Tacloban City (14 October) -- The peacekeeping forces under the 8th Infantry (Storm Trooper) Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the command of Major General Rodrigo F. Maclang joined the entire Philippine Army in the simultaneous celebration of the 15th Founding Anniversary of the Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Code of Ethics Day on October 9, 2006.

The activity coincided with the regular Monday flag raising ceremony attended by the officers, personnel and civilian employees of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. The anniversary was celebrated with the theme: “upholding Ethical Standards, A Strong Foundation for a Solid and Professional Army”.

Major General Rodrigo F Maclang, in his message urged everyone to have a clear understanding of the AFP Code of Ethics. He reminded the men of the AFP Core Values of Honor, Duty, Loyalty, Valor and Solidarity.

The Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability’s aspirations for the organization is to inculcate moral discipline to every soldier in order to enhance the realization of the PA vision of having a capable, professional and responsive army that is a source of national pride.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has been pushing for the professionalization of its ranks in order to get the full confidence and trust of the people especially those in the insurgency-stricken hinterlands.