Ex-NPA rebels welcome to join Army

MANILA, Philippines - Former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels can join the Philippine Army, which is recruiting 13,900 new members this year, an official has said. 

“The recruitment does not distinguish anybody. As long as they are qualified they’re welcome to apply,” Army chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda told a media briefing at Fort Bonifacio on Wednesday.

Miranda said the recruitment is in line with government efforts to infuse fresh blood into the ranks.

“New soldiers are needed to replace and take over positions of around 3,000  personnel who retire each year,” he said.

Miranda said the new recruits would be deployed to various units, including the newly created 54th Army Engineering Brigade.

He said the recruitment of additional personnel would make their job easier, especially during field operations. 

“If we have five soldiers doing the  job that is supposed to be done by 10 troopers...they can perform and accomplish their mission easier and faster,” he said.

Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao said President Duterte approved the hiring of 349 Army officers and 8,892 soldiers.

“Most of the new recruits will fill vacant positions in the infantry, cavalry and artillery units. Some will be assigned to the engineering, communication, logistics and administrative units,” Hao said.

He said applicants could visit Army recruitment centers at Fort Bonifacio, Camp Lapu-Lapu in  Cebu City and Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City.