"Protect our people": The message being implied by Mayor Rose Gardose of Tapaz, Capiz as she entrusts the M16 rifle to Private Nino Eric Imbud during the ceremonial entrustment of firearms to the new privates at Headquarters 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Camp Macario Peralta Jr, Jamindan, Capiz on July 16, 2012.

CAMP MACARIO PERALTA JR., Jamindan, Capiz –  In an another symbol of civilian supremacy over the military, a Local Chief Executive (LCE) and government officials handed over the rifles to 96 new soldiers in a "Ceremonial Entrustment of Firearms to New Privates" at the parade grounds here 3 p.m. yesterday.

The new Privates of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) who graduated in May 24 from the Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) Class 291-2011 cross-trained with Jungle Warfare Mountain Operation Course (JWMOC) were officially entrusted with firearms led by Honorable Mayor Rose Gardose of Tapaz town in Capiz, who also gave a message during the program.

The councilors of Barangay Jaena Norte, Jamindan, Capiz also accompanied the honorable mayor during the entrustment of firearms. Jaena Norte is where the immediate cantonment area of the 3ID headquarters is located.

Mayor Rose Gardose of Tapaz, Capiz, her second time to grace the entrustment of firearms, said that she will always be for the improvement of sustainability of our nation and further added that security is a concern of all stakeholders.

In her remarks during the program, Gardose further added that peace is the foundation of economic prosperity. She added that her presence represents Tapaz' continued support for the Army.

"We again chose today not to just let the new soldiers withdraw their respective rifles from the armory here,"said Major General Jose Mabanta Jr, Commander of the Army’s 3ID.

“The firearm that had been entrusted to your care by the Government Officials and the people of this region will serve as a tool to win the lasting peace in Western Visayas. This authority goes along with great responsibility to the people that we are serving,” Mabanta told the new privates.

A Registered Nurse (RN) from the Municipality of Calatrava in Negros Occidental emerged as the number one among the class.Marc Henri Fermin (RN), who opted to join the army, received the Commander 3ID award for graduating number one with a general average of 90.26% in all evaluated subjects both academic and non-academic in the said training conducted by 3ID's Division Training Unit.

Other awardees include: Benjie Artuz from Brgy Agdahon, Cuartero, Capiz, a graduate of BS Criminology and a board passer, received the Chief of Staff 3ID Award for graduating number two; Kenneth Edmun Hilongos from Poblacion 1, Purok Datu Kaka, Cotabato City, a graduate of Associate in Computer Science, received the Commandant 3rd Division Training Unit Award for graduating number three; and Johnry Bryan Villafuerte from Brgy Managupaya, Banate, Iloilo, received the Physical Proficiency Award for obtaining the highest rating in Physical Fitness Test throughout the duration of the training.

The ceremonial entrustment of firearms to new privates is being conducted upon completion of candidate soldiers’ training or prior to their dispatch to field units.

The new soldiers will be deployed immediately to the maneuver battalions of 3ID in Western Visayas and the Lanao provinces in Mindanao.

Each of the new soldiers underwent rigorous training in order for one to have a basic foundation expected of a soldier of the Philippine Army. The training prepared the soldier for his future role of performing duties in an Infantry Squad. The training also molded the individual to be physically fit, well-disciplined, and properly motivated to fill-in the enlisted rank requirements of the Army.

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