Neophyte soldiers vow to hunt terrorists

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

The newly-graduated armies have sworn their allegiances to the government as they are now enlisted as privates in the regular force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“They will be deployed for Internal Security Operations and will hunt down communist-terrorists in the 3 rd Infantry Division area of responsibility,” Maj. Lyndon J. Sollesta, public information officer of the 3 rd ID stressed in a statement.

Sollesta said the 384 soldiers, equivalent to three and a half rifle companies completed the six-month rigid military training.

The Matatag Class 99-04 graduation was held March 16 in a simple military ceremony at Camp Peralta , Jamindan, Capiz. Sollesta said that almost a thousand of the soldiers' jubilant family members, guests and military officials witnessed the affair.

“(The graduation) marked a very significant change in your lives, a milestone in your career. You have been transformed into young men and women of courage, strength and determination, an accomplishment which your loved ones are certain to be proud of,” Assistant division commander Gen. Antonio Seville told the army graduates.

“You were mold at the time when our institution, the military organization, was under fire brought about by several scandals. However, never mind them and just leave it to proper authorities in solving the problems as the hierarchy does not condone any wrongdoings affecting the organization,” Seville was quoted as saying.

Rather, Seville urged the soldiers to “focus on the role that you will play in the organization and be a proud part in countering the evils of society and faithfully serve the people whom we ought to protect and the government we preserve and keep its integrity”.

“Always remember the discipline, commitment and training and make it as your guiding light as you perform your mandated role,” Seville advised the soldiers.

Meanwhile, Sollesta noted that top graduates who received the certificate of merits are Pvt. Joel S. Butoy of Mahayag, Albuera, Leyte (rank No.1), Pvt. Ysrael A. Yosores from Camp Hernandez , Dingle, Iloilo (No. 2) and Pvt. Aries O. Bernabe of Maralag, Mambusao, Capiz (No.3). Pvt. Ephraime B. Cañete of Jaena Norte, Jamindan, Capiz is also given the physical proficiency award as “Tarzan” of the class.