450 naval troops to complete mobilization readiness training

The official launch of Mobilization Exercise 2024 was held at Naval Forces Western Mindanao on September 10. It includes 150 reservists and 300 regular navy troops. Rear Admiral Francisco Tagamolila Jr. spearheads the opening ceremony on Tuesday morning. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS BY NAVAL FORCES WESTERN MINDANAO

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — About 450 regular troops and reservists are set to complete a week-long military training dubbed as Mobilization Exercise (MOBEX) on Saturday here.

“This training is designed to ensure the readiness and responsiveness of the Philippine Navy Reserve Force, reinforcing its role as a critical augmentation to the regular force during mobilization scenarios,” said Rear Admiral Francisco Tagamolila Jr., commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao and Officer Scheduling the Exercise of MOBEX 2024.

“The exercise emphasizes operational integration, focusing on maritime security operations and other missions requiring the participation of naval reservists,” he added.

The training kicked off last Sept. 9 at Tangan Gymnasium of the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon here.

Captain Hilarion Cesista, deputy commander for Fleet Operations and co-officer conducting the MOBEX, said the exercise marks the transition from preparation to action, with simulation of operational scenarios involving amphibious operations and at-sea events.

Tagamolila also underscored the importance of the reserve force.

“Our reservists are essential force multipliers for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The security challenges we faced are too vast for the regular force alone, which is why we rely on your dedication and readiness,” he said.

The official launch of Mobilization Exercise 2024 was held at Naval Forces Western Mindanao on September 10. It includes 150 reservists and 300 regular navy troops. Rear Admiral Francisco Tagamolila Jr. spearheads the opening ceremony on Tuesday morning. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS BY NAVAL FORCES WESTERN MINDANAO

He added that MOBEX 2024 plays a crucial role in maintaining the high level of operational readiness necessary to achieve the nation’s defense and security objectives, while also assessing the interoperability between the reserve and regular forces of the Philippine Navy.

Lieutenant Chester Ross Cabaltera, spokesperson of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, said there are 300 regular forces from the Philippine Navy, and 150 fleet marine reservists coming from this city, Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi, and Sulu who are part of the Mobex 2024.

He said three big units, the NFWM, 1st Marine Brigade and 2nd Marine Brigade, are part of the exercises, spearheaded by Tagamolila, Colonel Jonathan Gabor, Deputy Commander for Marine Operations, and Cesista.

Captain Jasper Adrales, chief of staff of NFWM, is the exercise director.