Kalinaw News: SULU gains 300 more Army Reservists

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 17, 2021): SULU gains 300 more Army Reservists



December 17, 2021, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – Yesterday afternoon, Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT) Class 02-2021 concluded, officially adding 300 more citizens from different walks of life to Sulu’s military reserve force.

With Joint Task Force – Sulu and 11th Infantry Division Commander MGen William N Gonzales as guest of honor, the 45-day BCMT- which comprised of basic military skills, relief and rescue operations, disaster response, field training exercise and firearms proficiency – culminated in a closing ceremony at the Sulu State College in Jolo. As part of the program, the enlistment order of the graduates was read and immediately followed by the pinning of their ranks.

“Although this batch are all reserve privates, its diverse demographic will add value to what the first ready reserve battalion can do to advance our campaign for peace here in the province. Our youth will be less vulnerable to the recruitment of terror groups, instead, they will be ambassadors of peace,” noted MGen Gonzales.

“They are part of the army’s future structure – a regular force supported by a strong reservist force. Aside from providing additional manpower to the Philippine Army in dealing with external and territorial threats, they have a crucial role stabilizing Sulu’s socio- economic situation. They can help in strengthening education, employment, order and safety,” the commander added.

Notably, the class included members of the youth sector, CAA members, and other individuals coming from various fields such as education, engineering, and local governance. One of them is 31 year-old Pvt Sharryhama D Serajani (Res) who is a nursing graduate currently working as a government employee at Jolo’s Muncipal Hall.

“Noong kabataan ko, hindi ko talaga naiintindihan ang trabaho ng Sundalo. Pero ngayong nakapag-training na rin ako naiintindihan ko na kung anong layunin ng mga sundalo dito sa lugar namin. At gusto kong maging parte ng pagbabago at pag-unlad dito sa Sulu bilang isang reservist,” she said.

With the addition of new privates from BCMT 02-2021, there are now more than 515 army reservist in Sulu. According to 906th Community Defense Center Director Ltc Andres A Soriano, they are planning to train more or less 600 of individuals to complete the manning of Sulu’s first ready reserve battalion. Meanwhile, there are 56 marine reservists mostly residing in the province’s second district.

Maimbung Mayor Sgt Shiela T Hayudini (Res) was also part of the BCMT 02-2021 class while 1st, District Engineer Cpt Ajan Ajijul (Res), Engr 2Lt Jal-Ameer H Jimlan (Res) and Sulu State College President Sgt Charisma Ututalum (Res) were members of class 01-2021.

“Finally, we can see the realization of the idea we had about a year ago. When I first met with Gov Tan, we’ve talked about the possibility of recruiting reservists in Sulu. Now we have two reservist companies composed of very talented individuals,” MGen Gonzales said during his remarks.

The event was also graced by 9RCDG ARESCOM Commander Col Patricio S Tomales, 906th (SULTA) CDC Director Ltc Andres A Soriano, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan respresented by Mr Erwin Tan and the families of the new reservists who were very eager and proud to witness the closing ceremony.

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