CAGAYAN NATIVE TOPS NEW SOLDIERS’ COURSE

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Isabela: A 23-year-old Army soldier topped the list of 555 new graduates who finished the six-month training at the 5th Infantry Division Training School, the military said on Thursday. Pvt. Jeffrey de la Cruz

of Santo Niño, Cagayan tabbed a 93.83-percent average in his course to top the Alab Bagsik Class 728. Capt. Rigor Pamittan, 5th Infantry Division public affairs chief and spokesman, said the soldiers underwent six months of “rigid training that tested their physical and mental stability while transforming them from carefree civilians to fine-grown military men.”Three other new soldiers, Pvt. Jefmel Guiuo, 23, of Delfin Albano, Isabela; Pvt. Liesel Ansang, 24, of Tanudan, Kalinga; and Pvt. Jhonloyd Jalina, 22, of San Mariano, Isabela, topped their respective batches at Masintikas Class 729, Makidlat Class 730 and Masid-lab Class 731. The families of the soldiers believed that they were inspired to finish their course because of their love for their families. The new graduates were among those who applied and passed all tests and qualification requirements before the six-month training.