By Martin Sadongdong
Some 73 new second lieutenants have been deployed by the Philippine Army in the field.
Philippine Army (MANILA BULLETIN)
Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto, the Army's commanding general, led the recent send-off ceremony of the Class 51-2018 at the Army Officers Club House in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
"Your position holds high expectations and great responsibilities, as you will lead our soldiers in development support and security operations," Alberto told the newly deployed officers.
"I also advise you to maintain your integrity, as it entails discipline and utmost loyalty to duty and service. You have entered this profession with work realities that will, at times, test your morals, but always look back to our core values of honor, patriotism, and duty," he said.
During the ceremony, the new members of the Army Officer Corps received Glock 17 pistols to symbolize their role as "vanguards of security, peace, and progress in the country."
The officers took the Officer Candidate Course in December 2017.
After a year of rigorous training, they underwent a 45-day Scout Ranger Orientation Course, the Common Module Phase, and the recently concluded Service Orientation led by Army’s Commanding General, Vice Commanding General and Chief of Staff.