Mao Aplasca Biography
Mao Aplasca is a retired police major general who has served the Philippines in many important roles. He started as a military cadet and later held key positions in the police force, transportation security, and legislative bodies. People know him for his focus on integrity, reform, and steady leadership. This article shares his story in a simple way so readers can understand his journey, the lessons from his work, and how he continues to serve today.
Mao Aplasca Early Life and Background
Ma.O Ranada Aplasca, commonly called Mao Aplasca, was born on August 22, 1963, in Maco, Davao de Oro. At that time, the area was part of Davao del Norte. He grew up in a provincial community in Mindanao. Life there taught him values like hard work, resilience, and community spirit.
His early years happened during a period of regional development in Mindanao. These experiences likely shaped his sense of duty. Many young people from similar backgrounds learn the importance of education and public service. Mao followed this path. He comes from a region known for strong family ties and determination. These roots helped him face challenges later in his career.
Growing up in Maco gave him a grounded view of life. He saw the needs of ordinary Filipinos. This understanding stayed with him as he moved into leadership roles. He often connects with people from Mindanao because of shared experiences. His background shows how local upbringing can prepare someone for national service.
Mao Aplasca Education
Mao Aplasca completed his early schooling in his hometown. He attended Maco Heights Central Elementary School for elementary education. For high school, he studied at Maco Maryknoll High School and finished in 1980.
He then entered the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City. He belonged to the PMA Class of 1987, known as Sinagtala. Training at the PMA is tough. Cadets learn discipline, leadership, and military skills over several years. Mao graduated successfully and earned his Bachelor of Science degree.
After PMA, he continued learning. He earned a Bachelor of Law degree from Jose Rizal University in 2004. He also completed a Master in Development Management at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City in 1999. These studies helped him understand both law and management.
He took part in many professional training programs. These included courses at the FBI National Academy and other international programs. He also finished the Police Officers Senior Executive Course. His education combined military training, legal knowledge, and management skills. This mix prepared him well for complex security roles.
Education played a big part in his growth. He often uses lessons from PMA and later studies in his leadership style. His story encourages young Filipinos to value continuous learning.
Mao Aplasca Career
Mao Aplasca began his professional service after graduating from the PMA. He joined the Philippine Constabulary, which later became part of the Philippine National Police. He held various positions over the years.
Early in his career, he served as a platoon leader and executive officer in the Special Action Force. In 1993, he took part in United Nations Civilian Police work in Cambodia. There, he handled board of inquiry and provincial investigation duties. This international experience broadened his skills.
Back in the Philippines, he worked as aide-de-camp to a PNP Chief around 1994. In 1996, he became Chief of Police in Marilao, Bulacan. He also held roles in public information, intelligence, plans, and organizational development during the early 2000s.
He rose through the ranks with steady progress. In July 2016, he was appointed Director of the PNP Aviation Security Group, also known as AVSEGROUP. He served in that post until February 2017. During this time, he worked on programs to address issues at airports, including efforts related to the tanim bala concerns.
From February 2017 to April 2018, he served as Regional Director for PNP CALABARZON, which covers Region 4A. In this role, he started an internal program called My Brother’s Keeper. The program focused on mentoring, accountability, and reform within the police force. It had preventive, restorative, and corrective elements.
In April 2018, he became Director for Operations at PNP national headquarters. He served until August 2019. In this position, he continued to support the My Brother’s Keeper approach and pushed for it to become a wider program. He retired from the PNP in 2019 with the rank of Police Major General.
Throughout his police career, he received many awards and recognitions. These included medals for service, merit, and specific achievements. His work showed a focus on improving systems and supporting officers.
Mao Aplasca Post-PNP Roles
After retiring from the police in 2019, Mao Aplasca continued public service in other areas. From October 2020 to November 2021, he served as Sergeant-at-Arms for the House of Representatives during the 18th Congress. This role involved maintaining order and security in the legislative chamber.
In 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed him as Administrator of the Office for Transportation Security, with the rank of Undersecretary. He had earlier served as Deputy Administrator. In this position, he oversaw security for airports, seaports, and other transportation systems. He brought his experience in reform and operations to improve safety standards.
He worked on internal improvements and policy development at the Office for Transportation Security. His time there built on his earlier aviation security work. He resigned from the post in 2023 but left a record of dedicated service in transportation security.
These roles after the PNP showed his ability to adapt his skills to different government sectors. He moved smoothly from police operations to legislative support and then to specialized transportation security.
Mao Aplasca Personal Life
Mao Aplasca is married to Maria Rica Acab-Aplasca. Many people call her Cookie. The couple keeps their family life private. They support each other in their activities and values.
He is active in faith-based and reform groups. He serves as a convenor for My Brother’s Keeper Philippines. In this group, he shares personal stories about growth, transformation, and values-driven leadership. His testimonies often highlight the importance of strong relationships with family, friends, and faith.
He maintains close ties with his PMA classmates, especially those from Mindanao. These connections remain important to him. He has also been involved with groups like Abante Pilipinas as a party-list nominee in the past.
His personal life reflects the same principles he promotes in his professional work: integrity, mentorship, and service. He believes success includes healthy relationships and positive impact on others, not just job titles.
Mao Aplasca :Current Role Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (2025–Present)
On July 28, 2025, Mao Aplasca assumed the role of Senate Sergeant-at-Arms for the 20th Congress. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa nominated him for the position. Senator dela Rosa, a PMA classmate from an earlier batch, highlighted their shared background from Davao provinces and how Mao helped him during their cadet days.
In this role, he is responsible for maintaining security, order, and proper procedures within the Senate premises. He oversees the security team and coordinates with other agencies when needed. His duties include ensuring the safety of senators, staff, and visitors while protecting the integrity of legislative work.
Since taking the post, he has handled situations that required careful management of security alerts. He has emphasized following proper legal processes, such as the need for court orders and coordination with Senate leadership for any sensitive actions. His approach focuses on professionalism and respect for institutional rules.
This current position brings together his long experience in security, police work, and legislative support. It allows him to continue serving the country in a key institution of democracy.
Conclusion
Mao Aplasca’s journey shows a consistent commitment to public service. From his early days in Maco to his current work in the Senate, he has focused on leadership, reform, and integrity. His education at the PMA and continued learning gave him strong foundations. His career in the PNP included important operational and reform initiatives. After retirement, he applied his skills in Congress and transportation security. Today, he brings all that experience to the Senate.
His story offers lessons for readers. Steady effort, continuous education, and a focus on values can lead to meaningful contributions. He demonstrates that public service involves both action and personal example. As he continues his work, his career remains an example of dedication to the Philippines and its institutions.
FAQs
Who is Mao Aplasca?
Mao Aplasca is a retired Police Major General born on August 22, 1963, in Maco, Davao de Oro. He is known for his service in the Philippine National Police, Office for Transportation Security, and current role as Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.
What is Mao Aplasca’s current position?
As of July 28, 2025, he serves as Senate Sergeant-at-Arms for the 20th Congress.
What is the My Brother’s Keeper program?
It is a mentoring and reform initiative that Mao Aplasca started in CALABARZON and later supported at the national level. It aims to guide police officers toward better conduct and accountability.
What schools did Mao Aplasca attend?
He studied at Maco Heights Central Elementary School, Maco Maryknoll High School, Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987, Jose Rizal University for law, and the Asian Institute of Management for a master’s degree.
Is Mao Aplasca connected to Senator Bato dela Rosa?
Yes, they share PMA ties and Mindanao roots. Senator dela Rosa nominated him for the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms position.
What roles did he hold after retiring from the PNP?
He served as House Sergeant-at-Arms from 2020 to 2021 and as Administrator of the Office for Transportation Security starting in 2022.