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PMA recognizes Baguio man after cinema incident

Jaravata PMA viber_image_2026-09-19_19-44-18-334
PMA RECOGNITION. Philippine Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael G. Logico welcomes and thanks Russel Garcia Javarata at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City on Sept. 18, 2026, following an incident at a local cinema involving a PMA recruitment advertisement. PMA said Javarata was recognized for speaking up in support of the men and women in uniform. (Courtesy: Philippine Military Academy)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has recognized a Baguio City resident for speaking up after an incident involving a PMA recruitment advertisement at a local cinema, saying his actions reflected support for members of the military.

Russel Garcia Javarata was invited to the academy’s Fort Del Pilar headquarters on Sept. 18, where PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael G. Logico personally thanked him and conveyed the academy’s appreciation, according to a PMA statement.

The incident took place on Aug. 24 while a PMA recruitment advertisement was being shown before a movie.

According to the academy, another moviegoer made what was described as a disrespectful gesture while the advertisement was playing.

PMA said Javarata confronted the individual and asked him to apologize.

The matter was subsequently brought before the proper authorities, the academy said, without providing further details.

What the academy highlighted was Javarata’s stated reason for intervening: he viewed the gesture as disrespectful not only to PMA but also to the men and women in uniform represented in the advertisement.

During the Sept. 18 meeting, Logico presented Javarata with his Superintendent’s Challenge Coin, a personal military token of recognition and appreciation.

 
TOKEN OF APPRECIATION. Philippine Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael G. Logico’s Superintendent’s Challenge Coin presented to Russel Garcia Javarata during their meeting at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City on Sept. 18, 2026. PMA said the coin was the first Logico presented since assuming as superintendent on July 22, 2026. (Courtesy: Philippine Military Academy)

The academy said the coin was the first Logico had presented since he assumed the post of superintendent on July 22, underscoring the significance PMA attached to the recognition.

PMA also linked the incident to its longstanding relationship with communities surrounding Fort Del Pilar, particularly Baguio City and Tuba, Benguet.

The academy said the support of residents for its cadets and personnel had developed into a close partnership over the years.

The recognition comes as PMA seeks to emphasize the relationship between the military institution and the civilian communities that host and support it.

PMA said Javarata’s actions demonstrated respect for military personnel and willingness to speak up when he believed that respect had been challenged.

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