Secretary Teodoro urges reservists to help defend PH maritime, land domains

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 13, 2026

Photo courtesy: Department of National Defense – Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has called on military reservists to help strengthen the country’s defense of its maritime and land domains, citing gaps in existing capabilities and the need for broader support across coastal and island communities.

Speaking at the culmination of the 47th National Reservist Week at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Teodoro said reservists can play a bigger role in force support, especially in areas facing security and disaster-response challenges.

He said the government needs additional manpower in the maritime domain, land domain, and coastal and island provinces, particularly as the Philippines works to protect its territory and maritime entitlements.

Teodoro also stressed the need to counter what he described as foreign and malign influence and improper activities, while strengthening control over the country’s baseline areas.

He said the Philippines, as a maritime and archipelagic nation, must also help safeguard freedom of navigation and secure vital supply chains in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Beyond territorial defense, Teodoro said reservists could also support community-based disaster response, including first aid and other critical functions during emergencies.

He floated the idea of developing a deployable community-based system that could replicate essential services when disasters strike, with participation remaining voluntary.

Teodoro said reservists could help fill operational gaps while supporting both national security and local emergency response.