JOLO, Sulu — A total of 453 new private soldiers join the 11th Infantry Division (ID) of the Philippine Army here after graduating from the Infantry Orientation Course (INFOC) at the 11th Division “Mastal” Training School in Camp Bud Datu, Barangay Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu on Saturday.
Alakdan Division Training School (DTS) commandant Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero disclosed that the 453 new private soldiers — composed of 412 males and 41 females — will be deployed to different infantry battalions.
The new soldiers are composed of graduates from Candidate Soldier Course Classes 680, 681 and 682 and underwent a two-month competency training as infantry soldiers.
Graduating at the top of the class was Pvt. Bobby S. Secretaria, with Pvt. Nelson Nondong placing second while Pvt. Bernard Paloma placed third.
Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF-Sulu) commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio presided over the closing ceremony of INFOC “Masiglayan” Class 04 and congratulated the new soldiers for their sacrifices and perseverance in the training.
He also welcomed them as part of the government security forces’ anti-terrorism campaign in Sulu and emphasized that the training is part of their readiness before their deployment.
“For the next few days, you will be deployed in your respective units and be part of our peace and security campaign in the province of Sulu,” Patrimonio said.