• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Army outposts in the hinterland barangays of Negros Island will be boosted by the deployment of 188 Cafgu Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) who completed the basic military training on May 31.
They were trained by the 3rd Infantry Division Training School in Barangay La Granja, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental led by its commandant, Lt. Col. Erwin Cariño.
In his message, Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, who was the guest of honor during the graduation rites, said that the essence of CAA training goes beyond physical endurance and tactical skills.
It is about instilling in them the core values that define a true soldier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Edralin said.
The CAAs have also been taught the importance of courtesy and discipline, respect for human rights, and the proper values that are essential for upholding the integrity and honor of the AFP.
Edralin also reminded them that their uniform and firearms are not just a symbol of authority and power, but also a symbol of greater responsibility and expectation to do their best in the performance of their mandated duties in protecting and serving the people and their community. | GB