MANILA — Some 168 new second lieutenants were formally deployed to various units nationwide, the Philippine Army (PA) announced Friday.
The new officers came from Officer Candidate Course “Gahiusa” Class 48-2017 and Officer Preparatory Course “Lakanlawig” Class 67-2016, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said.
“For several months, their training was focused on improving their individual war fighting competency, understanding Rule of Law and Human Rights protocols and improving their leadership ability through the Basic Officer Leader Course,” he added.
Villanueva said the deployment of the new lieutenants will help answer the increasing demand for platoon leaders in the field.
“Further, it will improve the readiness condition of the ground forces particularly the Infantry Divisions. Presently, the Philippine Army is geared on enhancing its force structure by establishing additional 10 Infantry Battalions, one Ranger Battalion and an Engineer Combat Battalion,” the PA spokesperson stressed. (PNA)