CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar,  (PIA) — Twelve new 2nd Lieutenants who recently graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and from the Officer Candidate School are now assigned at the 8thInfantry (Stormtrooper) Division, Philippine Army.

They were formally welcomed during the flag raising ceremony at Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City on May 25, 2015.

As part of the Command’s tradition, the young officers were presented during the flag-raising ceremony, introduced themselves to the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees of the Army Command.

Five of the new young officers are members of PMA”SINAGLAHI” Class of 2015, while seven are members of the Officer Preparatory Course “MANDALAPI” Class 62- 2014. Eleven of them are from Luzon, while one is from Mindanao.

The new 2nd Lieutenants are: 2Lt. Rocky Johnson A. Abut, 2Lt. Arjay P. Regidor, 2Lt. Jean C. Buenaventura, 2Lt. Daniel G. Olivas, 2Lt. Ian Daniel C. Robianes, 2Lt. Christian B. Baclig, 2Lt. Jullane A. Biniahan, 2Lt. Russel U. Borres, 2Lt. Benjamin T. Cabading, 2Lt. Alvin P. Garcia, 2Lt Ana Fe G. Ipas, 2Lt. Clarence M. Locero, 2Lt. Alvin R. Mendoza.

Currently, the new officers are undergoing the Platoon Leader’s Course to refresh them of the military knowledge and skills they acquired from the respective military schools.

Major General Jet B. Velarmino, Commander of the Army in Eastern Visayas stressed in his message the Philippines’ core values, of honor, patriotism and duty.

“Cling on to these values and you will never go astray from the narrow path towards becoming an ideal soldier in the mold of our brave and noble military heroes.” (PIA 8-Samar with Maj Gutierrez-8th ID DPAO)