ILOILO City – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) wants a “higher degree” of discipline among soldiers in the islands of Panay and Negros.
Major General Eric Vinoya, chief of the 3ID, echoed the main thrust of their newly installed commanding general, Major General Andres Centino – discipline among soldiers.
Vinoya expressed full support to Centino, the 64th commanding general who will lead the 100,000-strong Army soldiers.
“A higher degree of discipline is expected of soldiers to carry out their mission. From our basic training to the higher level of learning, each soldier is taught that military discipline is the state of order and obedience existing within our organization. Discipline demands correct performance of duty,” Vinoya said.
He added: “Everything in life requires some sort of discipline, whether it is playing sports, doing household chores, passing the exam, or just by merely brushing our teeth. It all comes down to discipline. As a soldier much more is required as they are often confronted by fatigue, battle stress, physical stamina and the life and death situation in the mountains.”
Vinoya said Western Visayans are banking on the effort of Spearhead troopers especially in ending the local communist armed conflict.
On May 18, Centino replaced his classmate, Lieutenant General Jose Faustino as Army commander. Both belonged to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988.
Under Republic Act 8186’s Section 4, the Army commander should have at least one year remaining in the service on the day of his assumption. Faustino is due to retire by November this year.
Vinoya said the 3ID will continue being a formidable partner of the Visayans in attaining peace.
“Last year, soldiers enjoyed being one among the best performing or most trusted agency of the government, we cannot allow mediocrity to pull us down for much is expected to sustain the tag,” Vinoya added.
On the other hand, Major Cenon Pancito, 3ID spokesperson, said for almost five years they have not received complaints from civilians against their soldiers.
“So far wala tayong formal complaints against our soldiers. Meaning ang ating sundalo ay nanatiling disiplinado at nag serbisyo ng tapat,” Pancito said./PN
