Bontoc seeks consideration for local applicants to military service
by Juliet Saley
BONTOC, Mt. Province -- The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) is requesting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to give consideration and allot a bigger quota for applicants from the province who are interested to enter the military service.
The Council chaired by Governor Maximo B. Dalog made the request through Resolution No. 3, S. 2006 in view of countless requests for assistance of applicants of this province relative to their entry in the military service particularly in the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy.
The PPOC noted that many Mt. Province applicants possess the educational qualifications, the right frame of mind but lack one physical attribute which is the height requirement. The presence of quota system for recruitment is also hindering interested applicants.
The required height for male applicants is 5 feet 4 inches, and 5 feet 2 inches for female applicants.
During the recent PPOC meeting held at Capinitan, Sabangan, Lt. Col. Loreto Maguindayao, Jr., Commanding Officer, 54th IB, 5th ID, Philippine Army explained that in the existing set up of their unit, majority of the members are from the Cordillera with the inclusion of Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army integrees.
He said slots for 500 additional personnel had just been filled up but the request for recruitment exclusively for Mt. Province would be elevated to higher headquarters for action.
Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Enstein Calaoa earlier asked if recruitment procedures for entry at the Philippine Army could be conducted for Mt. province in order that members of the indigenous people could apply.
The Council said prioritization of applicants from this province by allotting a bigger quota would somehow counteract the recruitment by the New People's Army (NPA). (PIA-MP) [top]
