MANILA – The Philippine Army will strengthen its reserve forces by recruiting more “quality” ones to support regular military units.

During his visit to the Reserve Command Philippine Army (RCPA) headquarters in Camp Riego de Dios, Tanza, Cavite last May 27, Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. vowed to provide ample support for reserve units and to improve the facilities of regional community defense groups and community defense centers.

“We also need to streamline our recruitment process so that we can recruit more quality reservists. Rest assured that your headquarters Philippine Army is here to serve you. We will support you in all of your endeavors,” Brawner said.

In a separate statement Sunday, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said developing the Army reserve force is among Brawner’s priorities.

“Lt. Gen. Brawner also lauded the RCPA leadership for implementing key programs that are aligned with his command guidance ‘SERVE’,” Trinidad said.

The Army has about 790,000 standby and ready reserves who provide development support and security operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially in humanitarian assistance and disaster response. (PNA)