Cordillerans urged to join Army reserve corps

CORDILLERA Administrative Region's local and provincial officials, professionals and students are encouraged to join the military reserve corps which promotes nationalism and volunteerism.

Regional Community Defense Group 2nd Lieutenant Alber Bunggo of the Philippine Army said said RCDG is mandated to reserved unit by the chief of staff of Armed Forces of the Philippines under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act of 1991 or RA Nr.7077.

Bunggo highlighted the purpose of reservists in disaster and rescue operations, socioeconomic activities, humanitarian assistance and environmental protection.

The reserve force is organized to five components; the army reserve, air force, navy,

AFP-wide technical and affiliated reserves.

The reactivation of 14th CAR RCDG was conducted last year led by newly reactivated unit head Colonel Gregory Docil. At least five community defense center will serve as headquarters distributed in Benguet, Abra, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province.

With some active reservists, he assured the reserve force will not be infiltrated by the Cordillera People Liberations Army.

"We have a background investigation if they are member of CPLA," Bunggo said. "The reserve force is open to those who are interested. Kahit sino po iyong personalities pero tinitignan po namin iyong background."

Interested individuals may submit application form, affidavit of non-pending case, whole body postcard size picture, NSO birth certificate, college diploma and transcript of record authenticated by the school registrar, board certificate or PRC License, certificate of employment, physical examination report, and command clearance.

"We are willing to have information drive in any municipalities of Benguet regarding the benefits being of a member of the reserve force," Bunggo said.