Duterte to PMA grads: Do your duty in line with law; ako na bahala sa inyo

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday assured the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alab Tala Class of 2018 graduates that they have the full support of his administration.

"I will never allow anybody be it the police, military, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or the uniformed policemen... 'wag kayong matakot, just do your duty in accordance with law, ako na bahala sa inyo," Duterte said in his message to the graduates.

Duterte acknowledged the hardships the new members of the military went through, but said that he believes they are ready to take on "bigger challenges" as they assume their roles in protecting the country.

"Every day at the Academy has not been easy, your courage and bravery had been tested, but despite all of these trials, you have emerged victorious and ready to take on bigger challenges," Duterte said.

"Have confidence in knowing that the rules of the Academy have honed you for responsibility that await you as you assume leadership roles in the Armed Forces," the Chief Executive added.

He urged the graduates to "remember always the three words that have been deeply ingrained in your hearts: courage, integrity and loyalty."

"Embody these words and use them to guide your career," he said.

A registered nurse from Pavia, Iloilo, topped this year's PMA graduates. Cadet 1st Class Jaywardene Galilea Hontoria, 25, was awarded a certificate of ownership of one unit of house and lot in his hometown.

Cadet 1st Class Ricardo Witawit Liwaden from Barlig, Mountain Province graduated as second of the class and will join the Philippine Army. The 24-year-old was a fourth year civil engineering student at the University of Baguio before he joined the PMA.

Third of the class is Cadet 1st Class Jun-Jay Malazzab Castro, 23, who will receive the Secretary of National Defense saber. Before joining the PMA, the 23-year-old from Amulung, Cagayan was a second year electronics and communication engineering student at the Cagayan State University.

The other top notchers and awardees of the Alab Tala Class of 2018 are:

• Cadet 1st Class Leonore Andrea Cariño Japitan, 23, from Butuan City (Top 4, Management Plaque);
• Cadet 1st Class Mark Jantzen Nono Dacillo, 25, from Zamboanga City (Top 5);
• Cadet 1st Class Jezaira Laquinon Buenaventura, 22, from Negros Oriental (Top 6, Department of Tactical Officers Plaque, Aguinaldo Saber, Distinguished Cadet Award);
• Cadet 1st Class Jessie Antonio Laranang, 22, from Tarlac (Top 7, Philippine Air Force Saber);
• Cadet 1st Class Paolo Balla Briones, 20, from Baguio City (Top 8);
• Cadet 1st Class Jayson Raymundo Cimatu, 24, from Aurora province (Top 9); and
• Cadet 1st Class Micah Quiamboa Reynaldo, 22, from Tarlac (Top 10, Australian Defence Best Overall Performance Award - Philippine Air Force).

The PMA will also give the Journalism award to Cadet 1st Class Christian Michael Olarte Peña, 26, of Albay, while the Athletic Saber will be awarded to Cadet 1st Class Jasm Marie Alcoriza, 24, from Negros Occidental. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News