64 CAA finish basic military training

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Brigadier General Orlando Edralin, commander of Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), urged the 64 Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) Active Auxiliary (CAA) graduates to be responsible in protecting peace and order in Negros.

Edralin attended the graduation of these CAA members who have completed their basic military training in rites held at the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) headquarters in Barangay Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental yesterday.

He lauded them for passing the rigorous training, orientation and transformation to be able to be part of the CAA.

In his message, Edralin said that the training they had symbolized their significant transformation, as they have pledged as a member of the CAA, to the country and people, and as they received their respective firearms.

Edralin said that being a CAA member is already a responsibility.

“Ito ay may purpose. It has an objective in itself,” he added.

“As Cafgu volunteers, do not forget your responsibility to the country and people kung saan ang ating buhay ay handa nating ibigay para mapatunayan sa kanila ang tunay na simbolo ng ating commitment bilang part ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Army,” Edralin said.

Edralin said the training will serve as their personal instrument and power. He said they are very confident that these new CAA members are really dedicated and committed.

“As you wear the uniform, you are not just a Cafgu, but a member of the Armed Forces and the Army. Ito ay may kaakibat na responsibilidad hindi lamang sa pansariling disiplina, but also to adhere, follow, and respect human rights, international law, and rule of law,” he added.

He stressed that any abuses are not tolerable, and any flaws in the performance of duties cover a corresponding responsibility and accountability.

Meanwhile, the guest of honor during the graduation rites of the CAA was Director Christina Loren Umali of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade and Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army Concerns Office, who represented Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.