By Sam Ramos
The Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) on Friday deployed 37 newly commissioned second lieutenants and 100 privates to various units in preparation for peacekeeping operations during the upcoming May 12 midterm elections in Central Mindanao.
The deployment followed a 45-day pre-deployment training at the 6ID Training School in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, which concluded on Thursday. Colonel Roberto Breboneria, commandant of the training school, said the newly assigned officers include seven females, while the 100 privates are part of the Infantry Orientation Training Class 01-2024.
“These new officers and personnel will strengthen our forces as the country approaches the elections,” Breboneria said, adding that their training emphasized physical conditioning, mental preparedness, and fundamental military skills. The second lieutenants underwent specialized instruction to familiarize themselves with operational environments under Joint Task Force Central.
The 6ID’s area of responsibility covers Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and parts of North Cotabato and Sarangani, where troops are expected to support law enforcement agencies in ensuring orderly and secure polls.