A TOTAL 300 indigenous people (IP) candidate soldiers are set to graduate today, December 17, after their two-months training at the 10th Infantry Division (ID) headquarter and are expected to further capacitate the security forces in their counter-terrorism effort in the hinterland and implementation of community support program (CSP).
Captain Jerry Lamosao, Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief of the 10th ID, said that the ceremony will be held at the 10th ID headquarters in Mawab, Compostela Valley Province.
These IP soldiers will receive equal privileges, salary, allowances and other benefits similar to the regular soldiers.
They started their training last October 17 and underwent the same training including the basic military training and jungle warfare.
Instead of taking the AFP Service Aptitude Test (AFPSat), which is the initial step before joining the Armed Forces, the AFP waived it, including the age, height, and educational background for the IPs to qualify and be part of the roster.
But they also underwent exams on neuropsychological, medical, and aptitude for the service interview to determine if they are physically and mentally fit to join the army.
The training of the Lumads is seen to help the AFP and increase their manpower resources, particularly in the area of the 10th ID in delivering community support programs and encourage their fellow tribesmen to be part of the nation-building.