Duterte leads virtual commencement exercises of PMA, PNPA

BAGUIO CITY- President Duterte on Friday night commissioned 195 new soldiers from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) through virtual commencement exercises.

The PMA graduates were simultaneously addressed along with 252 cadet graduates from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).

Mr. Duterte delivered his address from the Malacañang Golf Clubhouse at Malacañang Park in Manila.

The PMA’s “MASIDLAWIN” Class assembled at the Fort General Gregorio H. Del Pilar here while the PNPA’s ‘MANDAYUG’ Class at the Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite,

The commencement exercises were closed to the public, including families of the graduates due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Let not COVID-19 dampen the joy and pride that must be yours after going through grueling years of study and rigorous training,” Duterte said.

He also posted a question for the graduates: “If those who are tasked with the maintenance of peace and order and the protection of public and private property do not do their mandate or worse, what then?”

Duterte also reminded them to remain true and loyal to the Philippine flag.

Joining Mr. Duterte during the livestreamed address to the graduates were Interior Secretary Eduardo Año and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, as well as PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Jail Chief Director Allan Iral, and Bureau of Fire Protection Chief Director Jose Embang Jr. INQ Valerie Damian