CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Fifteen former Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members and 48 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) are among the 281 newly full pledged soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division, who graduated from the 45-Day Infantry Orientation Course (INFOC) at the 4th Division Training School (4DTS) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Monday, July 25, 2022.
4DTS Commandant Lt. Col. Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr stated that the INFOC is the specialization phase that conducted to the fresh graduates of Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) Classes 690 and 691 of 2021 after finishing their four-month rigorous Basic Military Training on May 23, 2022.
Gracing the occasion were 4ID Commander MGen. Wilbur C. Mamawag and Region 10 DepEd Regional Director Dr. Arturo B. Bayucot along with the families and dependents of the trainees.
Part of the highlights of the event was the completion of the 25 soldiers from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program of DepEd. Also, the newly completed heli-mock tower designed to train soldiers in the spectrum of helicopter operations was also blessed.
In his message, MGen. Mamawag congratulated the graduates, their families, and the mentors for the success of the training. He said, “Today, let your accomplishment be a reminder for you to always find the courage and discipline to do what is right and fair not only for yourself and your families, but for the entire Philippine Army. But know that this is just the start of your challenging military career. I wish you luck in your chosen path.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Bayucot spearheaded the graduation rites for the ALS completers and expressed his profound joy and pride for the former rebels’ decision to return to the folds of the law and pursue better opportunities. “This is a life-changing decision for you because you were given a chance to pursue your education and became full-pledged soldiers. The ALS is a regular program of DEPED to ensure that nobody is left behind,” Dr. Bayucot added.
