RAM boys to reunite on Edsa people power 30th anniversary

FORT DEL PILAR, Philippines—The prominent men behind the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), the group of military officers that played a crucial role which triggered the first Edsa people power revolt, will reunite for the 30th anniversary of the historic uprising.

“We’re going to commemorate it on the 23rd with the old reform movement stalwarts,” vice presidential candidate and Sen. Gringo Honasan said on Saturday.

Honasan, one of the founders of RAM, was then the chief security aide of Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile, who backed the plans of toppling the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos.

Some of the prominent RAM personalities in the gathering will include former Commodore Rex Robles, Capt. Boy Turingan, Gen. Vic Batac and Col. Red Kapunan.

The RAM was originally against Marcos but also conducted coup attempts during the administration of President Corazon Aquino. All the succeeding coups had failed.

Honasan, a member of PMA Class of 1971, said they would “deliver a message collectively and individually that 30 years ago when the Filipino people get together with their soldiers under moral leadership real change is possible.”

The senator couldn’t immediately say if his former boss Enrile is attending the event.

“I’m not sure. There’s an organizing committee that’s inviting,” he said.

Feb. 25 was earlier declared a holiday by the Philippine government in observance of the commemoration of the Edsa people power revolution. RC