The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been developing its naval reserve force as it plays a crucial role in the strengthening of the nation’s territorial defense amid security developments in the region.

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said this as he led the graduation of the latest batch of Basic Citizen Military Course Class 08-24 and 09-24 finishers at the Baguio Country Club on Saturday, June 29.

The ceremony marked the successful completion of the training program for the 84 new graduates.

“Maganda naman ang nangyaring graduation (This graduation is good) because now we have 84 new members of the naval reserve force. This is a big boost to our defensive posture because we are now currently trying to develop our reserve force,” Brawner said.

The AFP, according to Brawner, has created a steady reserve force for a long time. However, because of the “challenges” faced by the country, there is a need to beef up the reserve force, train them properly, and make sure they are “prepared for any eventuality whether these are man-made or natural.”

“Kung makikita natin ang mga giyera na nangayayari sa buong mundo, like in Ukraine, in Israel and Gaza, the reserve force plays a very important role. Napakaimportante na madevelop natin dito sa ating bansa ‘yung reserve force natin (If we have seen the wars happening all over the world, like in Ukraine, in Israel and Gaza, the reserve force plays a very important role. It is important to develop our reserve force here in our country),” the military chief noted.

The new graduates will be joining the Philippine Navy's reserve force based in Northern Luzon.

The Basic Citizen Military Course is designed to equip participants with essential military skills and knowledge that foster a spirit of nationalism and readiness to serve the nation in times of need.

‘No one wins in a war’

Meanwhile, Brawner allayed public fears that there would be a potential war as he debunked information spreading on social media that the AFP has been bulking up its muscle in preparation for increased hostilities against China due to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) conflict.

“Marami kasing kumakalat na fake news na sinasabing magkakagiyera na tayo. Huwag po kayong mag-alala dahil ginagawa po natin lahat ang ating kayang gawin upang maiwasan natin ang giyera (There are a lot of fake news saying that we are going into a war. Don’t worry because we are doing everything we can to avert a potential war),” he said.

Brawner said that President Marcos Jr. has directed the AFP to “exhaust all possible measures and actions so that we will prevent war.”

“Kung magkagiyera po tayo, lahat po tayo talo whether it will be the Philippines or even the big countries. Talo tayong lahat. Wala pong panalo sa giyera (All of us will lose if a war breaks out whether it will be the Philippines or the big countries. We are all losers. No one wins in a war),” he stressed.

However, the military chief said that Marcos has also ordered the AFP to ensure that the country would assert its sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“Basta tayo susunod lang tayo sa international laws and we are also promoting international rules-based order (We will just follow the international laws and we are also promoting international rules-based order),” Brawner said.

Last June 17, tension between the Philippines and China escalated anew when China Coast Guard personnel rammed a Philippine Navy boat while on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre outpost in Ayungin Shoal, looted personal belongings of Filipino troops, and destroyed equipment using bladed weapons. The incident resulted in the dismemberment of a thumb of a PN trooper.

Brawner said that despite the escalation of tension, the AFP will continue its resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal as it is the military’s obligation to maintain the outpost and ensure the welfare of the Filipino troops stationed there.

“Definitely, we will continue with our resupply mission. It is our responsibility, it is our obligation, and it is a legal operation, legal military operation that we are doing in our exclusive economic zone,” he said.