The Book “44 Days of Faith and Valor authored by PLTGEN CESAR HAWTHORNE R BINAG(Ret) together with Bobby Caingles is about the men in uniforms who fight and dedicate their lives for the sake of their country. The book also emphasized how impactful our God in every mission that the Special Action Force partake. As we all know, SAF are elite troopers who underwent rigorous trainings and Military Science Education. They are the one who is called when a special operation needs to be conducted. In the book “44 Days of Faith and Valor”, it gives us a chance to have a glimpse on different experiences of SAF troopers who went to different operations.
The SAF Commando Training is a six-month nightmare on the way to a dream, the SAF black beret. Applicants or trainees coming from different combat units enlist to undergo the training and evaluation program where an individual’s combat skills, mental aptitude, tactical ability, leadership, among others will be measured, all in the context of a team.
The book is divided into seven (7) parts: Journey in the Special Action Force, A Warrior’s Equipment, Training, Operations, Sacred Traditions, Anecdote and Insights, and TAGALIGTAS. Each division has its corresponding stories of experiences that will help us learn about life of a PNP-SAF commando and how they overcome all the challenges that they face as they go through their journey.
The life of an officer is very demanding, what more can ease the pressure is by indulging oneself with the grace of God’s word. Furthermore, the encounters in the field will forever be in the minds of those who experienced it first-hand. The book is a great portal to better understand the job of our elite forces that often times tag them as expendable in the battlefield. The words and passages inscribed in the book is able to change and widen one’s perspective. For years I thought my knowledge with regards to the PNP-Special Action Force was already enough but after indulging myself with the book it was an eye opener that there are still many for me to grasp.
The book “44 Days of Faith and Valor” is indeed a book worthy of your time. I highly recommend this to my fellow cadets, police officers, and even the general public to spend time and make it a habit to start the day by reading some passages of the book. I assure you that it would definitely set your mood throughout the day and guide your perspective throughout lifetime. Our aim is to read the book not just for personal gains but also to share some insights to those who does not have access, for it may not be life changing for everyone but definitely, it will make a difference.