An additional of 8,000 personnel for 2018 will be recruited as the army continues to build its forces to support the military’s continuing campaign against all threat groups.
Army Spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said the 8,000 is higher than the regular 3,600 yearly quota replacement in the Army, which is the forefront of the military’s internal security operations.
“THE HIGHER QUOTA IS ALSO DUE TO THE ONGOING ACTIVATION OF 10 ADDITIONAL ARMYU INFANTRY BATTALIONS WHICH AIMS TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE PHILIPPINE ARMY’S CAPABILITY TO BE MORE RESPONSIVE IN ADDRESSING THE VARIOUS THREATS, PARTICULARLY TERRORISM THAT BESETS THE COUNTRY”
In 2017, the Army was able to recruit 350 new officers and about 13,000 newly enlisted personnel.
A total of 8,892 soldiers were hired to fill up the special quota approved by President Duterte, 1,069 went to the newly organized 54th Engineering Brigade and the remaining 3,600 soldiers represented the annual quota replacement in the Army.
Recruitment centers have been identified in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu and Fort Bonifacio in Taguig. Villanueva added, “ The continuous recruitment of the Philippine Army is a good opportunity for our youth to discover a new dimension on how to better serve and show their love for the country. There may be lots of vocation, occupation and profession waiting for them but joining the noblest profession like the Army is something different and worthwhile.”
WITH REPORTS FROM: RENE ACOSTA, BUSINESS MIRROR
PHOTOS FROM: http://www.update.ph, REUTERS/Erik De Castro
