JOLO, Sulu — At least 245 newly-graduated soldiers joined the ranks of the 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division in Sulu in their campaign to make Sulu a peaceful and a better place to visit and stay.

Joint Task Force-Sulu civil-military operation chief Col. Alaric de los Santos revealed that the 245 privates have just completed their training on Infantry Orientation Course "Masandigan" Class 05-202 at the 11th Division "Mastal" Training School in Camp Bud Datu, Barangay Tagbak, Indanan town in Sulu.

de los Santos said that of the 245 newly privates, 106 are Tausug and natives of Sulu, 124 were Christians from Sulu and the nearby provinces and 15 were females.

Sulu 1st District Rep. Samier A. Tan officiated the closing ceremony of "Masandigan" Class 05-202 at the 11th Division "Mastal" Training School in Camp Bud Datu in Barangay Tagbak.

"You have been given proper training and education by the Mastal Training School to become good soldiers and public servants," said Tan in his speech. "Giving you your weapon symbolizes a responsibility and mandate for maintaining peace in our country and the province of Sulu."

"Let's love and take care of ourselves, family, and service. Above all, let's work together in our common goal of providing a peaceful life and prosperity to our countrymen here in the province of Sulu," he added.

For his part JTF-Sulu and 11th Infantry "Alakdan" Division commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio that the new soldiers will be deployed in various battalions to participate in the government's peace, security and development campaign in the province of Sulu.

"Take to heart everything you learned at the Mastal Training School. Above all, love your service and value your hard work. We look forward to your faithful service to our Motherland, be a good soldier and public servant," Patrimonio said.