BAGUIO CITY — This year’s graduating class of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is one in saying that soldiers are not just for war, but also for rebuilding communities like war-torn Marawi City in Mindanao.
Cadet Jaywardene Balilea Hontoria, topnotcher of the graduating class collectively called “Alab-Tala”, said they have been academically and physically trained by the academy in their four years of rigid studies, preparing them for the real job of a soldier.
Ricardo Liwaden, who is graduating number 2 in the class of 282 cadets, said that while he is a Cordilleran, he would not resist an assignment in Mindanao, where his services are needed.
Brigadier General Jose Faustino Jr., who was recently assigned to the country’s premier military institution after a tour of duty in Mindanao, said the rehabilitation in Marawi is something that the soldiers could actively involve themselves in.
“I am confident that the cooperation of the battalions who will come together, their leadership, their character, will be put to good use and will be a great help for Marawi,” Faustino said.
Faustino said during the Marawi crisis, he had sent battalions of soldiers to the terrorist-gripped city. He said the soldiers’ character as public servants and military servicemen served as the model for the graduating class.
The military officer added the problem of Marawi had not stopped, but continues even after rehabilitation.
He said the new PMA graduates now play a big role in helping bring back Marawi on its feet and protecting the country from all forms of security threats.
“There is hope in that region. We just need to immerse with the people to know what they need and want,” said Cadet First Class (C1CL) Mark Dacillo, the 2018 class’ number 5 and who hails from Zamboanga City.
Dacillo said they could help in the rehabilitation of Marawi and other“war-stricken areas in the country by immersing themselves in the community.
He said immersion would help build the community’s trust in the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and keep peace and order.
C1CL Leonore Japitan from Butuan City, who is graduating number 4, said as a native of Mindanao, she should help address the issues of their community.
Japitan added the AFP must also gain the trust of the poor communities to help keep peace and order. (Pamela Mariz Geminiano/PNA)
