• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez is now a Philippine Army reservist.
Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd Infantry Division commander, yesterday welcomed Benitez into the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during his donning as an Army reservist, at the 38th founding anniversary of 303rd Infantry Brigade held at Camp Major Nelson Gerona, Barangay Minoyan, Murcia.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, Central Philippines State University president Aladino Moraca, and Fernando Abello, CPSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, also joined Benitez in the Army Reserve Command.
As Army reservists, Benitez, Diaz, Moraca and Abello are expected to undergo Basic Military Training and Active Duty Training.
My first day as a reservist has also become more meaningful as today we are celebrating the 8th anniversary of the arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea and the 38th founding anniversary of the 303rd Infantry (Brown Eagle) Brigade of the Philippine Army, Benitez said.
It is a great honor, joy, and pride to fulfill the highest civic duty by joining the Philippine Military. The calling to serve cannot be more rewarding as I receive this privilege of not only protecting and representing our country but also assisting during calamities and disasters and in socio-economic development, the mayor said, stressing that he has always been in awe of Philippine soldiers’ great altruism, bravery, and courage.*