Navy mobility exercise assesses reservists' capability

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2023): Navy mobility exercise assesses reservists' capability (By Connie Calipay)

MOBILITY EXERCISE. Reservists of the Naval Forces of Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) on Friday (Aug. 4, 2023) start the five-day Mobility Exercise (Mobex) that aims to capacitate the readiness and capability when augmented with the regular force. At least 152 reservists from the Bicol Region and other provinces joined the activity. (Photo courtesy of Anj Galero)

LEGAZPI CITY – The Naval Forces of Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) on Friday started a mobilization exercise (Mobex) involving around 152 reservists in the Bicol Region and other provinces.

In a phone interview, Lt. Kim Paulo Lopez, NAVFORSOL assistant public affairs officer, said the five-day exercise aims to capacitate the readiness and capability of the reservists when augmented with the regular force.

"The Mobex will train, educate and integrate the Navy reservists in their respective specialization and competencies in support of Navy operations. This will test and evaluate the responsiveness of the reservists in given scenarios and it will evaluate and assess their capabilities," Lopez said.

He said the reservists together with regular forces of the Philippine Navy will undergo a series of training, skills development, and earthquake and insurgency scenarios.

Lopez added that the exercise is 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.

"They are expected to participate not only in military operations but especially in humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) efforts, particularly in times of disaster and natural calamities," he said.

Meanwhile, Naval Reserve Center-Southern Luzon Commander Wendellboy Buntag said the Mobex prepares and trains the reservists for possible deployment integrated with the regular force.

"In case of war invasion and national emergencies, this is our preparation for possible deployment. It will also enhance the skills of the reservists and smooth integration and collaboration with the other members," he said.

Participants to the Mobex are reservists who joined the calling of volunteerism three years ago.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1207171