The Philippine Army’s Reserve Command (RESCOM) recently held significant events in the Visayas region aimed at bolstering the capabilities and coordination of its Reserve Force on October 26-27, 2024.

The events included a convention for Ready Reserve Unit (RRU) commanders and a forum for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) leaders simultaneously conducted at the 301st Infantry Brigade Headquarters, Camp Hernandez, Dingle, Iloilo

The RRU Convention and Leveling focused on equipping Reserve Unit Commanders with the latest policies and procedures in Reserve Force Management. The event aimed to enhance their understanding of how to effectively support Infantry Divisions and Brigades. RRU commanders from the 6th, 7th, and 8th Regional Community Defense Groups (RCDGs) participated in the event.

The convention featured presentations and discussions on a range of topics, including the Reserve Force Development Program, RESCOM Command Thrusts and Accomplishments, the Command Relationship/Role of Ready Reserve Infantry Brigades and Battalions, and the 3ID Campaign Plan and Reserve Force Development Program. Following the discussions, the Civil-Military Operations Regiment (CMOR) facilitated workshops and presentations of outputs.

Meanwhile, the ROTC Forum was centered on RCDG Operational Evaluation. It brought together ROTC Commandants and Corps Commanders from these units to discuss strategies for promoting cohesion, aligning efforts across units, and enhancing operational readiness. The forum included interactive discussions and workshops.

Both events were attended by Major General Romulo Manuel Jr, Commander, RESCOM; Brigadier General Benjamin Hao, Commander of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment; Colonel Lennon Babilonia, the 3rd Infantry Division’s Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs; commanders of the three RCDGs in Visayas, and other officers from the Reserve Command.

The leadership of the 3rd Infantry Division expressed gratitude to RESCOM for conducting these events, which will significantly strengthen the Reserve Force within the Division’s Area of Operations.

“The role of the Reserve Force is crucial to our journey towards establishing a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in Western and Central Visayas. They are an indispensable force multiplier, and their readiness and capability are vital to our goal. This convention and forum are just one way that RESCOM is working to ensure our Reserve Units are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to effectively support our operations. We need to ensure our Reserve Force is ready to respond to any challenge, whether it’s a natural disaster, a humanitarian crisis, or a security threat. This means providing them with the best possible training, equipping them with the latest technology, and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork. I am confident that our Reserve Force is up to the task, and I am proud to be working alongside them to achieve a peaceful and progressive Visayas,” said Major General Marion R. Sison, Commander, 3ID. (PR)

ORMOC CITY– A 74-year-old farmer was discovered lifeless in a rice field beside the road around 7:00 am on Sunday, October 27, in Barangay Dakit, San Francisco, Southern Leyte.

The victim, identified as “Nemesio,” a widower and resident of Barangay Gabi, was found lying beside his bicycle by a resident, who reported the discovery to the San Francisco Municipal Police Station (MPS).

According to an initial investigation, the victim was returning home on his bicycle from a birthday celebration in Barangay Punta around 8:00 pm on Saturday, October 26, when he reportedly suffered a self-accident.

A local rescue team transported the victim to the Rural Health Office for a post-mortem examination.

Dr. Marx Robin D. Tioazon, the Municipal Health Officer, conducted the examination and found no signs of foul play, concluding that the cause of death was a cerebrovascular accident secondary to blunt head trauma.
(ROBERT DEJON)