Army welcomes 293 new privates

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army welcomed 293 soldiers to its ranks on Friday, boosting the military’s pool of highly trained and dedicated troops ready for combat and other operations.

Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said the batch, belonging to Class 806-2026, completed four months of basic military training capped by a closing ceremony at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

“Your training was designed to test your limits, teach how to endure discomfort, overcome challenges, work with others and remain focused even when circumstances are difficult,” Brig. Gen. Adolfo Espuelas Jr. said in his keynote remarks.

Espuelas challenged the soldiers to carry the uniform with pride and firm commitment to service.

“The uniform will mean more than what you see in the mirror, it will carry the name of the Philippine Army, the confidence put into you, the expectations of your fellow soldiers and, above all, the trust of the Filipino people. Never take that trust for granted,” Espuelas stressed.