Military reservists to get refurbished weapons

MANILA, Philippines - Military reservists are guaranteed hand-me down weapons in good working condition from regular troops undergoing rearming as part of the armed forces modernization.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said the M16 rifles issued to regular troops are gradually being recalled and replaced with new Remington M4 assault rifles.

The recalled M-16s would be refurbished and stocked for issuance to reservists during emergencies requiring military mobilization.

The military has 1.2 million reservists, more than 106,000 of whom are considered ready reserve and can mobilize on short notice.

The AFP has 125,000 regular personnel spread among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

For now, Catapang said the military’s reservists or “weekend warriors” are usually tapped as first responders during natural calamities.

“The call that we have in the AFP as protectors of our nation now encompasses a greater mission of safeguarding our fellow Filipinos from the devastating effects of climate change and various natural disasters,” Catapang said in a speech during the opening ceremony of the 35th AFP National Reservist Week held at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday.

Catapang also urged the reservists to take their responsibilities with utmost dedication.

In line with yesterday’s celebration, the AFP Reserve Command launched an annual tree-growing program.

In coordination with military camp commanders, the weekend warriors would plant and nurture 700 seedlings of Bukidnon gold cherry blossom trees at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City and at Fort Bonifacio and Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City.

“Growing of at least one tree per year for every reservist would result to the production of more than 100,000 trees per year. In 10 years’ time, the AFP weekend warriors can produce more than one million trees,” Catapang said.