Mayor Zamora eyes creation of NCR-wide reservist group
Published Jun 4, 2023 10:59 am
San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Regional Peace and Order Council (MMRPOC) Chairman Francis Zamora said on Sunday, June 4, that he is planning to create an organized reservist group for the National Capital Region (NCR) through the Metro Manila Council (MMC).
“We will formally organize our reservists in all cities of Metro Manila. Kailangan mayroon tayong pormal na organisasyon kung saan ang mga gustong sumali bilang reservists ay mabigyan natin ng pagkakataon (There needs to be a formal organization that will give opportunities for reservists who are eager to join and serve),” Zamora said.
Zamora, who is also the president of the MMC, explained that the reserve forces in NCR will be used to augment the capacities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other uniformed personnel as additional manpower in preparation for potential disasters or conflicts within the region.
“We will include it in the agenda. It can be done through both the MMC and MMRPOC. We will coordinate with my fellow mayors para magkaroon tayo ng active recruitment (so we can plan for active recruitment),” the mayor said.
The next sessions of the MMC and MMRPOC will discuss measures with the mayors, in partnership with the AFP, to provide membership to grassroots responders like barangay officials and other frontliners who have undergone basic training to the local and region-wide reservist groups, Zamora added.
He also urged citizens to join the military’s reserve units to help their localities’ emergency response capacities.
(Screenshot from Mayor Francis Zamora FB Live / MANILA BULLETIN)
The exercises were conducted to ensure the operational functionality and capacity of the military’s reserve forces in responding to disaster or conflict situations. It also assessed the integration of the reserve units with the regular military forces to facilitate efficiency in the implementation of protocols for active duty. The exercises included crisis simulations wherein demonstration participants enacted the response procedures that will be followed in the event of earthquakes, storms, and armed conflicts. Some of these include demonstrations of rappelling and high angle search and rescue from collapse structures and the HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response) war fighting capability.
(Screenshot from Mayor Francis Zamora FB Live / MANILA BULLETIN)
The JTF-NCR also showcased the armored rescue trucks and other equipment and assets like rescue boats that will be deployed when emergencies hit the region. The mayor also visited the command forces of the Civil Defense assigned to ensure the safety and supply of electrical power during disasters and conflicts. Zamora expressed his support for the military’s initiatives, emphasizing that the local government of San Juan will “help in maintaining peace and order.” “We welcome these kinds of demonstrations here in San Juan. As a mayor and the Metro Manila Regional Peace and Order Council chairman, I am happy to be part of events such as this because it helps our army in their training and ensuring that we are well-equipped against significant threats from local and foreign terrorist groups and other disasters,” Zamora said. Others who graced the program were Atty. Victor Trinidad, the assistant general manager for operations of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) who represented MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes; JTF-NCR Deputy Commander Col. Romel P. Recinto; and Acting Assistant Chief of Staff (ACS) for the Reservist and Retiree Affairs (RRA) Maj. Benjie Jimenez. Senior officers and members of the Ready Reserve Units (RRUs) and Air Reserve Units (ARUs), as well as San Juan City councilors also attended the event.
Joint Task Force demonstrations
On Sunday afternoon, Zamora witnessed the demonstrations of the Joint Task Force - National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) for their yearly mobilization exercises at the Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan City on June 4. The JTF-NCR is the specialized force of the AFP that is mandated to combat terrorism or insurgency-related activities within Metro Manila. They act as reserve forces for the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the region.
(Screenshot from Mayor Francis Zamora FB Live / MANILA BULLETIN)
The exercises were conducted to ensure the operational functionality and capacity of the military’s reserve forces in responding to disaster or conflict situations. It also assessed the integration of the reserve units with the regular military forces to facilitate efficiency in the implementation of protocols for active duty. The exercises included crisis simulations wherein demonstration participants enacted the response procedures that will be followed in the event of earthquakes, storms, and armed conflicts. Some of these include demonstrations of rappelling and high angle search and rescue from collapse structures and the HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response) war fighting capability.
(Screenshot from Mayor Francis Zamora FB Live / MANILA BULLETIN)
The JTF-NCR also showcased the armored rescue trucks and other equipment and assets like rescue boats that will be deployed when emergencies hit the region. The mayor also visited the command forces of the Civil Defense assigned to ensure the safety and supply of electrical power during disasters and conflicts. Zamora expressed his support for the military’s initiatives, emphasizing that the local government of San Juan will “help in maintaining peace and order.” “We welcome these kinds of demonstrations here in San Juan. As a mayor and the Metro Manila Regional Peace and Order Council chairman, I am happy to be part of events such as this because it helps our army in their training and ensuring that we are well-equipped against significant threats from local and foreign terrorist groups and other disasters,” Zamora said. Others who graced the program were Atty. Victor Trinidad, the assistant general manager for operations of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) who represented MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes; JTF-NCR Deputy Commander Col. Romel P. Recinto; and Acting Assistant Chief of Staff (ACS) for the Reservist and Retiree Affairs (RRA) Maj. Benjie Jimenez. Senior officers and members of the Ready Reserve Units (RRUs) and Air Reserve Units (ARUs), as well as San Juan City councilors also attended the event.