Fortunato Abat
Encyclopedia
Maj. Gen. Fortunato Abat (Ret.) served as the 20th Secretary of the Department of National Defense
(DND), Ambassador to the People's Republic of China
, and the former Commanding General of the Philippine Army
.
from 1932–39, then in Araullo High School,1939-41. His secondary education was abruptly halted by the Japanese invasion during World War II
. As a young teenager, he entered the military service as an enlisted man in 1944. He continued his secondary education in La Union High School after World War II and completed this in 1947.
right after finishing his high school diploma, and graduated in the Class of '51, and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Philippine Army
. Along with 2nd Lieutenant Fidel V. Ramos
, Abat joined the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea
(PEFTOK), where he served with distinction under the United Nations
flag.
Abat's colorful military career brought him to become the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations & Training of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division. Later on he became the Senior Armed Forces Attache at the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh
, Cambodia
. He also was sent with the Philippine Delegation to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Meetings of SEATO Intelligence Assessment Committee in Bangkok
, Thailand
.
He also distinguished himself as Commanding Officer of the 3rd Infantry Brigade (Separate), and later on as the Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division, and Central Mindanao Command (CENCOM).
Maj. Gen. Abat finally served as Commanding General of the Philippine Army from March 28, 1976 to March 28, 1981. Tragedy befell upon the family of Maj. Gen. Abat, when his son, Fortunato Jr., died during an encounter with the New People's Army
in Eastern Samar
, a year after graduating from the Philippine Military Academy
.
Immediately after his retirement from active military service, he joined the Ministry of Human Settlements. A few months later, he was named Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China where he served from May 1981 until after EDSA Revolution on April 1986.
Upon his return from his Ambassadorship in PROC, Abat was first appointed as the Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), a DND agency. Later on, he was named Undersecretary of National Defense (USND) during the term of Defense Secretary Rafael Ileto
. He also served as USND during the term of then Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos
, but he left the Department and was designated Deputy Director General to Secretary Rafael Ileto who later headed the National Security Council (NSC).
During the Presidency of Fidel Ramos, Abat was the Chairman of the Peace Panel of the Philippine Government during the negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF), which lead to signing of a peace treaty on July 18, 1997, ending the three decade old armed hostilities between the Republic of the Philippines and the MILF.
During the administration also of Pres. Ramos], Abat served as the 20th Secretary of the DND from September 16, 1997 to June 30, 1998. During the height of the Impeachment trial of President Joseph Estrada
, Abat along with his colleagues in the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) called for the resignation of the President through a Manifesto.
Abat finally was appointed as the President & CEO of the John Hay Poro Point Development Corp. by Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
, without escaping controversy. Abat, who formed the National Coalition for Solidarity (NCS) and the Movement for National Salvation (MVS) called on for the resignation of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
In December 2005, Abat was arrested after he called on the formation of a revolutionary government, of which he is the new President of the Philippines
, and called on the resignation of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in view of the latter's allegations of corruption.
On August 15, 2006, Abat called for the abolishment of the Philippine Government and the Philippine Constitution, and the creation of a "Transition Government" of "Discipline and Authoritative Governance" where "All the three (3) branches of government are collectively responsible and accountable to the President that has oversight power over the discharge of their functions and responsibilities. Focus of governance. Governance is focused on the civil service and the military and police service."
Department of National Defense (Philippines)
The Department of National Defense is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for guarding against external and internal threats to peace and security in the country...
(DND), Ambassador to the People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
, and the former Commanding General of the Philippine Army
Commanding General of the Philippine Army
The Commanding General of the Philippine Army is the overall commander and senior general of the Philippine Army, the ground arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.-Lineage of Commanding Generals:...
.
Early years
Fortunato Abat was born on June 10, 1925 in San Juan, La Union. He studied in Singalong Elementary School in ManilaManila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
from 1932–39, then in Araullo High School,1939-41. His secondary education was abruptly halted by the Japanese invasion during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. As a young teenager, he entered the military service as an enlisted man in 1944. He continued his secondary education in La Union High School after World War II and completed this in 1947.
Military and Political career
Abat entered the prestigious Philippine Military AcademyPhilippine Military Academy
The Philippine Military Academy or PMA, is the Philippine military school for the Armed Forces of the Philippines . PMA was established on December 21, 1936 by the virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 1 . PMA is located in Baguio, Benguet province...
right after finishing his high school diploma, and graduated in the Class of '51, and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Philippine Army
Philippine Army
The Philippine Army is the ground arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Tagalog is Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas. On July 23, 2010, President Benigno Aquino III appointed Maj. Gen...
. Along with 2nd Lieutenant Fidel V. Ramos
Fidel V. Ramos
Fidel "Eddie" Valdez Ramos , popularly known as FVR, was the 12th President of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. During his six years in office, Ramos was widely credited and admired by many for revitalizing and renewing international confidence in the Philippine economy.Prior to his election as...
, Abat joined the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea
Philippine Expeditionary Forces To Korea
The Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea was the Philippine contingent of the United Nations forces that fought in the Korean War . The unit arrived in Korea in August 1950. It was composed of 7,500 troops, and was the fourth largest force under the United Nations Command...
(PEFTOK), where he served with distinction under the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
flag.
Abat's colorful military career brought him to become the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations & Training of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division. Later on he became the Senior Armed Forces Attache at the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Phnom Penh has been the national capital since the French colonized Cambodia, and has grown to become the nation's center of economic and industrial activities, as well as the center of security,...
, Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
. He also was sent with the Philippine Delegation to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Meetings of SEATO Intelligence Assessment Committee in Bangkok
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
.
He also distinguished himself as Commanding Officer of the 3rd Infantry Brigade (Separate), and later on as the Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division, and Central Mindanao Command (CENCOM).
Maj. Gen. Abat finally served as Commanding General of the Philippine Army from March 28, 1976 to March 28, 1981. Tragedy befell upon the family of Maj. Gen. Abat, when his son, Fortunato Jr., died during an encounter with the New People's Army
New People's Army
The New People's Army is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. It was formed on March 29, 1969. The Maoist NPA conducts its armed guerrilla struggle based on the strategical line of 'protracted people's war'.The NPA exacts so called "revolutionary taxes" from business owners...
in Eastern Samar
Eastern Samar
Eastern Samar is a province of the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. Its capital is the city of Borongan.-Location:...
, a year after graduating from the Philippine Military Academy
Philippine Military Academy
The Philippine Military Academy or PMA, is the Philippine military school for the Armed Forces of the Philippines . PMA was established on December 21, 1936 by the virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 1 . PMA is located in Baguio, Benguet province...
.
Immediately after his retirement from active military service, he joined the Ministry of Human Settlements. A few months later, he was named Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China where he served from May 1981 until after EDSA Revolution on April 1986.
Upon his return from his Ambassadorship in PROC, Abat was first appointed as the Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), a DND agency. Later on, he was named Undersecretary of National Defense (USND) during the term of Defense Secretary Rafael Ileto
Rafael Ileto
Rafael M. Ileto served as the 22nd Secretary of the Department of National Defense of the Philippines. He was also became the Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . He also served as Philippine Ambassador to Turkey, Iran, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos.-Early years:Rafael...
. He also served as USND during the term of then Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos
Fidel V. Ramos
Fidel "Eddie" Valdez Ramos , popularly known as FVR, was the 12th President of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. During his six years in office, Ramos was widely credited and admired by many for revitalizing and renewing international confidence in the Philippine economy.Prior to his election as...
, but he left the Department and was designated Deputy Director General to Secretary Rafael Ileto who later headed the National Security Council (NSC).
During the Presidency of Fidel Ramos, Abat was the Chairman of the Peace Panel of the Philippine Government during the negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
Moro Islamic Liberation Front
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is an Islamist group located in the southern Philippines. It is one of two Islamic militant groups, the other being the Abu Sayyaf, that are fighting against Government of the Philippines...
(MILF), which lead to signing of a peace treaty on July 18, 1997, ending the three decade old armed hostilities between the Republic of the Philippines and the MILF.
During the administration also of Pres. Ramos], Abat served as the 20th Secretary of the DND from September 16, 1997 to June 30, 1998. During the height of the Impeachment trial of President Joseph Estrada
Joseph Estrada
Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada was the 13th President of the Philippines, serving from 1998 until 2001. Estrada was the first person in the Post-EDSA era to be elected both to the presidency and vice-presidency.Estrada gained popularity as a film actor, playing the lead role in over 100 films in...
, Abat along with his colleagues in the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) called for the resignation of the President through a Manifesto.
Abat finally was appointed as the President & CEO of the John Hay Poro Point Development Corp. by Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Later life
Despite in retirement, Abat has continued to play a role in Philippine politicsPolitics of the Philippines
The Politics of the Philippines takes place in an organized framework of a presidential, representative, and democratic republic whereby the president is both the head of state and the head of government within a pluriform multi-party system...
, without escaping controversy. Abat, who formed the National Coalition for Solidarity (NCS) and the Movement for National Salvation (MVS) called on for the resignation of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
In December 2005, Abat was arrested after he called on the formation of a revolutionary government, of which he is the new President of the Philippines
President of the Philippines
The President of the Philippines is the head of state and head of government of the Philippines. The president leads the executive branch of the Philippine government and is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines...
, and called on the resignation of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in view of the latter's allegations of corruption.
On August 15, 2006, Abat called for the abolishment of the Philippine Government and the Philippine Constitution, and the creation of a "Transition Government" of "Discipline and Authoritative Governance" where "All the three (3) branches of government are collectively responsible and accountable to the President that has oversight power over the discharge of their functions and responsibilities. Focus of governance. Governance is focused on the civil service and the military and police service."
Awards & Citations
- Distinguished Conduct StarDistinguished Conduct StarThe Distinguished Conduct Star, is the second highest military award of the Philippines, preceded in precedence only by the Medal of Valor. The award was established in 1939, by President Manuel L. Quezon...
- Presidential Golden Heart Award
- Philippine Legion of HonorPhilippine Legion of HonorThe Philippine Legion of Honor was established by President Manuel Roxas, through Philippine Army Circular No. 60 dated July 3, 1947. The Philippine Legion of Honor was patterned after the Legion of Merit of the United States of America, and was meant to honor both civilians and members of the...
(Degree of Comdr) - Distinguished Service Star (3)
- Outstanding Achievement Medal
- Military Merit Medal
- Long Service Medal
- Korean Service Medal
- United Nations Service MedalUnited Nations Service MedalThe United Nations Service Medal for Korea is an international military decoration which was established by the United Nations on December 12, 1950...
- Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal
- Luzon Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal
- Mindanao Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal
- Combat Badge
- Medal of the Royal Order of Monisaraphon of Cambodia (Degree of Cmdr)
- Presidential Unit Citation (Korea)Presidential Unit Citation (Korea)The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation is issued by the government of South Korea to both Korean military and foreign units. The last major issuance of the decoration was during the Korean War when the decoration was bestowed to several U.S., U.K., and Commonwealth military units...
- Presidential Unit Citation (Philippines)
- Order of National Security Merit (Korea)Order of National Security Merit (Korea)The Order of National Security Merit is one of the Republic of Korea's Orders of Merit. It is conferred on individuals who have rendered distinguished service to national security, and is primarily a military award....
(Degree of Cmdr) - Legion of MeritLegion of MeritThe Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
(Degree of Cmdr) - Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand
- Kartika Eksa Paksi Medal & Sword of Indonesia (Degree of Cmdr)
See also
- Department of National Defense (Philippines)Department of National Defense (Philippines)The Department of National Defense is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for guarding against external and internal threats to peace and security in the country...
- Armed Forces of the PhilippinesArmed Forces of the PhilippinesThe Armed Forces of the Philippines is composed of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force...
- Philippine ArmyPhilippine ArmyThe Philippine Army is the ground arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Tagalog is Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas. On July 23, 2010, President Benigno Aquino III appointed Maj. Gen...
- 3rd Infantry Division (Philippines)3rd Infantry Division (Philippines)The 3rd Infantry Division, is a unit of the Philippine Army, currently based at Camp Gen Macario Peralta Jr in Jamindan, Capiz, Philippines.-3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Commonwealth Army during World War II under the Japanese Occupation:...