Under Republic Act 7077, the mission of the Citizen Armed Force, alternately referred to as the Reserve Force, is to provide the base for the expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the event of war, invasion or rebellion; to assist in relief and rescue during disaster or calamities; to assist in socioeconomic development; and to assist in the operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities in the furtherance of the overall mission. The Navy Reserve complements the active-duty component of the Navy.
A reserve can pursue a full-time civilian education or profession while serving, or he or she can receive special military training. These are men and women who are compassionate and dedicated to serve the country in so many ways and adds to the diversity of the organization. MP Mitmug aside from being the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s Deputy Minority Floor Leader, volunteers in his community as a Navy Reservist.
On October 16, 2020, Mitmug finished his Basic Citizen Military Course after months of undergoing trainings, and was formally enrolled as a citizen soldier to the Philippine Navy Reserve as PO3 Rasol Mitmug Jr. PN (RES). Prior to his graduation, he was given the opportunity to present to the Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command a Plaque of Appreciation on September 27, 2020, for their prompt response to the request for assistance and support in transporting the Locally Stranded Individuals (LSI) in Manila bound for Cotabato via Cagayan de Oro.
As an active-duty citizen soldier, Lt Cmdr Suharto Ambolodto (PN) and P03 Ras Mitmug (PN), joins the 1st Marine Brigade Outreach Program in Support of Education Continuity Plans last January 26, 2021, at former MILF CAMP Abubakar, Barira Town, Maguindanao. The group donated 20 boxes of 5 reams of bond papers for the five District Schools, 1000 facemasks, 100 face shields, and 20 bottles of one-liter disinfectant alcohol through the District Supervisors of the Municipalities of Barira. A month after, P03 Mitmug donated kiddie meals to children ages five and up of CCNHS-Annex LR Sebastian Site in celebration of National Student’s Day. Said initiative is in collaboration with the Philippine Navy Reserve Commander NRCen-WM, COL. Leo C. Frincillo PN (M) (GCS), Lanao del Sur Provincial Government, Area 6 President Jamael Bagumbaran, and Khadaffy Daromimbang.
P03 Mitmug also participated in the fleet-marine engineering projects in Sulu as part of the Pagsisikap 2021 through the 4th Marine Brigade. PAGSISIKAP 2021 focuses on the Philippine Navy’s thrust to sustain Fleet-Marine units in the planning and execution of amphibious operations and/or raids in the littoral battle space in support of the PN’s Capability Development Plan to test the Amphibious Task Group concept, which will be built around the Landing Dock or Landing Ship, as well as the landing force, surface connectors, aviation, and special forces. The exercise also highlights new military assets for the Philippine Marine Corps, such as Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV), which will be used for the first time in Mindanao during amphibious operations.
The 631st Naval Squadron Reserve was contingent to Naval Forces Western Mindanao Exercise PAGSISIKAP 2021 where PO3 Don Loong was the Petty Officer in Charge of the 631st Naval Squadron Reserve (NSR631) together with his team support staff; PO3 Ras Mitmug, PO3 Tanya Bella, PO3 Caesar Ian G. Kamensa, N2 Sahid A. Usman participated in the various civil affairs programs as part of the CMO activities of the naval exercise. The NSR631 was recently named the “best naval reservist unit” and “best naval reservist enlisted personnel.”
In the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, the 63rd Naval Group Reserve, Naval Forces Reserve Western Mindanao of the NRCen Western Mindanao in Naval Forces Western Mindanao assisted the Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP, the DPWH Regions XI and XII, and the Province of Cotabato in supporting the transport and delivery to the EOC of Dinagat Islands of approximately 145 tons of rice, 20,000 cans of sardines, 20,000 sachets of coffee, 320,000 tablets of aquatabs, 1,500 hygiene kits and 1,200 jerrycans from the BARMM headed by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim through the Ministry of Social Services and Development headed by its Minister and BTA Deputy Majority Floor Leader MP Atty Raissa Jajurie and the Ministry of Interior and Local Government headed by Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo.
As part of the contingent of the 631st Naval Squadron Reserve, PO3 Ras Mitmug embarked with reservists to deliver humanitarian aid (rice, water, groceries, and clothing) to the typhoon victims in northeastern Mindanao.
MP Mitmug considers it an honor and a responsibility to serve in the country’s reserve force. He became more appreciative of the roles of citizen-soldiers, especially during times of calamity and internal challenges. He also added that the time he spent serving in the Philippine reserve force was an avenue for worthwhile experiences that became an opportunity for him to enhance and further his skills. Mitmug hopes to continue to serve as an active-duty reservist and to make his involvement advantageous for the Bangsamoro.