Querubin has been an active participant in various military operations during the ongoing Communist rebellion in the Philippines and the Moro conflict. He is credited with the neutralization of various rebel leaders of both the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army and the Moro National Liberation Front, including CPP-NPA provincial chairman Jessie Rafael in 1981, four MNLF commanders in 1983, the NPA commander known as "Ka Ninong" and MNLF commander Racquel Carreon, both in 1988.[4] He is also said to have been involved in the rescue of Hans Kunzli,[5] a Swiss national kidnapped by a group led by a former member of the Moro National Liberation Front.
In 1989, then-Captain Querubin was a co-founder of the Young Officers' Union (YOU). The YOU, along with another group known as the "Soldiers of the Filipino People" (SFP) and the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) participated in the most serious coup against Corazon Aquino's government.[4] He almost died in clashes with troops loyal to the government. Some reports indicate that he suffered from a gunshot wound;[7] Querubin himself stated that he was wounded by a rocket blast during clashes in Camp Aguinaldo.[3] The mutiny eventually failed and Querubin and his comrades were detained. They were granted amnesty during the administration of Fidel Ramos, who succeeded Corazon Aquino as president.[8]
Re-entry into military service
Querubin re-entered military service after being granted amnesty. In 1994, he was credited with the neutralization of Barahama Sali,[4] which led to the eventual release from captivity of Catholic priest Fr. Cirilo Nacorda who had been kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan.[9] He was also involved in the 2002 operation that killed Abu Sayyaf spokesperson Abu Sabaya.
On 24 February 2006, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency in the Philippines after her government foiled a supposed coup plot called Oplan HACKLE. Fourteen junior military officers had been arrested two days before. In the wake of the proclamation, on 26 February 2006, Major General Renato Miranda, the Philippine Marine Corps Commandant, was relieved from his post. Colonel Querubin protested his removal and some Marines started a vigil at Fort Bonifacio. Querubin stated that they would wait there for the people to protect them. Meanwhile, other government security forces loyal to Arroyo locked down Fort Bonifacio, sealing in the protesting Marines.[11] The standoff was resolved that evening. Querubin was detained at Camp Aguinaldo and recommended to undergo pretrial investigation and facing a mutiny charge.[7][12]
Querubin worked as an internal security consultant for San Miguel Corporation after being granted amnesty.[3] He resigned his commission from the Armed Forces of the Philippines when he ran for a Senate seat as a member of the Nacionalista Party during the 2010 elections.[4] His candidacy was not successful, only garnering 6.5 million votes and landing him in 19th place in the senatorial race. He supported Grace Poe's candidacy during the 2016 Presidential election.
Personal life
Querubin has five children.[14] His first wife, Dr. Loreta Cercenia-Querubin, bore him two - Alfred Benjamin and Francesca Eufrosina. She died in 1994 at the age of 31, allegedly over stress stemming from a business deal with Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged mastermind of the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam. Querubin has remarried; his second wife is Pong Azcarraga Querubin, who bore him three children, Jose Ariel, Ariel, and John Ariel.[15][16]
Philippines
Philippine Marine Corps
Colonel[1]
Philippine Marine Corps
Medal of Valor
Distinguished Conduct Star
Distinguished Service Star (3)
Gold Cross (7)
Military Merit Medal (12)