PMA Class 1980 Adopts Aquino Sisters As ‘Mistahs’

The Aquino Sisters, BALSY, PINKY, VIEL and KRIS

The Mapitagan Class of 1980 of the elite Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has adopted the four Aquino sisters – Ballsy, Pinky, Viel, and Kris — as honorary members or mistahs to honor the late President Corazon Aquino.

"It was a decision of the whole class," Mapitagan Class president and PNP Chief Superintendent Victorio Caragan said.

Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, the eldest among the four, was inducted ahead of the siblings on February 15 at the office of the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund in Quezon City.

Pinky Aquino-Abellada was inducted on February 19 at the Baguio Country Club while Viel Aquino-Dee and Kris Aquino-Yap will officially become mistahs of the Mapitagan Class after this month’s celebration of the 24th anniversary of the People Power revolution.

In her acceptance speech, Pinky Aquino acknowledged and thanked the members of the Mapitagan Class who played key roles in the wake and funeral of the democracy icon last August.

"That was one of the saddest days of our lives but seeing all of you at the funeral services… made our goodbye to mom really, really, special," she told her mistahs, their wives and children, and other family members.

Members of Class 1980 who were detailed for the duration of the wake of former President Aquino were Police Chief Superintendents Leo Kison, Roque Ramirez, Ager Ontog, Jufel Adriatico and Police Senior Superintendent Silvestre Primero.　

Mapitagan Class president and Police Chief Superintendent Vic Caragan, Police Chief Superintendents Benjardi Mantele, Danny Siongco, Nick Bartolome, and Herold Ubalde served as pall bearers.

"We really really thank you for considering to adopt us. Ballsy told me she had a very memorable evening with you last Monday. We will not forget this honor you have given us,"she said.

Pinky Aquino recalled that she became very scared of the military when her father, the late Sen.Benigno Aquino, was jailed by President Marcos.

But her attitude changed when loyal officers and soldiers defended with their lives President Cory and her family in several coup attempts during her presidency.

"We really owe so much to the military. You really saved us from all of those coup attempts. We are alive today because of our dear friends in the military. We have a very special place in our hearts for the members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG)," she said.

Caragan said Mapitagan has a total number of 111 members composed of 107 graduates from PMA and 4 graduates of foreign service academies. Of the 111, 11 died during service (ambush, encounter, missions in Mindanao). Of the current 60 active members, 16 are in the PNP, 8 in the Army, 4 in the Navy, 4 in the Air Force, and 1 in the Marines. /MP