296 New Soldiers complete Basic Military Training

Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz--- Two hundred and ninety-six (296) candidate soldiers were sworn in as Privates into the Armed Forces of the Philippines by Major General Vicente M Porto, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division during the joint graduation ceremony of Candidate Soldier (Magilas) Class 218-10 and 231-10 held in Camp Macario B Peralta Jr, Jamindan, Capiz this morning.

The class started with 300 able-bodied recruits who began their training last October 22 hailing from different parts of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros islands. Their training consisted of 3 months honing their basic military skills and another 2 months of application through the Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operations Course (JWMOC) held at the 33,100 hectare Military Reservation in Jamindan.

Special Awards were given to the following members of Class Magilas:

· Academic awards for the top three finishers of the class:

o CS Cyril Jun L Maglaqui

o CS Roel R Romay

o CS Glen A Tawagon

· Physical fitness and proficiency award: CS Jomar C Chavez

· Plaque of Recognition for Outstanding Leadership: CS Raymond C Chisno

· Combat awards:

o CS Rodolfo L Paigalan

o CS Breno Pagurayan

Maj Gen Porto, the Guest of Honor and Speaker of the ceremony, congratulated the graduates during his speech and urged them to be loyal and serve to protect and enhance the name of the Armed Forces of the Philippines particularly the Philippine Army. He also underscored the role of the new privates as catalysts for peace and development in our country. "As new soldiers, you must possess the qualities of SARS- a combination of Skills, Attitude, Responsibility and Spiritual Guidance," Porto added.

For 2009 alone, the 3ID has already graduated a total of 286 soldiers after being given a ceiling of 300 for recruitment. These soldiers will be distributed to our different subordinate units to replenish their ranks and to maintain our effective strength so that we may continue to perform our mission in Western Visayas. These are the first set of graduates that will be deployed by the 3ID for year 2010.

The Spearhead Division takes pride in producing professional and service-oriented soldiers and this is why so many of our fellow citizens are inspired to take up the profession of arms. This is shown by the increase in the turnout of applicants for last year’s recruitment. Your army is optimistic that in our future recruitment efforts we can hope to entice more applicants with professional skills as we continue to enhance our technology as well as our capabilities.