EastMinCom Showcases Reservist Preparedness and Capabilities for Emergency Response and War Fighting in Mobilization Exercise

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), under the leadership of Lieutenant General Greg T Almerol, conducted a Reserve Forces Mobilization Exercise (MOBEX) at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City on October 21 and 22.

 This activity was conducted to make Ready Reserve Units (RRUs) and Affiliated Reserve Units (ARUs) better prepared when called to active duty. It also aims to improve their skills, competencies, and flexibility so that they can easily join the regular force, especially in the EastMinCom Joint Operational Area, and handle different situations and emergencies.

Commodore Marfenio Y. Tan, the Commander of the Naval Affiliated Reserve-Eastern Mindanao who graced the opening ceremony emphasized the role of the reservist as the special force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and highlighted the importance of enhancing their readiness and capabilities when called to active duty. “Let us continue working together towards a better, more progressive, stronger and united Philippine Republic, ready to face challenges of the future as an active, committed and dedicated Reservist of the Armed Forces of the Philippines”, he said.

Reservist units from the AFP major services performed the humanitarian assistance and disaster response and war fighting scenarios utilizing the ground, air and sea assets taking-off from EastMinCom headquarters towards the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao Region.

The Office of Civil Defense Region 11 Director Ednar G Dayanghirang, serving as among the evaluators, rated the reservists' performance in the HADR scenario 9 out of 10, praising their quick response, first aid, and life-saving protocols.

Reservist representatives from the Philippine Air Force, Navy, and Army expressed gratitude for the unique experiences and requested for continued support from the AFP leadership in future exercises.

During the closing ceremony, Major General Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac, Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, J9, AFP, represented by Colonel Angel E. Cuenco, thanked the Reservists, the Municipal Government, and the Local Government of Davao City for their support in both military and non-military activities.

In his speech, he highlighted how being prepared and capable directly impacts the safety of the nation and its people. He emphasized the crucial role that every member plays in maintaining the integrity of defense forces and their efforts in humanitarian assistance and disaster response. "All of us are essential for the integrity of our defense forces and our humanitarian efforts. As members of the reserve force, you form the foundation for expanding our active forces", he said.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Almerol commended the participants, emphasizing their reliability as important assets in different operations. He recognized their dedication and teamwork, not just in supporting the regular force but also various government agencies and local authorities.

He stated, "Our goal is to grow well-trained and equipped reservists capable of responding quickly to mission requirements. Seeing how successful you have been in this MOBEX, the Command is truly confident that we have reservists who are capable and qualified to take on organizational transformation tasks."

The EMC MoBex 2023 is the first of its kind to be conducted by the AFP.#

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP