Blind Army captain: Ability beats disability

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

For Capt. Jerome Jacuba of the Philippine Army, his strengths and skills outweigh his limitations.

Jacuba earlier made headlines after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. to suspend his disability discharge, saying it was neither right nor justified.

Jacuba had been given a complete disability discharge and separated from the military after being deemed no longer fit for combat operations.

In 2016, while conducting combat operations in Maguindanao, Jacuba lost his eyesight when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position.

On Monday, Dec. 15, he visited the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) headquarters at Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, for a “talk to troops” engagement.

He addressed hundreds of Spearhead Troopers, sharing lessons from his journey as a wounded warrior who refused to be defined by disability.

Jacuba was described as a soldier who lost his eyesight in the line of duty but never surrendered his will to serve.

Also known as “Captain Blind,” he was warmly welcomed by the 3ID, where he once served as an enlisted personnel before earning his commission as an officer.

“My ability is stronger than my disability. We must focus on what we have, not on what we’ve lost,” Jacuba told the 3ID troops.

While he no longer has his sight, Jacuba stressed that he still has his purpose.

“My heart for service — and that is more than enough to keep moving forward,” Jacuba said.

Despite his life-altering injury in 2016, he continued to serve for several years in various administrative and leadership roles.

In a statement, the 3ID said Jacuba’s unwavering resilience, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to duty have earned him deep admiration and respect from soldiers nationwide.

Jacuba also encouraged soldiers to remain steadfast in their mission, reminding them that service to the nation is measured not only by physical strength but by character, courage, and heart.

Troops responded with applause and admiration, with many describing his presence as uplifting and morale-boosting.

Meanwhile, 3ID commander Maj. Gen. Michael Samson praised Jacuba’s courage and the inspiration he brings to Spearhead Troopers.

“Captain Jacuba reminds us that the strength of a soldier is not measured by what he has lost, but by what he continues to give. His return to Camp Peralta is a powerful testament to resilience, duty, and love of country,” Samson said.

Samson added that Jacuba embodies the spirit of the Spearhead Trooper — steadfast, committed, and unbreakable.

“His story reinforces the Army’s commitment to honoring and supporting wounded warriors who continue to serve despite physical limitations,” he said.

For the 3ID’s soldiers, Jacuba’s visit was more than a courtesy call.

It was a reminder of the resilience that defines the Filipino soldier.