The Corrections National Training Institute (CNTI) – National Headquarters (NHQ) in Muntinlupa City proudly held the graduation ceremony for the Corrections Officer Basic Recruit Course (COBRC) Class 2024-03 “MASID-LAKAS” on 16 October 2025, at the CNTI Parade Grounds.
The graduating class, MASID-LAKAS, which stands for “Modernong Aaksyon sa Institusyon na may Dekalidad na Layunin Aagapay sa Pamamahala ng Koreksyon at Seguridad para sa Makabagong BuCor,” embodies integrity, discipline, and commitment to the corrections service. A total of 130 Corrections Officers 1, composed of 80 males and 50 females, successfully completed the course. The training included rigorous physical conditioning, firearms proficiency, academic instruction, and on-the-job training conducted under the leadership of C/SUPT LUCIO C GUEVARRA, Acting Director of CNTI; C/SINSP ALLAN A ROSALES, Deputy Director of CNTI and Commandant of the Applied Training Division (ATD); together with the Academic Affairs Division staff and Tactical Officers.
Prior to the ceremony, Class MASID-LAKAS performed a Silent Drill, a ceremonial exhibition featuring precise and synchronized movements executed without verbal commands. This performance demonstrated the class’s unity, discipline, and camaraderie, reflecting the skills and values they developed since the start of their training.
The ceremony began with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by the BuCor Marching Band, followed by an invocation delivered by Fr. Jess Los Bañez and welcome remarks from CTSO3 Christian D Cruz, Chief of the Academic Affairs Division, CNTI.
The following graduates were recognized for their exemplary performance during both the academic and non-academic phases of training: Top 1 – CO1 Elma A Pecaña; Top 2 – CTO1 Cheryl T Oclida; Top 3 – CO1 Stella A Calumpit; Top 4 – CO1 Carlo T Bontilao; Top 5 – CTO1 Karen M Haguimit; Top 6 – CO1 Jogie Mar G Lamano; Top 7 – CO1 Danica B Carillo; Top 8 – CO1 Carl Jade C Biendima; Top 9 – CO1 Onitnelov S Abequibel; and Top 10 – CO1 Kim A Molijon.
Special awards were also conferred as follows: Leadership Award – CTO1 Arlan R Cabagnan; Tactical Leadership Award – CO1 Choszil O Guiling; Bernardo Carpio Award – CTO1 Jayvee L Sebelos (Male) and CO1 Riza E Nasarao (Female); Marksmanship Award – CTO1 Ramil Jr. B Uy (Male) and CTO1 Edivine D Ambatang (Female); Best Company Commander – CO1 Aldrin A Barrera; and Best Platoon Leader – CO1 Paul Patrick A Azur.
The event was graced by C/CSUPT CELSO S BRAVO, Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Deputy Director General for Reformation (ODDGR), who introduced ASEC GIL T TORRALBA, Deputy Director General for Security and Operations (DDGSO), as the keynote speaker. Also in attendance was C/CINSP NEIL DIONISIO A BUOT, Deputy Director, Directorate for Personnel and Human Resource Development (DPHRD), who read the Order of the Graduates.
In his keynote address, ASEC TORRALBA congratulated the graduates as they embark on a new chapter in their careers as Corrections Officers. He commended their dedication, discipline, and professionalism, emphasizing that the knowledge and skills they have gained will strengthen contribute to BuCor’s mandate of safekeeping and reforming Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in alignment with modern correctional standards. He also shared an inspiring quote from Winston Churchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts,” encouraging the graduates to uphold integrity, perseverance, and excellence in their service.
Following the speech, Class MASID-LAKAS proceeded with the Pass in Review, followed by the singing of the BuCor Hymn and the traditional turnover of colors. The ceremony concluded with a photo opportunity featuring BuCor key officials, CNTI Tactical Officers, and guests.
Through the leadership of BuCor Director General, GENERAL GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret.), CESE, CCLH, this momentous event marks another milestone in the Bureau’s continuing commitment to train competent and professional personnel who embody integrity, discipline, and dedication to duty. It reaffirms BuCor’s steadfast pursuit of excellence in carrying out its twin mandates of safekeeping and reforming PDLs.
