The 10TH Infantry Division held the first-ever ceremony to distribute separation gratuity pay to Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary (CAA) personnel and formally integrate them into the Philippine Army Reserve Force on Monday, Oct. 12.
Held at Agila Hall in Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr., the historic milestone gathered 78 CAA personnel, including five veterans who each rendered 38 years of continuous service in counter-insurgency and community defense across the Davao Region and Southeastern Mindanao.
MGEN Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, presided over the ceremony, emphasizing that the financial gratuity and formal military recognition reflect the division’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of its force multipliers.
“As your commander, I sincerely thank you for your many years of service as CAAs of the 10th Infantry Division,” Luzon said. “The separation gratuity pay you received reflects the gratitude and recognition of the Agila Division for your dedication and contribution to our mission.”
Throughout decades of internal security operations, CAA personnel served as vital components of the Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS).
They acted as key force multipliers in dismantling insurgent fronts and maintaining “insurgency-free” status as left-behind forces in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
Military officials highlighted that their mission has evolved alongside national defense priorities—extending to coastal surveillance, community vigilance, and defending national sovereignty, including awareness drives regarding territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Although retiring from active auxiliary service, the 78 personnel will continue their military duty as members of the Philippine Army Reserve Force.
In their new capacity, the reservists will serve as primary responders for humanitarian assistance and disaster response, local peacebuilding efforts, and back-up support for 10ID’s external security operations and territorial defense operations.
The 10ID reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the gains of peace, maintaining that the defense of the nation extends well beyond active duty through a strong, capable reservist network.
