Sixty-four new soldiers from the Tausug ethnic group have finished training and are now mission-ready to secure Sulu from communist rebels, terrorists and other lawless elements, the Philippine Army said on Monday, Feb. 27.

The Tausug soldiers are among the 389 newly-graduate soldiers who completed the seven-month Infantry Orientation Course (INFOC) Class 06-2022 last Saturday, Feb. 25. 

The closing ceremony was officiated by Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu and 11^th Infantry Division (11ID), at Camp Bud Datu in Brgy. Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu.

“Of the 389 newly-graduates of INFOC Class 06-2022, 64 were Tausugs. They will be deployed to the different units to be additional forces in support to the peace and security campaign here in Sulu,” said Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, commandant of the 11ID Training School. 

Private Jay Mark Rivera graduated on top of the class after obtaining a 94.6 percent grade. He was followed by Private Severo Acosta Jr, Top 2; and Private Alfie Balansag, Top 3.

Patrimonio led the symbolic entrustment of firearms to the new soldiers “which signifies the people’s trust in soldiers’ readiness and ability to accomplish their mission.”

The military has observed an improved security situation in Sulu after the transformation of former Moro combatants and camps into peaceful communities. 

This, after the full implementation of the peace agreements with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

But threats groups such as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and the communist New People’s Army (NPA) continue to pose security concerns in the southern part of the country.

“Alagaan niyo ang inyong serbisyo, ang sarili at inyong pamilya dahil ito ay pinaghirapan niyo (Take care of your service, of yourself, and your families because you work hard for it). We expect a lot [from] you, be the role that you can be and stand proud,” Patrimonio told the new soldiers.