Army unit says 10 'reservists' not on roster

MANILA, Philippines - The Fourth Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) of the Philippine Army Reserve Command in Camp Eldridge, Los Baños, Laguna denied yesterday reports that 10 Army reservists arrested in Quezon City last week belong to its unit.

Col. Bonifacio Pollo, 4th RCDG commander, said in a phone interview that the 10 men – Major Lee Licup, T/Sgt. Alejandro Ruiz, T/Sgt. Eduard Baliclic, Sgt. Mosulumin Faeldonia, Sgt. Manuel Roño, Sgt. Arnel Labra, Sgt. Jose Abuda, Pfc. Manuelito Piamonte, Sgt. Nicanor Bernasol, and Pfc. Jeffrey Villa – are not listed in its Ready Reserve Division of Manning. 

Pollo said they are verifying reports that a certain syndicate recruits and issues identification cards to anyone who wishes to be a reservist. The documents are marked S2, 403rd Community Defense Center, and 41th Standby Reserve Division in National Capitol Region, he said.

2Lt. Allan Tayhon, Army public affairs officer, said Camp Eldridge is the home base of the 4th RCDG and its area of responsibility is limited to Region 4. It administers 10 Ready Reserve Battalions in each province.

Tayhon explained that reservists are assigned to secure retired military personnel and veterans. He said the command does not allow any organic or reservist personnel to perform guard duty outside its area of responsibility, contrary to the claims made by the 10 men.

The alleged reservists, who were wearing full military uniforms and carrying guns, were nabbed at the MRV compound in Barangay Commonwealth at around 11 a.m. last March 28, following complaints of Rosalino Ostinado, Fernandico Lisardo, Francisco Vaguel, and Teofilo Lima.

The complainants said the suspects sold them fake land titles to lots in the compound.   – Ed Amoroso