1  
   

CHAPTER I
GENERAL DRILL
INFORMATION

BFP MANUAL ON DRILLS AND CEREMONIES  

CHAPTER I- GENERAL DRILL INFORMATION
 
  
2  
 
SECTION A
GENERAL DRILL INFORMATION
1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The BFP Drills and Ceremonies Manual is designed to provide uniformity

and standardization for all BFP units on the conduct of drills and ceremonies. It
includes methods of instructing drills, teaching techniques, individual and unit drills,
manual of arms and other various aspects of basic drill instructions.

This is designed for the use of firefighters of all occupational skill, including
cadets and recruits in the initial training environment. To maintain consistency
throughout the BFP, the procedures prescribed herein shall be adhered to as
closely as possible.

2. OBJECTIVES

a. The BFP prescribes its own drill regulations with the end goal of
cultivating to the full alertness and the presence of mind of each firefighter not only
during drills but also at all times. These attributes of character are essential to the
members of the BFP.

b. In the fire service, firefighters has to learn teamwork. Through drills and
ceremonies, firefighters learn that there can be no orderly movement of men or
units without a precise and united effort and every man learns to play his part in the
squad, platoon, or company.

c. Drills consist of certain movements by which the squad, platoon,

company or battalion is moved in an orderly manner from one formation to another.
These movements are executed with smartness, order, and precision. Each
individual in the squad, platoon or company does his part exactly as how he is
supposed to perform.

d. Drills also increase the confidence of junior officers and non-

commissioned officers through the exercise of command, by giving of the proper
commands and by directing the movement of other troops.

e. Ceremonies are formations and movements in which large numbers of

troops participate where they execute movements in unison and precision just like
in the drill. The primary value of ceremonies is in rendering honors, preserving
traditions, and stimulating esprit de corps.

f. Finally, everyone gets a certain amount of pleasure from doing anything

well in joint effort with others. A ceremony provides the same reaction.
After every successful ceremony, every firefighter-participant can proudly claim: “I
was there”.

BFP MANUAL ON DRILLS AND CEREMONIES  

CHAPTER I- GENERAL DRILL INFORMATION  
   
    
    3  
   
3. DRILL TERMS

ALIGNMENT. It is a straight line upon which several elements or teams are

formed or the dressing of several elements upon a straight line. A unit is aligned,
when it is dressed.

ARMS. This refers to rifles, pistols, or swords to be used in drills.

ARMS SWING. The swinging of arms must be 6 inches straight to the front
and 3 inches straight to the rear of the trouser seams, with knuckles out facing
forward and fingers formed into a fist with the thumb over the forefinger.

BASE. It is the element on which a movement is regulated.

CADENCE. This is the uniform rhythm by which a movement is executed or

the number of steps or counts per minute of which a movement is executed. Drill
movements are normally executed at the cadence of quick time or double time.

CENTER (GITNA). The middle point or element of a command. In a platoon

of three squads in line, the second squad from the right is the center. With four
squads in the platoon, the second squad from the right is the center squad, the rule
being that when these are even number of squads/platoons, the right-center
squad/platoon is the center squad/platoon.

COLUMN (SUNURAN). This is a formation in which the elements are placed

one behind another.

COUNTING CADENCE

a. Except at the beginning of basic training, the commander or instructor

does not count cadence to acquaint the men with cadence rhythm. When a man
gets out of step, he is corrected by the commander who halts the unit and then
moves everybody off in the step. Counting cadence by the group helps to teach
group coordination, cadence, and rhythm. To help a man keep in step, the
commander encourages him to keep his head up and watch the head and
shoulders of the man in front of him. The command is BILANG HAKBANG, KAD.
The command of execution is given as the left foot strikes the ground. The next
time the left foot strikes the ground, the group calls the cadence for 8 steps in a firm
and vigorous manner as follows: ISA, DALAWA, TATLO, APAT… However, this
command must not be executed in a boisterous manner. The good instructor holds
his counting to a minimum.

b. As firefighters begin to master the art of drills, instructors try to create a

spirit of competition among individuals and between units. Although repetition is
necessary when teaching drills, instructors must use competitive drill exercises to
ensure that drills do not become boring or monotonous.

c. Mass commands are used to develop confidence and promote

enthusiasm. These are effective in developing a command voice when instructing a
leadership course. Procedures for using mass commands are discussed in Chapter
2.

BFP MANUAL ON DRILLS AND CEREMONIES  

CHAPTER I- GENERAL DRILL INFORMATION
 
  
4  
 
DEPTH (LALIM). This is the space from front to rear of any formation or a
position including the front and rear elements. The depth of a man is assumed to be
12 inches.

DISTANCE (LAYO). This is the space between elements when the elements
are on behind the other. Between units, it varies with the size of the formation;
between individuals, it is an arm’s length to the front plus six (6) inches or about forty
(40) inches,  measured from chest of one man to the back of the man immediately to
his front.

DOUBLE TIME (TAKBONG HAKBANG). This refers to the cadence at a rate

of 180 steps per minute.

ECHELON. This refers to one of the series of elements formed one behind
another. Also a modification of line formation in which adjacent elements are
disposed one in rear of the other.

ELEMENT. This refers to an individual, squad (tilap), platoon (pulutong),

company (balangay), battalion (talupad), regiment (sampanaw) or a larger body,
forming part of a larger body.

EYES RIGHT (KANANG TINGIN). The direction of the face during the eyes
right should be 45 degrees to the right side.

FILE (TUDLING). This refers to two men, the front-rank man and the
corresponding man of the rear-rank. The front-rank man is the file leader. A file,
which has no rear-rank man, is “blank file”. The term file applies to a single man in
a single rank formation. It is also a single column of men one behind the other.

FLANK (PANIG). The right or left extremity of a unit, either in line or column;
The element on the extreme right or left of the line; and a direction at a right angle to
the direction a formation is facing.

FORMATION (HANAY). This is the arrangement of the elements of a unit in

line, in column, or any other prescribed manner.

FRONT (HARAP). This is the direction in which a command faces.

FRONTAGE (HARAPAN). This refers to the space occupied by an element

measured from one flank to the opposite flank. The frontage of a man is assumed to
be twenty-two (22) inches, measured from the right to the left elbow and therefore
does not include twelve (12) inches between all men in line. The frontage of a squad
however includes the intervals between men.

GUIDE (GABAY). This refers to the man whom the command or element
thereof regulates its march. This is often the case in battle or on practice marches.

HEAD (UNAHAN). This is the leading element of a column. To understand

this definition one must remember that an element is a file, squad, platoon,
company, or larger body forming part of a still another larger body.

BFP MANUAL ON DRILLS AND CEREMONIES  

CHAPTER I- GENERAL DRILL INFORMATION  
   
    
    5  
   
INTERVAL (PAGITAN). This refers to the lateral space between elements on
the same line. An interval is measured between individuals from shoulder to
shoulder; and between formations, this is done from flank to flank. Unit commanders
and those with them are not considered in measuring interval between elements of
the unit with which it is posted. Considered interval between individuals is one (1)
arm’s length. Close interval is the horizontal distance between shoulder and elbow
when the left hand is placed on the left hip.

LEFT (KALIWA). It refers to the left extremity or element of a body.

LINE (LINYA). This refers to a formation in which the different elements are
“abreast of each other” means on the same line. The other vital part of this definition
centers on the word “element”. A section may be an element; therefore if the leading
elements of several sections are on the same line, it becomes a line formation.

LOOSE PIECES. This refers to rifles not used in making stacks.

OBLIQUE (LIHIS). This is an angle between 0 and 45 degrees. (Right/Left

oblique-march is at an angle of 45 degrees.)

ORDER CLOSE (MASINSING PAGITAN). This is the formation in which the

units, in double rank, are separated by intervals greater than that in close order.

PACE. Thirty (30) inches is the length of the full steps in quick time. The pace
at double time is thirty-six (36) inches.

PIECE. The term piece as used in this text means the rifle.

POINT OF THE REST. The point at which a formation begins, especially the
point toward which units are aligned in successive movements. For instance, in
executing “ON RIGHT INTO LINE”, the point of rest is the place where the leading
squad halts.

QUICK TIME (SIGLANG HAKBANG). This refers to the cadence at a rate of

one hundred twenty (120) steps per minute.

RIGHT. This refers to the right extremity or element of a body of troops.

SWORD SWING. The swinging of sword must be 6 inches to the front and 3
inches to the rear of the trouser seams.

SLOW TIME. This refers to the cadence at sixty (60) steps per minute.

STEP (HAKBANG). The distance measured from heel to heel between the
feet of a man walking. A step may be any prescribed number of inches. The half step
and back step is fifteen (15) inches. The right step and the left step are twelve (12)
inches. The steps in quick and double time are thirty (30) and thirty-six (36) inches,
respectively.

BFP MANUAL ON DRILLS AND CEREMONIES  

CHAPTER I- GENERAL DRILL INFORMATION
 
  
6  
 
SUCCESSIVE MOVEMENT (SUNUD-SUNURANG GALAW). A maneuver in
which the various elements of a command execute a certain movement one after
another as distinguished from a simultaneous movement.

TO REVOKE A COMMAND. The cancellation of a command that has not

been carried out, or to start a movement improperly begun from a halt the command,
MANUMBALIK, is given. On this command, the movement stops and the men
resume their former position.

PARTIAL CHANGES OF DIRECTION. This refers to the change of the

direction of a column by forty—five (45) degrees to the left or right, the command is
LIKO HATING-KANAN (KALIWA), KAD. Further, to execute a slight change of
direction.

PAGAWING KANAN (KALIWA). This refers to the command given to

execute a slight change of direction. The guide or guiding elements move in the
indicated direction, and the rest of the unit follows.

NUMBERING UNITS. For drill purposes, platoons within each company are
numbered from right to left when the company is in line and from front to rear when
the company is in column. Squads within each platoon are numbered from right to
left when the platoon is in line and from front to rear when the platoon is in column.

POST. This means the correct place for an officer or non-commissioned

officer to stand. This can be in front, behind or by the side of a unit. When changes in
formation involve changes of posts, the new post is taken by the most direct route
and, as soon as practicable, after the command of execution. Officers and non-
commissioned officers who have prescribed duties in connection with the
movements take their posts when the duties are completed. In executing a
movement or facing, and when moving from one post to another, officers and non-
commissioned officers maintain a military bearing and move with smartness and
precision.

a. In movements after the first formation, guidon bearers and special units
maintain their positions with respect to the flank or the end of the unit to which they
were originally posted.

b. In all formations and movements, non-commissioned officers commanding

an element take the same post as prescribed for an officer.

c. When acting as an instructor, the officer or non-commissioned officer goes

wherever his presence is needed to correct mistakes and supervise the performance
of the men in ranks.

BFP MANUAL ON DRILLS AND CEREMONIES  

CHAPTER I- GENERAL DRILL INFORMATION  
   
    
    7  
   
SECTION B
ENGLISH TO FILIPINO VERSION
1. POSITION OF ATTENTION (KATAYUAN SA PAGTINDING)

• Attention -Humanda
• FalI in Line -Humanay
• At close Interval- Sinsing Pagitan
• Assemble -Magtipon
• As You Were -Manumbalik

2. REST AT THE HALT (KATAYUAN SA PAHINGA NAKAHINTO)

• Parade Rest -Tikas Pahinga

• Stand at Ease -Tindig, paluwag
• At Ease -Paluwag
• Rest -Pahinga
• Fall Out -Tiwalag
• Dismissed -Lumansag

3. FACING AT THE UNIT (PAGHARAP KUNG NAKAHINTO)

• Right Face -Harap sa Kanan, Rap

• Left Face -Harap sa Kaliwa, Rap
• About Face -Harap sa Likod, Rap
• Left Half Face -Harap sa Hating-Kaliwa
• Right Half Face -Harap sa Hating Kanan
• Center Face -Harap sa Gitna,Rap

4. SALUTE (PAGPUGAY)

• Hand Salute- Pugay Kamay, Na

• Eyes Right -Tingin sa Kanan, Na/ Handa ,kanang tingin

5. STEPS AND MARCHING (HAKBANG AT LAKAD)

• Forward March - Pasulong, Kad

• Squad/Platoon/Company/Batallion/Brigade/Division, Halt -
Tilap/Pulutong/Balangay/Talupad/Sampanaw/Bukluran, Hinto
• Mark Time March Patakda, Kad
• Half Step March Hating-Hakbang, Kad
• Double time March Takbong-Hakbang, Kad
• Column Right March -Liko sa Kanan, Kad
• Column Left March -Liko sa Kaliwa, Kad
• Column Half Right March -Liko Hating-Kanan, Kad
• Column Half Left March -Liko Hating-Kaliwa, Kad
• Right Flank March -Kanang Panig, na
• Left Flank March -Kaliwang Panig, na

BFP MANUAL ON DRILLS AND CEREMONIES  

CHAPTER I- GENERAL DRILL INFORMATION
 
  
8  
 
• Right Turn March -Pihit sa Kanan, na
• Right Turn March -Pihit sa Kaliwa, na
• To the Rear, Pabalik, Na

6. CLOSE ORDER DRILL (MALAPITANG PAGSASANAY)

• Dress Right, Dress -Tunton-Kanan,Na

• Dress Left, Dress -Tunton-Kaliwa,Na
• Close Interval, Dress- Sinsing Pagitan, Na
• Ready Front -Handa, Rap
• Guide Right -Gabay sa Kanan
• Guide Left -Gabay sa Kaliwa
• Guide Center -Gabay sa Gitna
• As You were -Manumbalik
• Stand Fast -Manatili/Walang Kilos
• GuidesRight/Left -Gabay sa Kanan/Kaliwa
• Guides on the Line- Gabay Sumahanay
• Post -Sumalunan
• Take Interval to the Right- Ibayong Dalang Mula sa Kanan/Kaliwa, Na
• Assemble to the Right/ Magtipon sa Kanan/
• Left March Kaliwa, Kad
• Open Ranks March Pabukang Taludtod,Kad
• Close Ranks March Masinsing Taludtod,Kad
• Count Off Isahang Bilang,Na
• Count by Twos/Threes/Count Dalawahang/Tatluhang Bilang, Na
• By the Number -Sabay na Bilang
• Counter Column March- Salisihang Hanay, Kad

7. COMMANDS OF PARADE, REVIEW AND CEREMONIES (MGA UTOS SA

PATIKAS, PAGMASID AT MGA SEREMONYA)

• First Call -Unang Panawagan

• Assembly Call -Panawagan sa Pagtitipon
• Guides on the Line -Mga Gabay Sumahanay
• Guides Post –Mga Gabay Sumalunan
• Sir, The Parade is Formed -Ginoo,Handa napo ang Patikas
• Sir, The Battalion is Formed -Ginoo, Handa napo ang Talupad
• Take Your Post -Sumalunan
• Sound Off -Ihudyat
• Sir, The Troop is Ready for -Ginoo,handa napo ang
Tipon/Balangay/Talupad sa
• Inspection -Pagsisiyasat
• Troop the Line- Libutin ang Hanay
• Staff Behind Me -Kalupunan,Sumalikod Ko
• Receive the Report -Tanggapin ang Ulat
• Report -Mag-ulat
• All Present-Narito pong Lahat
• Accounted For -Napag-alaman

BFP MANUAL ON DRILLS AND CEREMONIES  

CHAPTER I- GENERAL DRILL INFORMATION  
   
    
    9  
   
• Publish the Order -Ipahayag ang Kautusan
• Attention to Order -Makinig sa Kautusan
• Details for Today- Mga Nakatalaga ngayon
• Field Officer of the Day -Pinunong Panlarangan
• Officer of the Day -Pinunong Tagapamahala
• Officer in charge -Pinunong Pangalaga
• By Order -Sa Utos ni
• Officers, Center March -Mga Pinuno, Humarap at Pumagitna,Kad
• Officers, Halt -Mga Pinuno, Hinto
• Officers, Post March -Mga Pinuno,Balik Kad
• Persons to be Decorated - Mga Taong Pararangalan
• Colors ,Centers March -Watawat, Pumagitna Na
• Colors, Reverse March -Watawat,Palit-Lunan Kad
• Sound the Retreat -Ihudyat ang Pagsilong
• Pass- and- Review -Pasa-Masid
• Dismiss your Company -Lansagin ang iyong Balangay
• Take Charge of your Companies -Pamunuan ang iyong Balangay
• Prepare for Inspection -Humanda sa Pagsisiyasat
• Sir, this Concludes the Ceremony -Ginoo, Tapos na po ang Seremonya
• Staff, Behind Me, March- Kalupunan, Sumalikod Ko,Kad

BFP MANUAL ON DRILLS AND CEREMONIES  

CHAPTER I- GENERAL DRILL INFORMATION