254 new soldiers to boost Army’s anti-insurgency drive

By: Jennifer P. Rendon

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division further strengthened its anti-insurgency campaign with the deployment of more soldiers in Central and Western Visayas.

But Captain Cenon Pancito III, 3rd ID spokesperson, said the exact units of the 254 additional soldiers will still be determined.

The new soldiers belonging to Candidate Soldier (CS) Classes 606-2019 and 607-2019 graduated from training on Nov. 15, 2019.

They were given a break before their deployment next month.

Brigadier General Eric Vinoya, the newly-installed 3rd ID commander, graced the graduation ceremony while Governor Roel Degamo of Negros Oriental led the ceremonial entrustment of firearms.

Vinoya said the additional home-grown soldiers of the 3ID will boost the government’s peace effort to end decades-long local communist armed conflict in Central and Western Visayas.

On the other hand, Degamo reiterated to the newly-enlisted soldiers to be faithful to their sworn duty.

He also emphasized that the ceremony of entrustment of firearms to instil effective and just service.

“Don’t use it in doing abusive acts and in harming your people,” he said.

Degamo told the new soldiers to always respect human rights and the rule of law in all of their future engagements.

Also, “always follow the lawful orders of your commanders and leaders and be loyal to your loved ones and family. But most of all, keep your faith in God intact,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pancito said the 254 soldiers were enlisted to the rank of Private after completing three months of rigid Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) and Jungle Warfare Mountain Operation Course (JWMOC) facilitated by the 3rd Division Training School (3DTS).

Private Melven Zausa, a Bachelor of Science in Home Technology graduate from Barangay Ogsip, Libacao, Aklan, received the Commander, 3rd Infantry Division Award for topping the 127 CS Class 607-2019 with a General Point Average (GPA) of 89.43 % in all evaluated subjects.

Private Reydan Durante, a BS Marine Transportation undergraduate from Purok A1, Katipunan, Sagbayan, Bohol, bagged the same award after emerging as the top student of Class 606-2019.

Durante was also a recipient of Commander’s Physical Proficiency Awards for obtaining the highest rating in Physical Fitness Test in Class 606.

The Chief of Staff, 3ID awards were given to Private Eraldex Alfornon of Barangay Tomonoy Moalboac, Cebu and Private Gilbert Zonio of Barangay Ganson, Jamindan, Capiz for graduating number 2 in Class 607 and 606, respectively.

Meanwhile, the recipients of the Commandant, 3rd Division Training School Awards were Private Abe Gape of Barangay San Nicolas, Tapaz, Capiz and Private Francis Norbe of Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental for graduating number 3 in Class 606 and 607, respectively.

Private Generoso Decipolo, a BS Criminology graduate from Barangay Poblacion, Mabinay, Negros Oriental, was given the Commander’s Physical Proficiency Awards for obtaining the highest rating in Physical Fitness Test in Class 607.

Vinoya congratulated the newly-enlisted soldiers for passing and finishing the meticulous selection process and rigid training.

He also reminded the new Army privates to avoid activities that could discredit them as soldiers and could taint the military organization.

“Always adhere to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism as you perform your duty to the people and country,” Vinoya said.