EastMinCom Demonstrates Reserve Force Capabilities in Joint Training Exercise, Strengthening the Force

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol conducted this year’s Reserve Force Joint Training Exercise (RFJTEX) “Hiniusang Pagbansay” 2024 at Camp Kibaritan, Sitio Malinao, Kalilangan, Bukidnon, on May 3 to 5.

The activity is a 3-days joint training exercise participated by the Ready Reserve Units (RRUs) and Affiliated Reserve Units (ARUs), along with the regular forces in coordination with the Joint Task Forces (JTFs) and Reserve Force Administrators under EastMinCom Joint Operational Area (JOA).

RFJTEX features Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Operations (HADRO) and Warfighting Capability demonstrations simulated through the actual mobilization of different major service RRUs and regular forces from different Joint Task Forces (JTFs) following the Force Provider-Force Employer Concept of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

As the AFP is slowly shifting to territorial defense, RFJTEX aim to Enhance the readiness level of major services RRUs, improve the interoperability of command-and-control systems, and ensure smooth integration of the AFP Reserve Force with regular forces under EastMinCom JOA's on-ground training.

Representing 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Commander, MGen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo, Col Ted B. Domosmog, the Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs (ADCRRA) of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond, graced the Opening Ceremony of RFJTEX on May 3, highlighted the crucial role of the reservists as force multipliers of the AFP and stressing the significance of readiness and capabilities within the Reserve Force when called to active duty.

“Today, we embark on a journey of readiness and capability enhancement that exemplifies the essence of resilience and preparedness. Our goal is to refine your operational plans and coordination mechanisms, ensuring that we can swiftly respond to any imminent threats, regional crises, and emergencies that may arise within the Eastern Mindanao Command's JOA. To the reserve force, your commitment and dedication to our country's defense is truly commendable,” he said.

Further, Col. Domosmog spearheaded the Closing Ceremony of the RFJTEX 2024 on May 5 and read the message of MGen. Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, J9, emphasizing the Reserve Force’s immense dedication, sacrifice, synergy of efforts and unwavering commitment to excellence within the Armed Forces.
“The significance of this achievement cannot be understated, for it represents the embodiment of preparedness, adaptability, and resilience in the face or ever-evolving challenges. In the face of military operations, it is often said that the measure of true strength lies not only in the capabilities of the active forces but also in the readiness and effectiveness of our reserve components embodying the spirit of citizen-soldiers who answer to the call of duty as the base for the expansion.” MGen. Nacnac stated.

Moreover, representing the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Region 10, retired Col. Gilbert H. Conde, the Acting Regional Director, Chief of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMO) and the OSOCD Region 10, served as one of the evaluators, rated the reservists' performance 7 out of 10 and praised the reserve force’s readiness and capabilities in HADR and warfighting scenario.

Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol commended the individuals behind the success of the RFJTEX, emphasizing the reservists' role as force multipliers of the AFP. He also praised the reservist’s dedication and efforts in fulfilling their duties, recognizing their invaluable contribution to the AFP.

“Your dedication and commitment were crucial to overcoming the challenges we face in Eastern Mindanao, particularly during crisis of natural calamities. As we move towards Territorial Defense Operations, our focus is on the development of our reserve force. Thus, your unwavering service has been instrumental in this endeavor. Thank you for your support and dedication to our Reserve Force's success. Mabuhay ang Laang Kawal!” LtGen. Almerol said.#

Source: Public Informations Office, Eastern Mindanao Command