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Romel is from Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines and happily married to the former Mayvelyn Rocamora of Tiaong, Quezon. They are now residing in New York City. Graduated from UP Rural High School in 1981 then entered PMA in the same year.
After graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1985, Romel was assigned with Region 12 Special Action Force and served field duties in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur. After two years of line duty he assumed position as Operation Officer for the North Cotabato Provincial Command.
Late in 1988, he was transferred to Region 4 Special Action Force as First Company Commanding Officer until his honorable discharge in 1990 due to complete disability. He was injured in line of duty due to a gunshot wound to the back which kept him permanently wheelchair bound.
He later joined his wife in the United States and underwent months of extensive physical rehabilitation. At the same time his efforts were focused towards a career in computers. In 1995, Romel finished computer and associate business studies at Tampa College, Florida, where he graduated number 1 in a class of 191 students. In April 1997, he finished a two-year Computer Technology and Applications specialization course at Columbia University with a straight "A" average.
He is currently working as an application programmer at the Information Resources Department of Consolidated Edison of New York, Inc.
Romel is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and actively participates in a support group of students with disabilities at Baruch College which offers help and support to other physically challenged individuals.
