Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. supports the proposal to tap civilians with licensed guns to become reservists, saying it is an advantage that they already know how to handle firearms.
“I’m in support of that kasi kailangan natin palakihin ang ating reserve force [I’m in support of that because we need to expand our reserve force],” Brawner said on Wednesday during a target shooting competition in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
“One of the core competencies ng isang sundalo [of a soldier] is that he or she should be adept, should be competent in the use of the firearm,” he added.
The AFP chief said during the Marawi siege in 2017, only around half of the reservists whom the government mobilized knew how to handle weapons.
“Kung dati na siyang shooter at kung marunong na siya [If one already knows how to shoot], especially on the safety of handling a weapon, then they’re all welcome to join the reservists,” Brawner said.
Senators Mark Villar and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa earlier made the proposal, citing the need for additional manpower to help defend the country should the need arise.
