(Eagle News)–President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, May 26, urged the Philippine Military Academy’s Mabalasik Class of 2019 to serve the country well.
Duterte issued the call in his speech during the graduation rites of the class, which was led by Cadet 1st Class Dionne Mea Apolog Umalla.
Umalla clinched 14 special awards including the Presidential Saber Award and the Leadership plaque, among others.
“I need good and capable soldiers,” Duterte said, as he pardoned all cadets who had committed violations.
Earlier, the PMA said two cadets were withheld from graduation for violating school regulations.
These violations were not specified.
“Die for your country if need be,” Duterte said.
“And if you think your country is not run the way it should be, you know what to do. Do you understand?” Duterte added.