While ordinary Filipinos seek ways to connect and celebrate Christmas with loved ones, soldiers on the frontlines continue to serve, safeguarding the nation from security threats.

Soldiering on Christmas Day reflects true patriotism. Military personnel prioritize duty over personal celebration, honoring their commitment to protect and serve the nation at all times.

Philippine Army Staff Sergeant (SSg.) Anthony A. Dayata, 43, now enjoys a different Christmas Eve with his fellow troops at the Philippine Army’s media affairs office.

Unlike past experiences, Dayata can now sing karaoke while awaiting midnight on 25 December, exchanging Christmas greetings and sharing Noche Buena. The following morning brought duty, a constant for soldiers.

Dayata was among the elite soldiers who survived the grueling six-month selection and training in the countryside — a cut above the rest. Their limited communication with loved ones during the brutal scout ranger course tested their endurance and exemplified ultimate sacrifice.

These scout rangers were deployed on combat missions against insurgents in remote communities. They specialized in tactical operations and underwent rigorous training in attacks, raids, ambushes, and sabotage, honing their skills in unconventional jungle warfare.

Dayata shared that Christmases in the forest used to be like any other day. They conducted patrols, targeting adversaries who sowed fear in communities during the holiday season. With no truce, they continued their missions — a “duty first” mantra for every soldier.

“I have no regrets at all. I did it for our country,” Dayata said.

At 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Dayata and his fellow scout rangers would begin preparing their Noche Buena meal: spaghetti with noodles, ketchup, and canned corned beef, supplemented with canned sardines or remaining rations.

After hours of guard duty, they would take turns napping in hammocks strung between trees, while others prepared meals on banana leaves in the dark to maintain alertness.

Minutes before midnight, everyone would awaken. “At 12 o’clock, the duty guard wakes everyone so we can share the food we cooked,” Dayata said.

Military rations formed the scout rangers’ jungle celebration of Christ’s birth. With no phone signal and no one else around, the moon provided their only light. They shared stories to stay alert.

Christmas morning meant another mission, continuing even through New Year’s Day.

Special but normal

Philippine Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) Carlo L. Abeto, 30, of the Office of the Naval Inspector General staff, considers Christmas celebrations “subjective.” For soldiers, it can be a “special” normal day.

With technology, soldiers can now more easily connect with home. “Duty first. Then, during downtime, you can listen to Christmas songs or chat or video call family during lunch or dinner,” Abeto remarked.

He explained that the strong camaraderie within the military helps ease homesickness. “We treat each other like family, especially during the Yuletide season. We may not be blood-related, but we are connected by our work and traditions,” Abeto said.

He acknowledged that celebrating with family is different but expressed no regrets about his military service, even with the sacrifices it entails, “because the nation is more important.”

“We take an oath for our duties and responsibilities. Regardless of the situation, we are expected to fulfill our mandate,” Abeto said.

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said soldiers stationed away from home, particularly those in combat zones or remote locations, celebrate Christmas “in ways that foster camaraderie and maintain a sense of tradition, despite being far from their families.”

“Though the celebrations may differ from those at home, soldiers make the best of their situation, finding ways to stay connected with each other and with loved ones, ensuring the holiday remains meaningful,” Dema-ala stressed.

He noted that every soldier pledges vigilance during the Yuletide season to ensure peaceful and orderly Christmas and New Year celebrations.