GARY C. ALEJANO
Gary C. Alejano is a former Captain of the Philippine Marine Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines. He is one of the leaders of the Magdalo Group that exposed anomalies and corruption of the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Administration in 2003 and 2007. Their protests have shaken the government that prompted reforms in the AFP and the government as a whole.
Gary was born in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on 22 January 1973. He is the third child of Alfredo Altura Alejano (deceased) and Angelica Ligo Cajolo. He is now married to Minerva Cojuangco of Bamban, Tarlac. Gary and Minnie are blessed with three (3) daughters; twins Martine Gwyneth & Micah Gabrielle and youngest Maxine Gail.
After high school, he took Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of Cebu. On his third year, he took and passed the PMA entrance examination. He entered PMA in 1991 and graduated in 1995 at the top quarter of his class with a degree of B.S. in Naval Systems Engineering.
Because of his great admiration on the discipline of a Marine soldier, he joined the Philippine Marine Corps after graduating from PMA. After a short stint at the 5th Marine Battalion Landing Team, he joined the elite Force Reconnaissance Battalion.
He was assigned and saw action in different parts of the country – from the provinces of Batangas, Cavite & Quezon in Luzon, to the provinces of Cotabato, Maguindanao, Lanao, Basilan and Sulu in Mindanao. He was involved in various combat and rescue operations especially against the dreaded Abu Sayyaf and lawless elements in Western Mindanao.
He was also in the forefront during the Camp Abubakar Campaign in 2000 where he was “wounded in action” when his Recon Company infiltrated and captured MILF defences west of Narciso Ramos Highway in Matanog, Maguindanao.
During his service in the Marine Corps, he was awarded with various medals like the Gold Cross, Bronze Cross, Military Merit & Commendation Medals, and other campaign medals. He was even recommended to be awarded with Medal For Valor for bravery in action.
In areas where Gary was assigned, he saw the true state of our country, the bitter truth that there are Filipinos who are victims of war and injustice. He saw his fellow Filipinos suffer from hunger and destitution living in areas where basic government services cannot be felt which showed the total neglect on the part of the government.
With this realization, Gary decided to find solutions to the problems and issues our country is facing today. His sincere desire for change has led him to be involved in the Oakwood and the Manila Peninsula incidents.
Six years in incarceration have not dampened his spirit. The fire in his heart to serve our country continues to burn even brighter. He will continue to stand for the truth and for genuine change in our country.
Gary intends to run for the mayoralty seat of his hometown Sipalay City, Negros Occidental. He believes that it will be his humble way to serve the country and his people. Considered a true son of Sipalay he is confident that his “kababayans” are ready for change in their City. After 40 years of incumbency of the present administration in Sipalay City, Gary has seen personally how his fellow “Sipalayanon” is being manipulated and is being short-changed in terms of governance.
And if the feedback from his supporters are to be believed, they say the present mayor is so much concerned in this coming campaign once Gary is freed and will be his opponent for the post. For he knows the caliber in which his opponent is made off, unafraid to fight the difficult fight and uncompromising in his ideals of a corrupt free government. Gary was not afraid in his battles during his military career and he has the scars to prove it, now the moral battle in politics will test and prove his resolve to do what is right for Sipalay.
In preparation for this tasks Gary is presently taking up a Masters Degree in Public Management. The citizens of Sipalay City has expressed their desire to help Gary win in the coming election. Armed with his idealism and experience in realm of public service Gary intends to heed their call and in a way help them achieve their dream of a peaceful and progressive Sipalay City.
Undaunted by the struggle ahead, Gary Alejano is willing as always to risk life and limb for the service of the motherland, whether it be in the jungles of Mindanao or in his hometown of Sipalay City.