By Priam F. Nepomuceno
As the nation commemorates Holy Week, the Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday expressed its gratitude to its chaplain officers for being always there to guide Filipino soldiers to God.
Major Harold Cabunoc, PA spokesperson, said that the role of the chaplains have been clearly defined this past few years as the bulwark of organization in regards to emotional and spiritual security.
"Contrary to popular beliefs, soldiery is not about leading people to war; soldiery is about leading men to God," he added.
Cabunoc also emphasized chaplains are responsible for keeping the country’s armed forces in the service of God.
He added that they play a vital role in upholding the spiritual and moral attributes of military men who have lived through the worst and abominable experiences and misfortunes one could ever encounter in life.
A chaplain may be a priest, a pastor or an imam (Muslim prayer leader) who acquires an officer’s rank of a probationary 2nd Lieutenant upon joining the military for their special services.
Cabunoc said that the latter considered non-combatant soldiers and are protected under the international law from any form of attack or violence by the opposing party.
They are bound to the five pillars of serving namely: the religious worship, pastoral care and ministration, moral education, counseling and social leadership.
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=49078.0
Topic: Philippine Army Soldiers Grateful to Chaplains (Read 510 times)