READY TO SERVE. At least 273 graduates of military training at the 6th Infantry Division Training School in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte celebrate after being officially proclaimed as soldiers of the Philippine Army on Thursday (Oct. 27, 2023). Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, 6ID commander, deployed the graduates to various Army units to help secure the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) based here has deployed newly graduated soldiers to its various field units in Central Mindanao to help ensure peaceful and safe Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
“They will augment Army units currently in the field for the Oct. 30 polls,” Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, 6ID commander, said in a statement Friday.
Rillera welcomed Thursday afternoon graduates of Candidate Soldier Course Classes 787 and 788-2023, cross-trained with the Infantry Orientation Course Class 04-23, at the 6ID Training School in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
"I expect you to be sturdy, hardworking, and passionate as you continue your new endeavor. I urge each of you to work with utmost commitment, and enthusiasm, and exhibit genuine professionalism,” he told the new troopers.
Among the 273 new soldiers, Private Mellin Belwar emerged as the standout. A native of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, Belwar's credentials include being a Reserve Officer Training Corps Officer program graduate and a reservist of the 12th Regional Community Defense Group.
Six months ago, 283 candidate soldiers entered the 6ID Training School but only 273 have survived and graduated, 13 of whom are women.
On Oct. 20, a 500-man military force also arrived in this camp to reinforce security for the BSKE in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The 6ID covers the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, parts of Lanao del Sur, and the 63 BARMM villages in North Cotabato in its area of responsibility in mainland Mindanao.
Other areas covered by 6ID are the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and parts of North Cotabato and Sarangani in the Soccsksargen region. (PNA)
