THE war in Mindanao prompted the Philippine Military Academy to close its doors to the public.
Following standard procedures, Asia's premier military academy has locked down its perimeters to tourists and limits entry to the camp for necessities.
Lieutenant Colonel Rey Balido, PMA spokesperson announced Tuesday, May 30, that academy is closed to tourists for the next seven days.
The Academy, as well as all camps, according to Balido, observe procedures during times of crisis and cited the war in the south as a prevailing reason to be on red alert.
Balido said this is due to the prevailing security situation in Mindanao which poses threat of possible terroristic activities in other parts of the country.
Over the weekend, the PMA saw the incorporation of 285 plebes which will compose class 2021 with 245 males and 40 females.
Then plebes completed the New Cadet Battalion Training, a grueling and life changing seven-week course that intends to test, transform and prepare novice individuals to embrace a strict and regimented life in the academy.
The last time PMA closed its doors was February 8, following the termination of peace talks by President Rodrigo Duterte with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
The closure months ago coincided with rebel acts of torching Philex Mining Corporation trucks in nearby Itogon town.