ARRAPI reservists group welcomes 300 new members from North Cotabato

CARMEN, Cotabato — Three hundred army reservists from North Cotabato were officially sworn in as new members of the Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines Inc. (ARRAPI), further boosting the strength and organization of the country’s reserve force.

ARRAPI Chairman Lt. Col. Michael Odylon Romero and President Lt. Col. Vladimir Mata led the mass oath-taking ceremony held at Camp Lucero in Carmen, Cotabato. The event was hosted by the 602nd Infantry Brigade under the leadership of Brigade Commander Brigadier General Ricky Bunayog, in coordination with the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

“ARRAPI exists to close the gap between our regular troops and reservists, forging one seamless force committed to national defense and humanitarian service,” said LTC Romero. “We are not just preparing for battle — we are building communities and saving lives.”

ARRAPI’s total membership has now reached nearly 7,000 strong — a reflection of the organization’s nationwide momentum in uniting citizen-soldiers with a common purpose: to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the country during times of peace and crisis.

“This ceremony is more than just an oath — it is a pledge of service to the Filipino people. Every reservist here today is now part of a greater purpose: to be a force for good, to respond to the nation’s call, and to uplift the lives of our fellow citizens. ARRAPI is not just about military readiness — it is about compassion, unity, and building a stronger future for the next generation,” added Mata.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of OJ9 Major General Gerold Gagan and Assistant J9 Brigadier General Danilo Dupiag, representing the top echelon of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ reserve affairs.

Also in attendance was Capt. Edwin Ello, U9 representative from the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).

Beyond its military support role, ARRAPI is known for initiating civic and humanitarian programs. These include nationwide medical and dental missions, the distribution of free medicines, feeding programs, school supply donations, the construction of school buildings and sports centers, and the facilitation of international medical donations to the AFP. The group has also supported life-saving open-heart surgeries for children.

Other officials who took time to witness the oath taking were Board Members Commander Peter Negrido, Colonel Yay Lacson, and Lt. Col. Floreto Solanao.