Marawi: What’s Next?

The five-month war in Marawi is just the beginning. It is the testing ground of terrorist groups in the Philippines. After their setback in Marawi, we could be sure that the Islamic State and other terrorist groups are already planning their next target in the country.

As former deputy chief of staff for reservists and retiree affairs, J10, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I am recommending to President Duterte, Commander in Chief, to utilize the Reserve Force instead of the barangay tanod, for intelligence network all over the country. We have reservists in the first, second and third categories depending on their age.

We also have the organized affiliated reserves such as Meralco, PLDT, MWSS, call centers and many more. These reservists have a background in national security during the training unlike the barangay tanod who are politically motivated. I hope the new AFP chief of staff looks into this. The utilization of reservists will not entail so much AFP resources so that our regular troops, Army, Air Force and Navy can attend to safeguard our national territories.

JOEL R. HINLO, retired brigadier general, AFP, [email protected]