In a bid to strengthen its emergency response capabilities, the Philippine Army is urging more residents of Negros Oriental to volunteer for its Ready Reserve Battalion (RRB). The call comes as the battalion’s current numbers are below full capacity, according to Colonel William Pesase, head of the 703rd Community Defense Center.
Pesase emphasized the critical role reservists play in national emergencies, socio-economic development, and disaster management, citing potential scenarios like the tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the activity of Mt. Kanlaon. He encouraged locals to join the reserve force to contribute to disaster response, community support, and territorial defense.
The urgency of the appeal was highlighted by the recent completion of a 10-day Company Integration Training by five reservist officers and 100 enlisted reservists from the RRB’s Alpha Company. The training, held at the 11th Infantry Battalion in Siaton, Negros Oriental, aimed to enhance the trainees’ ability to conduct company operations and integrate with regular forces.
Pesase noted that the training program for reservists mirrors that of regular troops, including marksmanship and firearm use. Reservists, who are not full-time soldiers, return to their civilian jobs until they are needed for active duty.
The 703rd Community Defense Center and the Reserve Ready Battalion are headquartered at Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.