PNP backs mandatory military training for senior high school students
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has declares support to the proposal of President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. to make military training mandatory for senior high school students.
Police Maj. Gen. Valeriano De Leon, PNP director for Operations, said the planned mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and the National Service Training Program (NSTP) for Grade 11 and 12 students would pave the way for that would prepare the country for any threat to Philippine sovereignty.
De Leon said the proposed mandatory training programs would not only equip students with military know-hows but also disaster response.
“Disaster preparedness is also important among Filipinos, given that the country is frequently struck by typhoons, in addition to other natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes,” said De Leon.
He stated that the required training programs will provide information to the Filipino young not only to defend themselves, but also to protect their families and the country as a whole.
"These also foster volunteering among the Filipino young, which is assisted by improvements in communication lines on the aspect of order execution from the top down to the last element in terms of rescue operations and protecting our country," he added.
Even during the election period, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio has been very vocal about pushing for a mandatory youth training program in the country.
“These training programs, ROTC and NSTP, will orient our young generation towards military organization, which is necessary if there is a major threat to our beloved country," said De Leon.