New CAAs take their oath, LGUs entrust them their rifle

By 2Lt. EVANGELINE ARICHETA, (INF) PA
March 3, 2011

BRGY. CATICUGAN, Sta. Rita, Samar  –  52nd Infantry (Eagle) Battalion (CAFGU), 8ID, PA conducted Oath Taking Ceremony to Newly Appointed CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAA) with Commander, 8ID, PA, MGen. Mario F. Chan AFP as the Presiding Officer. The Oath Taking was followed by Ceremonial Entrusting of Firearms with Representative from LGUs, Chairman of Brgy Polangi, Calbiga, Samar and Chairperson of Brgy Magsaysay, Sta Rita, Samar as guests last March 1, 2011 at the Battalion Headquarters of 52IB at Brgy Caticugan, Sta Rita, Samar.

A total of two hundred twenty one (221) civilian volunteers graduated from the Basic Military Training for CAFGU Active Auxiliaries last 21 December 2010. The Oath Taking Ceremony symbolizes the new CAAs acceptance to their duties and responsibilities wholeheartedly as members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Under heavy downpour, the new CAAs solemnly pledge their allegiance to the constitution flag and country. They also vowed to advocates of peace and to uphold every right of the Filipino people.

The Ceremonial entrusting of firearms on the other hand signifies the adherence to human rights and civilian supremacy over the military. As the public officials and civilian society entrust the firearms to the new CAAs, it connotes confidence in their abilities to ensure that peace and order is maintained in the community. It further emphasizes that the rifle entrusted are not meant solely to infect pain against the enemy but most importantly it is used to protect every Filipino citizen.

In his message, the Commander 8ID, MGen Mario F Chan enjoined the CAAs to be active participants in attaining the goal of the division of ending the insurgency in the Region. Moreover, he challenges everyone to fight and deliver the killer blows against the enemy. As locals, they are the most effective in gathering information on the enemy and in bringing the fight to their area. He also lauded the effort of the battalion under the leadership of LtCol Roberto S. Capulong INF (GSC) PA for the quality of training given to the CAA and in keeping the unit focus and contributing significantly to the overall success of the division operations.

To conclude this very significant activity, Commander, 8ID, PA, Officers and men of 52IB, representatives from LGU and civilian society, and newly appointed CAAs shared lunch through boodlefight. This is one of the unique traditions of the military that signifies camaraderie and good partnership of civilian society and military.