Farewell To A Real Officer and Gentleman

Roy was a friend, an Idol and a Co-RCMer. I had been privileged to be one among his hundred thousands Facebook followers. Everybody knew he was one person who had achieved countless achievements: postmaster general at very young age, National Security Adviser and congressman, among others. But despite his high stature the humble and unassuming Roy, would willingly approach nearby tables at RCM meetings to greet and shake hands with everyone, me included.

When he was in Baler while recording his video on Benham Rise for Facebook, for whatever reason which really surprised me, he greeted me by saying “Oh by the way, I would like to greet my friend Celso Abastillas, my friend from Rotary Club of Manila’. We were always sitting in the same table at RCM meetings. The last time we were sitting together in a table (with my Ann Ging and son Jay) was at the inauguration of President Susing in Manila Hotel. In that occasion I had the honor of raising my wine glass with him together with other RCMers for a toss in support of his advocacy to preserve the Philippine Territory from China’s aggression. And Roy being Roy, conscious of history, initiated group picture taking of all RCMers in our table, namely, Rtns Hermie Esguerra, Jun Alvarez, Caloy Reyes, Bebot Pineda, Sam Eldebs and his guest Trixy Vidal (And Roy if you’re watching from heaven’s above, to be honest I brought my wife and my still unmarried son to Pres. Susing’s inauguration so you and him could meet. I was actually planning to get you as one of the sponsors in his future wedding. Though this will not happen anymore rest assured you will always remain my friend and Compadre).

By the way there was one accident where his car was bumped by another friend’s car. Roy alighted from his car relaxed as if nothing happened, examined the damage to his car and after seeing the damage to his car was smaller compared to the other’s, he just waved my other friend with a smile and said ‘Ok no problem, Go but be more careful’. That is how kind Roy was.

When there were controversial issues being discussed on RCM viber, our humble friend Roy would just remain quiet and not participate in the discussion. I would surmise he just did not want to hurt others’ feelings. Even in criticizing President Duterte on Facebook, he would be very kind and gentle, a mark of a true Officer and Gentleman. Instead of attacking in an insulting manner he would just say mildly ‘I suggest Sir, (say,) you file a diplomatic protest against China for militarising West Philippine Sea’.

To Roy, who i’m sure is now with his Creator, your passing away is a great loss to RCM and to our country. I salute you and will never forget you! Farewell my friend, my Idol, my Compadre forever!