Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City – A send-off ceremony for 101 new privates was held at the Headquarters' Grandstand of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division (8ID), here on May 25, 2012.

A send-off ceremony is a military tradition in which Military Officers and Non-Commisioned Officers and dependents bid farewell and good luck to all military troops who will be deployed for a specific mission.

In his message, Col Virgilio M Espineli, Assistant Division Commander of 8ID, said, “Today marks your first official duty as regular members of the Philippine Army. As you leave the portals of this camp, we expect that you will religiously follow the things that have been taught to you and help bolster the peace and development efforts of the Army in the countryside.”

The ceremony was attended by Senior Military Officers headed by Colonel Raylindo S Aniṅon, 8ID Chief of Staff; and Enlisted Men and Civilian Employees of 8ID. The new privates will be assigned to the different Army battalions under 8ID in Eastern Visayas Region.

During the ceremony, the privates were reminded of the Army’s commitment to respect human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law and obey the rule of law and to help win the peace by engaging or involving in peace and development initiatives.

PR by the 8TH INFANTRY (STORMTROOPERS) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY