FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – A new Philippine Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) commander was installed during a Change of Chief ceremony held here today, March 26, 2020.
Via a video teleconference, the Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay presided the turnover of ARESCOM leadership from the outgoing Maj. Gen. Bernie S. Langub to incoming Commander Brig. Gen. Peale Jon L. Bondoc who were at ARESCOM Headquarters, Camp Region de Dios, Tanza, Cavite.
The mission of the Army’s Reserve Force is to provide the base for expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the event of war, invasion, and rebellion, or during national emergencies; assist in relief and rescue operations during disaster or calamities; assist in socio-economic development; and assist in the operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities in the furtherance of the over-all mission.
Bondoc accomplished the Officer Preparatory Course in 1987 after the he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics degree from University of Los Baños in 1985. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and accomplished the Command & General Staff Course in 2003. He also completed the Incident Command System Position Courses, and Hazard Incident Management Team Training Course at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Office of Civil Defense.
Prior to the post, Bondoc was the Brigade Commander of the 902nd “Fight and Serve” Infantry Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. He also served as Commanding Officer of the 7th Intelligence and Security Unit, Intelligence Security Group; Commanding Officer of the 76th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Battalion; Group Commander of the Army 1st Training Group, Training and Doctrine Command; and Commander of the Joint Task Group Finisher-Warrior, Southern Luzon Command.
The CGPA also lauded Langub’s accomplishments as he served the ARESCOM for three-and-a-half years. During his stint, more than 632,000 Army Reservists including key decision-makers and influencer-celebrities joined the component on top of the activation of 25 additional units. Moreover, two Ready Reserve Battalions were also mobilized during the Marawi Crisis in 2017. The ARESCOM was also able to upgrade its facilities, enhance its information operations and attains the Army Governance Pathway “Proficient” status with a Gold Trailblazer Award. Langub is set to retire as he reached 33 years of service in the command.
“Our country has always triumphed over challenges. Our secret for this resilience is ’Malasakit’, and the spirit of service for our fellow Filipinos. Today, allow me to dwell on empathy and service; and to recognize our reservists, the Army Reserve Command, and its two commanders,” addressed Gapay.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic, expect a vital role on the fight. Let me borrow the words of Maj.Gen. Langub, ‘it is beyond the uniform. It is all about the willingness to serve the country and being prepared for any eventuality’,” added the CGPA.
Through the Office of the Reservist Affairs OG9, the Philippine Army is on the right track in achieving a responsive and mobilizeable reserve force that can be employed, together with the regular force, in protecting and maintaining the peace and security of the country and its people.#