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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP highlights strategic importance of reserve force amid evolving security threats

AFP highlights strategic importance of reserve force amid evolving security threats

Published Dec 10, 2025 01:09 pm
(Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
(Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday, Dec. 10, stressed the growing strategic role of its reserve force amid evolving security challenges.
Col. Xerxes Trinidad, AFP public affaits office chief, underscored the value of the reserve force not just as a support component but as a critical pillar of national defense.
Last Dec. 8, the AFP led the 2025 Joint Reservist National Convention and the second General Assembly of the Association of Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines Incorporated (ARRAPI) in Makati City which gathered more than 4,500 reservists onsite at One Ayala Mall and around 48,000 more joining virtually, making it one of the largest assemblies of reserve forces in recent years.
Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Pablo M. and AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen Jimmy D. Larida stressed that reservists are becoming increasingly indispensable to the country’s readiness and deterrence posture.
They noted how reservists have shifted from being a reserve manpower pool to becoming an active component in disaster response, cybersecurity, territorial defense support, and community-based security initiatives.
The theme during the convention was “Adapting to an Evolving Security Environment: Reservists at the Forefront of Cooperative Defense,” which highlighted how a strengthened reserve corps directly contributes to building a more resilient and responsive AFP.
Larida urged reservists to stay committed to service as the AFP adapts to regional and domestic security pressures.
“Together, let us show the Filipino people that in every challenge, every crisis, and every threat — the AFP stands ready because the Filipino reservists stand ready,” he said.
He also emphasized that the expanding participation of reservists in AFP operations reflects a broader shift toward a whole-of-nation approach to defense which requires an agile and well-prepared reserve force alongside the regular military.

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