Philippine Army: No payment required, age cap stays for recruits

FILE PHOTO: The Philippine Army says the age limit for active recruits must be 18 to 26 years old. It also said that entry to the force is still free. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army belied social media posts claiming there is no age limit for applicants, reiterating that active recruits must be 18 to 26 years old.

Major Dionisio Estrada, chief of media affairs and production branch of the Army’s Public Affairs Office, also reminded the public and aspirants or people who want to become soldiers that entry into the force is still free.

“The Philippine Army calls [for] all netizens and all social media users to utilize social media platforms wisely,” he said in a press briefing at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

READ: Philippine Army notes rise in applicants

In March, the Army observed a rise in the number of recruits amid surveys showing that the majority of Filipinos are willing to fight against foreign invaders.

This comes as tensions over the West Philippine Sea continue to increase with the China Coast Guard engaging in aggressive actions toward Philippine troops.

Army spokesperson Louie Dema-ala told INQUIRER.net in a text message that almost 40,000 individuals applied in the Philippine Army for just the first few months of 2024 – compared to the total 45,000 applicants in 2023.

Also previously, the Army said its online application process will be fully implemented this 2024.

READ: PH Army recruitment will be 100% online this 2024

Aspirants should register online and then wait for the Army Personnel Management Center’s (APMC) action informing them where to take the qualifying exam.

The APMC will then choose who among applicants who passed the written exam should proceed “for a one-week processing,” based on the skill sets required by the Army. — Felice Nafarrete, trainee