Wescom war games highlight crucial role of reservists

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10, 2023): Wescom war games highlight crucial role of reservists (By Izza Reynoso)

STAYING PREPARED. The Western Command concluded a two-day Mobilization Exercise (MOBEX) over the weekend, involving approximately 300 reservists in Palawan. During the war games' closing ceremonies on Sunday (July 9, 2023) Naval Forces West commander Commodore Allan Javier emphasized the important role reservists play in various kinds of emergencies. (Photo by Izza Reynoso)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Western Command (Wescom) concluded a two-day Mobilization Exercise (MOBEX) over the weekend, involving approximately 300 reservists in Palawan and other provinces.

The exercise was designed to ensure their readiness and capability to contribute effectively in joint military operations, Naval Forces West (NFW) commander, Commodore Allan Javier, said on Sunday afternoon at the event's closing program at Lawak Gymnasium at the Western Command (WESCOM) Headquarters in Barangay San Miguel, this city.

He emphasized the importance of reservists' readiness, highlighting their invaluable skills, expertise, and experiences that are essential for national defense.

Javier pointed out that the MOBEX offered a chance to assess readiness, pinpoint areas of enhancement, and foster stronger connections between active duty forces and reservists.

He emphasized the significance of professionalism and teamwork, underscoring their vital roles in military operations, which the exercise sought to demonstrate.

"In this mobilization exercise, we witnessed an opportunity to evaluate our preparedness, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen the bond between active duty forces and reservists. It will showcase the integration of professionalism and teamwork that is crucial in any military operation," Javier said.

He emphasized that the exercise was conducted in compliance with Republic Act 7077, otherwise known as the "Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act" and had the objective of enhancing the capabilities of reservists.

Looking ahead, he said the reservists are anticipated to play a crucial role, not only in military operations but especially in humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) efforts, considering the challenges presented by El Niño and the expected increase in the intensity of typhoons.

In addition, Commander Ariel Joseph Coloma, Wescom spokesperson, said the MOBEX's primary objective is to bolster the readiness and operational efficiency of reservists through comprehensive training exercises and simulations.

These activities are designed to closely emulate real-world scenarios that reservists may encounter during their military service, thereby enhancing their preparedness.

He said that the exercise's importance lies in motivating reservists to actively engage in the government's ongoing efforts to uphold stability in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"We have approximately 185 individuals physically present, and we also have online participants, bringing the total to around 300," Coloma told the media following the conclusion of MOBEX.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1205265