• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez is now a Philippine Army reservist and he was welcomed by Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd Infantry Division commander, into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday (July 12).
The ceremony was held during the 38th founding anniversary of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB) held at Camp Major Nelson Gerona in Murcia, Negros Occidental.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, Central Philippines State University president Aladino Moraca and vice president for academic affairs Fernando Abello also joined the Army Reserve Command.
As Army reservists, the four are expected to undergo basic military training and active duty training.
“My first day as a reservist has also become more meaningful as today we are celebrating the eighth anniversary of the arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea and the 38th founding anniversary of the 303rd Infantry Brigade,” Benitez said.
The young mayor said that he has always been “in awe of Philippine soldiers’ great altruism, bravery, and courage”.
“It is a great honor, joy, and pride to fulfill the highest civic duty by joining the Philippine military. The calling to serve cannot be more rewarding as I receive this privilege of not only protecting and representing our country but also assisting during calamities and disasters and in socio-economic development,” he added.
Section 3, Article II of the AFP Reservist Act of 1991 states, “The Citizen Armed Force shall be provided maximum opportunity to participate in safeguarding the security of the State and in assisting in socioeconomic development.”
Furthermore, reservists are bestowed with the mission to provide the base for the expansion of the AFP in times of invasion, rebellion, or war.
They will also assist in relief and rescue during disasters or calamities, socioeconomic development, and operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities. | GB
