A TOTAL of 191 candidate soldiers completed their Basic Military Training (BMT) at Camp Macario B. Peralta Jr., Jamindan, Capiz on September 26, 2023.
The new soldiers were part of the Candidate Soldier Course "Sinanay upang Ipaglaban ang Inang bayan ng may Tapang at Layunin Alang-alang sa Sinumpaang Tungkulin" (Sintalas) Classes 768 and 769-2023.
Among the 191 new soldiers, 68 were from Iloilo, 40 from Capiz, 30 from Negros, six from Aklan, four from Antique, 32 from other parts of Visayas, eight from different parts of Luzon, and three from Mindanao. The two classes consisted of 177 males and 14 females.
They underwent four months of training in combat skills enhancement, explosive ordnance reconnaissance, disaster response and rescue, water search and rescue, and air-to-ground operations.
Among the top graduates are John Paul P. Galvan, who received the Commander 3ID Award, Rhomnick H. Dago, who received the Chief of Staff Award and the Physical Proficiency Award, and Gaverell P. Farillon, who received the Commandant 3DTS Award.
In his message, Mayor Francisco L. Calvo of Jamindan, Capiz reminded the new privates to use their firearms to protect the people and always seek the Lord's guidance through prayer.
“Ang armas nga ginhatag sa inyo gamiton ninyo sa pagpangapin sa katawhan. Halungan ninyo ang inyo kaugalingon, magpangamuyo antes magpanaw, indi magkalimot sa Ginoo agud makalab-ot kamu sa inyo retirement (Use the firearm that was given to you to protect the people. Take good care of yourselves, pray before you move, and don’t forget the Lord for you to reach your retirement),” said Mayor Calvo.
Major General Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, congratulated the new privates and conveyed his four guidance to them: never forget the military discipline, refrain from abusive behavior and any vices, don't engage in drugs, and always pray and seek the Lord's guidance.
“First, never forget the military discipline, for this will set you apart from others; second, refrain from abusive behavior and any vices, as it is not the conduct of a true soldier; third, don’t engage in drugs, and lastly, always pray and seek the Lord’s guidance," Sison said.
Sison also reiterated Calvo's point that each of them has been issued a firearm as a symbol of their authority, but this authority comes with an equally important responsibility.
The 191 new soldiers will go through a 45-day Infantry Operations Course at the training facility of the 3ID after finishing the BMT. (SunStar Philippines)