AFP reservists vow to serve in Summit

The reservists of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command based in Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City have expressed readiness to be tapped in case emergencies would arise during the ASEAN Summit in December.

Col. Angel Ocubillo, commander of the 71st Standby Reserve Division of the Philippine Army, yesterday said that they are just waiting for AFP to ask their assistance in line with the preparation of the summit.

As provided by law, the reserve force shall assist the AFP in rescue and relief during disasters and calamities.

National Defense Act of 1995 provides that during national emergencies, the government has the right to mobilize its citizens and resources either public or private as may be deemed necessary for national defense.

Maj. Richard Sison, the battalion commander of the 1st Cebu Ready Reserve of the PA, also said that the three major services of the Army, Navy and Air Force, have disaster relief operation units to respond during disasters and calamities.

Besides, Sison said that reservists can also be tapped in intelligence information gathering.

The AFP is celebrating the 27th National Reservist Week starting September 1 to 22 with Visayas-based reservists taking an active role when this year's celebration was decentralized.

The Army Reserve Command is hosting the activity in Cebu City and that the Visayas-based reservists of the air force and navy are joining the activities.

Maj. Samson Deles, commanding officer of the 701st Cebu Defense Center, 7th Regional Community Defense Group of the Arescom, said it is fitting that AFP conducts the celebration in order to give recognition to the reserve program of the government that plays a vital role in assisting the AFP. The reservists are of help in maintaining a peaceful and orderly environment.

This year's celebration will culminate on September 16 with a program at the Central Command.

Deles said that high-ranking military officials with National Security adviser Norberto Gonzales, and local government officials are expected to grace the event.

Another highlight of the celebration is the conduct of a joint medical/dental civic action program by army reservists and cadets of the Reserve Officer Training Corps in barangays Pasil, Ermita, Suba, Duljo and Sawang Calero, all in Cebu City, on September 20 to 21. - Gregg M. Rubio