Matteo Guidicelli now a 2nd lieutenant Army reserve

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 20) — Actor and singer Matteo Guidicelli is now an Army officer at the reserve force.

The Philippine Army donned upon Guidicelli, the first civilian to graduate from Army Scout Ranger training, the rank of Army reserve 2nd lieutenant on Tuesday after President Rodrigo Duterte approved his commissionship.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto presided over the ceremony earlier. It was attended by Guidicelli's family, as well as his girlfriend, Sarah Geronimo.

Guidicelli began his Scout Ranger training in April, completing the course in June.

READ: Matteo Guidicelli becomes first civilian to graduate from Army Scout Ranger training

He said the training was an "incredible experience na nothing can compare... Yung skillset na natutunan ko dito, iba eh. Hindi mo matutunan kahit saan.”

[Translation: It’s an incredible experience that nothing can compare... The skillset I learned here is different. You won’t be able to learn them anywhere else.]

In an interview with CNN Philippines The Source, Guidicelli encouraged everyone, other celebrities included, to join the reserve force.

CNN Philippines senior correspondent David Santos contributed to this report.