DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, June 29  (PIA) -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana June 28 visited the 11^th Infantry Battalion (11th IB) his first field military service based in Siaton town. 

Sobejana, who is about to retire from the military service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age, recalled his experiences as a young Second Lieutenant in the 11th IB, with his first field assignment in the Philippine Army after graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1987.

The general expressed his satisfaction as he witnessed again his unit’s hard work and sacrifice in the field.

“Through your continued successful military operation, along with your close relationship with various peace groups and LGUs, has contributed to the people’s positive feedback and growing trust with the AFP," Sobjeana said, addressing the battalion troops.

The AFP chief-of-staff urged the soldiers to find strength in the conviction to be loyal and dedicated soldiers. 

He said the military’s service to the country and to the people does not stop "even when we hang our military uniforms” but continue to live on and offer more for the good of the nation.

Sobejana is a native of Zamboanguita town in Negros Oriental.

Last month, he was honored as a "Distinguished NegOrense" by the provincial government of Negros Oriental, being the first NegOrense to become the AFP chief-of-staff and a recipient of the Medal for Valor Award – the highest military award that the country bestows to a person in the military service, which is an award equivalent to the Congressional Medal of Honor of the United States of America. (JCT/PIA Negros Oriental with reports from Capt. Francis Salcedo of 11IB)