Negrense Marc Henri Fermin is a registered nurse, but he opted to join the Philippine Army.

Fermin, of Brgy. Look, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, graduated on top of his class of 96 Army soldiers, Thursday from the 6-month Candidate Soldier and Jungle Warfare Mountain Operation Courses at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, military records show.

Maj. Enrico Gil Ileto, 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, said they have noted that more professionals are now joining the Philippine Army, in response to its effort to recruit and retain the best and brightest in the organization.

Benjie Artuz of Brgy Agdahon, Cuartero, Capiz, a graduate of BS Criminology and a board passer, received the 3ID Chief of Staff award as number two in the class; while Kenneth Edmun Hilongos of Daku Kaka, Cotabato City, a graduate of Associate in Computer Science, received the Commandant 3rd Division Training Unit Award for graduating number three.

Johnry Bryan Villafuerte of Banate, Iloilo, received the Physical Proficiency Award for obtaining the highest rating in Physical Fitness Test throughout the training.

Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, 3ID commanding general, in a statement, remindedthe new members of 3ID to strictly observe adherence to human rights, the international humanitarian law and the rule of law.

The 96 new soldiers will be distributed to Army infantry battalion units in Negros and Panay.*GPB

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