PLT Alfonso Cabrera Paz, Ret

Alfonso Cabrera Paz, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on October 19, 2023. Born on December 19, 1949 in Sablayan, Occ Mdo. Alfon was the third-born of Bonifacio and Abcede Paz. Growing up on small island, Alfon spent nearly every moment outdoors where he both worked and played hard along with his six brothers Binifacio Jr, Conrado(dec), Greg(dec), Ronaldo, Ronilo and Roberto(dec) and sister Mila. Alfon’s true joy came from his wife Flordeliza, six children, Aliza, Leila, Fretchie, Olay, Neil John Paul and Nino, six grandchildren, Liah, Bonchi, Luke, Isha, Aki, Mili and another one coming out in January, Vito. He was a wonderful husband, Papa, LoloPapa and always considered it to be his most important job. From: http://nanovio.blogspot.com GARDEMIT was his favorite expression. As we all know, in the Philippines, it is the bastardized version of the English, “God damn it.” The word is a minced oath, a euphemistic expression common to police and military officers during our days. Tito Alfon blurts out such a word not when he is mad. He usually yells it out when he is joking or full of joy.  Sober or otherwise. His old-fashioned “profane” utterances are heard every time his “bottle mates” are keeping the nearly full glass of Emperador or Red Horse in their hands long. He would stare at the glass, tap his friend’s shoulder, and yell out loud, “Gardemet!,” followed by a hearty laugh. Or when he heard an exaggerated or funny rumor, new or recycled, from anybody from the drinking table, be it Norly (Saballo), Alex (Flores), Bihoy (Abeleda), or Allan (Villar). Police Lieutenant Alfonso Cabrera Paz, (Ret.) might not be as religious and as sociable as his wife, but he gained respect from the people. With his long career in the police force and being assigned to three municipalities of Occidental Mindoro, he was never been involved in any wrongdoings and irregularities, especially brutality and corruption. He lived an honest life as an officer of the law which is so uncommon today. He is so proud of his family, his children and grandchildren. He is an excellent provider. Sober or otherwise. Almost everybody in town has the impression that he is “suplado” but he is the most snobbish person in Sablayan with so many friends. That is because he has a very kind heart and a helping hand. He loved to tell stories like how in the 90s he was nearly killed in an ambush staged by the communist rebels near a coconut plantation in Sta. Lucia. In that ensnarement, there were Sablayan policemen who died and several were fatally wounded. It happened while the police convoy was on its way to San Jose for physical training. He tells me in what way he and his Pare Oca (Tamares) managed to dodge the enemies firing from behind bushes and trees atop a hill. Including their operation against Ka Waras at Bungangang Pating in Barangay Burgos where the most wanted bandit disguised himself as a Mangyan and scaped the dragnet. While on duty away from home especially when on a delicate mission, he kept thinking about the safety of the family he left behind. Municipal Executive Senior Police Officer (MESPO) Sergeant Jovanie Balicol said that the late police officer was one of the best investigators Sablayan ever had. “He finishes everything that he has started,” says Balicol who is now semi-retired. “He taught us that during an investigation, we should not leave even a single stone unturned. He has exemplary work ethic,” he added.  He also told me in detail how he locked horns with an influential public figure over a gambling operation he got busted, standing solidly on his principle with the law behind him. He is a courageous policeman who is not afraid of any felon. He was a basketball star way back in college and a varsity player at the Divine Word College of San Jose. He took up Commerce but finally decided to enter the municipal police unit that later became part of the Integrated National Police (INP) after he graduated. Wine and beer make him a good storyteller. Alfon's family and friends will miss him dearly and know that life will not be the same without him, but are incredibly grateful to have had so many years with him.