PH Army’s 5ID gets 243 new soldiers

MGen. Laurence Mina, 5ID Commander; Topnother Michael Agunoy during the ceremonial turn-over of firearms.

GAMU, Isabela- The Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division welcomes 243 additional soldiers during the graduation ceremony of the Candidate Soldier (CS) Classes 692 and 693 on May 16, 2022.

The soldiers were enlisted to the rank of Private after completing six months of rigid candidate soldier course cross-trained with Infantry Orientation Course (INFOC) facilitated by the 5th Division Training School. They are specially enlisted under the Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte quota.

Private Michael L Agonoy from San Mariano, Isabela emerged as the Top 1 from the 126 trainees of Mandirigmang Kawal na may Iisang SInumpaang Ginagampanan ALAy sa Bayan (MAKISIG ALAB) CLASS 692 with a general average of 93.14% followed by Private Jay Alvin Bayawon from Kiangan, Ifugao with 92.86% and Private Simon T Maslang from Tanudan, Kalinga with 92.31% average. Private Rufino B Dinulong Jr of Tanudan, Kalinga got the Physical Fitness Proficiency Award (TARZAN) with a general average of 95.43%.

In Suong Ang pangaNIB LAging Handang makidIgma (SANIB LAHI) CLASS 693 with 117 graduates, Private Leopoldo N Villena from Sto. Niño, Cagayan excelled with 91.34% followed by Private Jonathan M Banggot from Paracelis, Mt. Province with 91.8%; and Private Christian A Leones from Tabuk City, Kalinga with a general average of 90.88%. The Physical Fitness Proficiency Award (TARZAN) was given to Private Ryan D Arias from Pinukpuk, Kalinga with a general average of 96.77 %.

MGen. Laurence Mina, commander of 5ID said the new soldiers were reserved for the battalions under the Area of Responsibility of 5ID. Accordingly, there is a leveling and rationalization of distribution of older Non-Commissioned Officers to come over and lead the privates to completely form the 102nd. He also said that within the year, they will be forming the 103rd infantry battalion.

MGen Mina in his speech reminded the new soldiers to keep in mind the importance of military discipline.# Mae Barangan /FNS