CAGAYAN DE ORO - After six months of training and a month of rest, 237 new soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division (ID) will formally take on a new challenge as members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The 237 new soldiers will be assigned to different field units of the 4th ID in CARAGA and Northern Mindanao.

Each of them were also handed R4 rifles as a symbol of taking their responsibility as a keeper of peace in Mindanao.

One of the new soldiers, Private Reynaldo Bagsao, the troop commander of the class, said he is excited for their deployment since this signals the start of their journey as real soldiers.

Major General Benjamin Madrigal, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division, also stressed that new soldiers must continue to be disciplined and must not abuse their authority.

He added that they must perform their duty well so as not to betray the trust of their countrymen.