“Exciting times ahead,” Filipino-Italian actor Matteo Guidicelli said as he announced that he has joined the Philippine army reserve force in an Instagram post yesterday.
One photo shows him in a salute position while another shows him with his right hand raised at the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) in Tanza, Cavite.
“I officially joined the Philippine ARMY today because I love my country. I would like to thank the people that have been very supportive,” Guidicelli wrote in his post.
He also quoted ARESCOM Commander Major General Bernie Langub who said: ‘The rank is emplaced near their heart because it means only those who have the heart to serve will be fit to wear the uniform. It is beyond the uniform, it is all about willingness to serve the country and being prepared for any eventuality.’
This is pretty cool but does not necessarily mean the TV and movie actor will suddenly spring to duty. Technically, he’s still a civilian with military training.
The Philippine reserve force usually engages in training, organizing, developmental activities, administration, public awareness, and maintenance activities during peacetime. They are, however, tasked to help support the Philippine army in the event of war, invasion, or rebellion; and assist in rescue and relief during disaster and calamities.
As of December 2017, the army reserve force has over 770,000 reservists.
Guidicelli first gave hints that he would be joining the army after posting photos taken at the First Scout Ranger Regiment in Camp Tecson, Bulacan province on Thursday.
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“Always respect to our flag and to the people that protect us,” he wrote.
