ILOILO – Nearly 1,300 military reservists in Iloilo form a crucial pool of manpower that can be mobilized for disaster response, humanitarian emergencies and territorial defense, underscoring the growing importance of citizen-soldiers in strengthening the province’s preparedness against security threats and natural calamities.
The Philippine Army has emphasized the need to maintain a capable and deployment-ready reserve force that can reinforce regular military personnel during emergencies, particularly when disasters or security challenges demand additional manpower and specialized skills.
This operational priority was highlighted during a recent grand mustering organized by the Army’s 604th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion at Iloilo Science and Technology University in La Paz district.
The assembly brought together nearly 1,300 reservists from different units across Iloilo, including the 1801st Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade, the Scout Ranger Standby Reserve and other reserve components.
Beyond accounting for personnel, the activity served as an assessment of the reservists’ physical fitness, operational capabilities and readiness for possible mobilization and deployment.
A major component of the exercise was tactical combat casualty care, which equips military personnel with lifesaving skills applicable not only in combat situations but also during disasters and other emergencies.
Technical Sergeant Benson Kenneth Yap of the Philippine Army led a capability demonstration involving immediate medical assistance, first aid procedures and simulated responses to emergency situations, including potential territorial attacks.
The practical exercises highlighted the importance of preparing reservists to function as first responders when communities face emergencies requiring immediate intervention.
The Philippine Army considers its reserve force an essential component of national defense, particularly because citizen-soldiers can augment regular troops while contributing to disaster relief, humanitarian operations and community protection.
Colonel Michael Asuncion, director of the 604th Community Defense Center, stressed the importance of maintaining operational readiness despite the competing responsibilities of reservists in civilian life.
“This is to see the readiness of each unit. Even though you have a family day today and each of you has your own family responsibilities, you are here to fulfill your duty to the nation,” Asuncion told the reservists during the grand mustering on July 5, 2026.
He emphasized that military reservists occupy a critical position in the country’s defense structure because they remain available for mobilization while fulfilling their responsibilities as ordinary citizens.
“Citizen-soldiers of the republic serve as a vital force multiplier for the regular army. When the call of duty sounds — whether to protect communities, support national defenses, or respond to critical emergencies — it is the reserve force that stands ready to answer.”
The statement underscored the dual role of reservists in supporting national security operations and strengthening local emergency response capabilities.
The July mustering also allowed military authorities to update personnel records, assess unit readiness and reinforce coordination among reserve units and regular Army forces.
Among the military officials present were Colonel Edralin Poblete, commander of the 6th Ready Command District Group, and Asuncion.
The gathering also included the commissioning of Major Jehu Sinoy to the rank of major and the appointment of Second Lieutenant Matt Pedroso to the rank of second lieutenant.
Meanwhile, government agencies and private organizations conducted an information drive intended to support the welfare of reservists and their families.
Participating organizations included the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative, Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association Inc., Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Armscor.
The involvement of these institutions highlighted the importance of providing institutional and welfare support to citizen-soldiers who balance military obligations with civilian employment and family responsibilities./PN
