The Philippine Navy (PN) formally integrated into its reserve force 119 volunteers after they finished their basic military training on Saturday, March 10.
Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., PN Flag Officer in Command, emphasized the strengthening of the navy's reserve force as a significant contributor to the new defense concept adopted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).
“Reservists play a vital role in strengthening the Philippine Navy by providing additional manpower, expertise, and support during emergencies, training exercises, and operational deployments,” Adaci said.
“Their contributions are instrumental in enhancing maritime security and disaster response as they bring valuable civilian skills and knowledge to the naval organization,” he added.
The new Navy reservists composed the Basic Citizen Military Course (BCMC) Classes 01-24, 02-24, and 03-24. They were trained and organized by the Naval Reserve Command headed by Maj. Gen. Joseph Ferrous S. Cuison; the Naval Forces Northern Luzon, and the Naval Reserve Center Northern Luzon.
The new reservists will serve as force multipliers of the Navy’s force to boost maritime security in Batanes, a province located in the northernmost part of the country facing Taiwan.
China has opposed the recent mobilization of AFP forces and reservists, as well as joint patrol operations with the United States in the northern Philippines. It accused Manila and other allied forces of "stirring up trouble."
China, which clashes with the United States over Taiwan, is also engaged in a maritime row with the Philippines in the South China Sea.
But Adaci said the new reservists are only tasked to assist in emergencies and calamities as needed by forces in Batanes.
“With the help of the new reservists, the Navy can broaden, deepen, and seamlessly operate under the context of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept,” Adaci said.
The CADC is a new defense concept adopted by the AFP under the direction of the Department of National Defense. It aims to guarantee the safety and security for Filipino citizens, Philippine corporations and those authorized by the national government to explore and exploit the country’s natural resources within the Philippine's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Further, it will also serve as a foundation in the long-term protection of Philippine interests and nationals especially in relation to resources and economic activities relating to the oceans and the seas within the country’s jurisdiction.