240 new officers to join Army units nationwide

Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva, said these officers consists of 102 male and 37 female graduates of Philippine Military Academy Class of 2018, 88 male and 12 female graduates of the Officer Candidate School Class 49-17, and one graduate of British Army Commissioning Course 163 of Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. (File Photo: Philippine Army)

MANILA — Some 240 newly-commissioned 2nd lieutenants were formally deployed Friday to various Philippine Army (PA) units nationwide to help in the ongoing fight against insurgency and terrorism.

Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva, said these officers consists of 102 male and 37 female graduates of Philippine Military Academy Class of 2018, 88 male and 12 female graduates of the Officer Candidate School Class 49-17, and one graduate of British Army Commissioning Course 163 of Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

“The new set of officers were fully trained on war fighting and tactical leadership. They were also taught and equipped with knowledge on rule of law, human rights and international humanitarian law, which is essential in the discharge of their duties and accomplishment of their assigned mission,” he added.

Acting PA chief, Major Gen. Chad D. Isleta, led the send-off ceremony in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City along with other ranking officers, civilian employees and the families of the new officers to show their unwavering support and motivation.

“I commend all of you for making the Philippine Army your choice and for willingly accepting the challenges that come with our profession, even if this means having to voluntarily leave behind your families, friends, and loved ones to protect a greater family – the Filipino citizenry. Take pride that you are now a part of a force that is rapidly transforming into a world-class organization,” he added.

The bulk of the new officers shall be deployed in various Army field units to strengthen leadership at the tactical level which is essential in quelling the various threats besetting the country, particularly insurgency and terrorism.

Villanueva said the deployment of the new lieutenants is very timely as the Army, through its ground units just heightened and intensified its security campaign to suppress terrorism and insurgency the soonest possible time.