US Special Forces train second batch of Filipino soldiers

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Filipino soldiers have resumed counter-terrorism training exercises under US Special Forces instructors at Camp Arturo Enrile in Barangay Malagutay in Zamboanga City.

The second batch of soldiers from the Army’s 27th and 64th Infantry Battalions will undergo six weeks training on marksmanship, tactical maneuvers, night vision capability, and medical evacuation.

Maj. William Medina, US Special Forces training director, told the soldiers to be serious in their training as it could save their lives and their buddies in combat.

"This training will be useless if you will not take it seriously to your hearts," he said.

Lt. Col. Jovencio Ollera of the Training Service Group (TSG) urged the 230 enlisted men and 10 officers to value the training and be prepared for any eventuality.

The training will allow the soldiers to prepare themselves to use sophisticated weapons and individual communication equipment, he added.

Camp Arturo Enrile is some three kilometers away from the Armed Forces Southern Command headquarters. — Roel Pareño