THE 11TH Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) is firmly standing its ground against allegations of militarization and abuse at its camp near the University of the Philippines-Mindanao in Bago Oshiro, Davao City.
This comes amidst calls from some university students and a resolution from the student council urging the relocation of the camp to respect academic space.
The student council’s social media post indicated that the resolution was an initiative of the All Students Council Assembly (ASCA), prompted by student complaints.
It also aligns with the ongoing national campaign against campus militarization.
The resolution is reportedly set to be presented to the House of Representatives as part of this broader campaign to remove military presence from academic spaces.
Despite the student-led efforts, which the 11th RCDG acknowledges as part of academic freedom, Colonel Reandrew Rubio, director of the 1105th, 11th RCDG, stressed during the Davao Peace and Security press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, that they will not vacate their camp.
He maintained that they have committed no violations against any group or organization, particularly the university.
Historical presence and mandated duties
Rubio clarified that their camp has been established in Barangay Mintal since 1957, originally known as the Regional Home Defense Unit.
He emphasized that their presence is in line with their mandate to train, motivate, and organize reservists for national defense.
“Our unit, the RCDG, is extremely important because we’re the only army unit in the region capable of conducting and developing our reserve forces for national defense security,” Rubio explained.
Addressing militarization claims
Regarding the militarization issue, Rubio pointed out that there are no recorded complaints with the police, barangay, or any other authority concerning abuses by ROTC cadets and reservists trained at their camp.
He reiterated that the 11th RCDG’s office is open 24/7 for any individual or organization with complaints against them, and they are prepared to conduct investigations if violations are found.
“If there are any violations committed by our troops, or what they call militarization or whatever, we are open 24/7. They can just come to our office. Maybe there’s a lack of explanation or enlightenment on what our existence or presence is there, not just for the UP community or any organization that wants to know,” he added.
Currently, discussions are ongoing between the university and the Philippine Army regarding the matter.
Photo courtesy of Rhoda Grace B Saron
