Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservists and Retiree Affairs, J9 Rear Admiral Aurelio Rabusa, Jr. recently remarked that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will heighten its efforts in recruiting citizen soldiers.

Citizen or reserved soldiers are those individuals who voluntarily offer their services to support the AFP.

The country’s military reserve force helps the government in resolving internal conflict as well as in providing humanitarian assistance, and rescue and relief operations in times of disasters and natural calamities.

During Rabusa’s guesting in the UNTV public affairs program Get It Straight with Daniel Razon, he said that the organization is intensifying its recruitment endeavors, especially in the provincial level.

“We will be serious [in our efforts]. From 2016 to 2022, we need to see the establishment of army, navy and air force in each province,” he added.

The AFP also aims to boost the disaster response and rescue operations trainings reservists undergo.

RADM Rabusa further pointed out the significant help reservists can contribute in safeguarding the territories of our country.

“[Reservists] can aid in maintaining community defense per province so that our regular troopers can concentrate on the territorial defense of our whole nation,” he shared.

This December, the AFP is celebrating their 80th founding anniversary.