic prosperity, and ensures peace, justice, and freedom for our people.

Traits of GUARDIANS

GUARDIANS are CUTE.

This means that in the Organization, there should be Cooperation, Unity, Teamwork and Efficiency.

This signifies that within the Organization, it is essential to foster an environment characterized by cooperation, unity, teamwork, and efficiency.

1. Cooperation – involves actively working together towards common goals, sharing resources, knowledge, and support to achieve collective success.
2. Unity – emphasizes the importance of having a shared vision and purpose, creating a sense of belonging and solidarity among all members, which strengthens the organization as a whole.
3. Teamwork – highlights the collaborative efforts of individuals who bring diverse skills and perspectives, working harmoniously to solve problems, complete tasks, and innovate.
4. Efficiency – refers to optimizing resources, time, and efforts to maximize productivity and effectiveness, ensuring that goals are reached without unnecessary delays or waste.

Together, these principles create a cohesive environment where everyone is motivated to contribute, leading to better outcomes for the organization and its members.

A GUARDIANS is CHARMING

• C – Competent
• H – Honest
• A – Active
• R – Responsible
• M – Matured
• I – Innovative
• N – Noble
• G – God Fearing

Three (3) G’s of GUARDIANS

• God
• Guts
• Grassroots

Duties & Responsibilities of GUARDIANS

While all members are entitled to privileges, it is incumbent upon them to abide by certain duties, the fulfillment of which would enhance the image of the organization. Thus, the following are the duties and responsibilities of a responsible and true-blooded GUARDIANS member of PGBI.

General:

1. Exercise the right to vote and stand for election in any referendum or election regarding the Organization’s affairs.  

2. Ensure timely payment of dues and any additional assessments authorized by the By-Laws or policies of the Organization.  

3. Adhere to and comply with the rules and regulations established by the Organization.  

4. Actively and wholeheartedly participate in all activities, initiatives, and meetings of the Organization.  

Specific:

A GUARDIANS is foremost a Gentleman. 

He/she is expected to be gentle, polite, sincere, and refined in his/her manners, talks, acts and interactions with other persons, be they fellow GUARDIANS or not. He/she is expected to be tolerant of others, to admit his/her shortcomings, and be willing to receive criticism, and to be willing to reform himself/herself. A GUARDIANS exercises patience and tolerates the opinion of everyone. He/she is respectful to his/her superiors and humble in his/her ways. Arrogance, pride, boastfulness, and aloofness are not his/her traits. Profane language is to be avoided.

A GUARDIANS must be committed to the country and people.

He/she must be ever ready to protect the sovereign independence of the nation from any kind of treat, whether internal or external, and from whatever source. He/she must be ready to fight any force that attempts to enslave the Filipinos, or that seeks to destroy the cherished hopes, aspirations and dreams of the Filipino people. GUARDIANS must oppose all acts that are anti-Filipino and must therefore support the leaders who strive to keep the country united and truly free. It is incumbent upon GUARDIANS to cooperate with measures that seek to improve the country whether politically, spiritually, socially, or economically.

A GUARDIANS is the servant of the people. (PRO PEOPLE)

A GUARDIANS must always be prepared to defend the sovereign independence of the nation against any threat, whether internal or external, from any source. They stand ready to combat any force that seeks to enslave the Filipino people or undermine their cherished hopes, aspirations, and dreams. GUARDIANS are called to oppose all actions that are detrimental to the Philippines and to support leaders dedicated to fostering unity and genuine freedom within the country. It is the duty of GUARDIANS to collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving the nation across all dimensions—politically, spiritually, socially, and economically.

A GUARDIANS is a Guardian of his/her fellow GUARDIANS. 

It is incumbent upon every member to help his/her fellow GUARDIANS. It is his/her responsibility to see to it that his/her fellow GUARDIANS act by the noble ideals of the Organization and to caution his/her fellow GUARDIANS of any actions contrary thereto. Whenever he/she can, GUARDIANS must unselfishly help and assist his/her fellow GUARDIANS in whatever capacity.

A GUARDIANS must preserve, maintain, and care for his/her Family.

It is a disservice to the Organization when GUARDIANS neglect their responsibilities to their spouses and children. It is essential to steer clear of scandals and any immoral behavior. A GUARDIANS is obligated to uphold the PGBI Constitution and By-Laws, as well as its Code of Conduct, rules, regulations, practices, customs, traditions, and usages. Ultimately, GUARDIANS should consistently strive for personal growth, whether in their professional endeavors or daily habits, to embody the essence of an ideal citizen.

Generic Name: “GUARDIANS”

The GUARDIANS is a non-profit organization established to aid and benefit our brothers in uniform, not only in times of peril or conflict but most importantly, in times of peace.

It has the noble task of UNIFYING the personnel in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the police, and civilian entities to safeguard the laws of the Republic.

Thus, it holds NO loyalty to any political party or persons except that of upholding any democratic government or authority duly sanctioned by the people.

The GUARDIANS therefore is NOT a military organization, but it serves as an umbrella entity, which in the spirit of BROTHERHOOD is meant to protect the rights of the men in uniform as well as the rights of our civilian brothers and sisters.

Each GUARDIANS member, then military, police service or civilian, is pledged first to be a brother among our people and as guardians to the laws and rights of the citizenry.

Above all, the GUARDIANS’ is established to keep the torch of freedom and peace ever alive in each home of our beloved land.