The Philippine Army is calling for more volunteers to sign up for its Ready Reserve Battalion (RRB) in Negros Oriental to serve during national emergencies and to support regular forces during national security threats.

Colonel William Pesase, who heads the 703rd Community Defense Center of the 7th Regional Community Defense Group, Reserve Command of the Philippine Army, said that the current strength of the battalion in the province is not fully complemented yet.

Pesase hopes that more volunteers will understand the role of Army reservists who will be mobilized to respond to national emergencies, socio-economic development and disasters, referencing the West Philippine Sea issue and the restive Mt. Kanlaon.

“I’m calling for volunteer Negrenses to step forward and play a vital role in our disaster response, community support, and territorial defense, by joining the reserve force,” he said.

On Sunday afternoon, February 16, five reservist officers and 100 enlisted reservists of the RRB’s Alpha Company completed a 10-day Company Integration Training held at the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Siaton, Negros Oriental.

“The training is to enhance the capabilities of trainees to conduct company operations as the reservist is a base for expansion and integration to regular forces,” Pesase said.

He said the reserve force development program trains reservists just as regular troops are trained, including marksmanship or the use of firearms.

Reservists are not full-time and return to their respective professions or jobs until they are called to serve on active duty when necessary.

The 703rd Community Defense Center and the Reserve Ready Battalion are based at Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental. (PNA)