LTSG JAMES LAYUG

LTSG James Arandila Layug was born July 12, 1970, in Cavite Naval Hospital. His father, CPO Wilfredo Layug, was an enlisted man who served the Philippine armed service for more than 30 years. In 1974 their family moved to a military barrio at Western Bicutan, Taguig where he grew up in the company and friendship of other enlisted personnel’s children commonly referred to as “Batang Mess Kit”. He attended elementary and high school at Malate Catholic School where he learned the values of Christian faith.

After high school, James studied at Adamson University taking up Industrial engineering for four years. He then joined the Philippine Military Academy in Bagiuo City, graduating in 1995 with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Naval Systems Engineering.

Upon graduation from the academy, James was commissioned as an Ensign in the Philippine Navy where he volunteered to join the Naval Special Warfare Group. As a special warfare specialist he was assigned by the Philippine Fleet to different posts throughout the country and was appointed various positions from Team Leader to Naval Special Warfare Unit Commander in order to conduct special operations in support of the AFP mission.

Under his command, NSWU-1 was able to seize 225,000 board feet of illegal logs in the Sierra Madre area. They also conducted joint anti-drug operations with other agencies that resulted in the seizure of 500 kilos of “Shabu”. His unit also enforced a successful campaign program against illegal fishing at Lamon Bay, Quezon, which earned them commendations from several people’s organizations and local government officials for its positive socio-economic impact.

As commander of NSWU-7, he led the unit in anti-smuggling operations and several combat missions in the Davao Region. The unit also conducted successful relief operation and evacuation of flash flood victims at Davao City and Davao del Sur Province. His unit was also a member of Task Force Comet, which took part in the rescue operation of kidnap victims Mr. Schilling in Sulu and the Dos Palmas tourists in Basilan which resulted in the apprehension of lawless elements and Abu Sayyaf terrorists, including the seizure of high powered firearms and the terrorists’ speed boat.

Under his command, the enlisted personnel of NSWU-7 were able to garner 68 meritorious promotions.
James was a recipient of three Gold Cross Medals, a Navy Cross Medal, a Bronze Cross Medal and 26 other various campaign ribbons, military badges, merit and commendation medals for his combat and field accomplishments. He was recognized in 1999 and in 2001 as the Naval Special Warfare Group’s (NSWG) “Commanding Officer of the Year” by the Philippine Navy’s Fleet Commander for his outstanding leadership as commanding officer of the Naval Special Warfare Unit (NSWU) 1 and Naval Special Warfare Unit (NSWU) 7.

James pursued several military training both foreign and local that he completed with honors and in flying colors. He was ranked first when he took the Naval Special Warfare/SEAL course. He also received high recognition in the Naval Intelligence Officers Course and topped his training in the Naval Intelligence Collection Course and the VIP Protection Course. James was also one of the Top 10 Allied Students at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School in Fort Bragg, North Carolina in the United States for the courses Psycological Operations Officers Course and Civil Affairs Course in 2002.
At present he is enrolled at the University of the Philippines Open University taking up Master in Public Management.

James’ Advocacies

Social Equity, he believes there should be an equitable distribution of income, wealth and opportunities for everyone especially those who are poor and disadvantaged. Every Filipino should receive their rightful share and enjoy the benefits of our nation’s wealth and natural resources.

Justice, he believes in the dictum “Those who have less in life should have more in law…” Professional free legal assistance should be available to everyone.

Good Governance, he advocates the efficient, effective and responsive performance of public administration that is always accountable to the people.

People Empowerment, he strongly believes in the “Bayanihan” culture of the Filipinos. People power can be harnessed to achieve great feats of nation building by increasing people’s participation in governance, expanding their capabilities and opportunities for livelihood and sustainable source of income, and inspiring the people for collective action.

Peace and Order, he believes that peace is an essential ingredient to achieve progress and prosperity in our country. He supports a genuine and comprehensive peace process in order to heal our nation of its strife.

Environmental Protection and Management, he believes that we should protect and preserve our environment for the use of our future generation.

In his statement, Layug claims that he went to Oakwood in July 27, 2003 together with other junior officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP to air out their grievances against a corrupt, inept, and oppressive regime. They went out of their barracks to stop “Kleptocracy” in the government and arrest the cycle of poverty, inequity, and injustice that has been brought upon the people by the unscrupulous leaders of the country. Again on November 29, 2007, they answered the same call of duty and went to Manila Peninsula to stand up for truth and justice because they cannot just tolerate and allow the stealing, lying and cheating by the national leadership. In the process they got arrested, charged and detained for performing their patriotic duty and for loving the country.