New breed of soldiers ready to defend, serve the country

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 11): New breed of soldiers ready to defend, serve the country

April 5, 2018  was  a red-letter day for 736 soldiers as it marked  the  closing ceremony of the Philippine Army Candidate Soldier Course Class 506, 507, 519 & 520-2017 and the Ceremonial Entrustment of Firearms  by the  1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army   at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in  Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

The graduates took oath last December 4, 2017 and underwent 4-month rigorous training on Basic Military Training (BMT) course.

From  civilian into  soldier

MGen. Roseller G. Murillo, Tabak commander, said during their training at the 1^st Division Training School (1DTS) that  the candidate soldiers were transformed from civilians into soldiers and from men into  gentlemen.

“These soldiers are now  ready to serve the Filipino people and secure the motherland,” Murillo proudly said.

Murillo urged the graduates to instill discipline and respect for authority all throughout their military life as these are essentially important in the life of a soldier. He also extended his profound congratulations to the proud parents who gave their all-out support to their sons in order to hurdle the training for enlistment to the regular force of the AFP.

“I fervently hope that you will support your sons. They need your  understanding as they are now uniformed men,” Murillo said adding that they are their inspiration for their sacrifices and efforts as the protectors and defenders of the country.

No trials greater that success

Murillo said as they perform their duties, he is certain that the new privates will be facing trials along the way. “But there is no trials greater than the success that you now have achieved,” he added.

He also expressed thanks to the training officers (1DTS) for tirelessly  imparting their knowledge and skills, guiding and for training them to become strong, principled and disciplined soldiers.

Happy to be a full-fledged soldier

Private Zoe Bahian, 22 years old  of Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental and a topnotcher of  Class 519-17 said he is very proud and happy that he is now a full-fledged soldier.

“I very proud and happy that I am now full-fledged soldier. I am ready to help the Philippine Army in fighting against insurgency, maintain the peace and order and stability in our country.”

Rebel returnee, IP member now soldiers

Private Arnell Lumangcag, 22 of  Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental and a former rebel returnee said he was very grateful that he was given a chance by the  government to work as a soldier.

Lumangcag said that when he was with the New People’s Army (NPA) a year ago, he was promised that he will receive a monthly salary but the promise was not fulfilled.
Thus, he decided to escape from the organization  bringing  with him a firearm which he immediately surrendered at the 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division.

He was glad that the government opened its door to the rebel returnees who would return to the government fold and want to serve as law enforcers.

“As a soldier, I can now help my parents and fund the schooling of my brothers and sisters,” Lumangcag happily said.  

Private Noel Lungaya, a Subanen and a resident of Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur,  said he did not expect to be a full-fledged soldier due to the rigorous military training.

“Walay pulong nga maka-describe sa akong gibati dihang ang mga IP members gihatagan ako sa gobyerno ug kahigayonan nga maka-alagad sa katawhan ug sa atong nasud. Dako kaayo akong pasalamat ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte nga iyang gipangga ang mga Indigenous People  ug gihatagan ug kahigayonan makasalmot sa Philippine Army,” (No words could ever describe the happiness I feel when the IP members are  given the opportunity by the government to serve the people and our country. I thank President Rodrigo Duterte for loving the Indigenous People and given the opportunity to join the Philippine Army)  Lungaya said.

The new graduates were symbolically entrusted with firearms led by Timuay Jose Macareal  and assisted by MGen. Roseller Murillo at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan   on  April 5.

The class topnotchers were also given recognition during the event.

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1006570