Col. Mikee Romero, a world-ranked polo player and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has taken the reins of the Tactical Operations Wing Reserve–Northern Luzon as the Philippine Air Force unveils a sweeping reorganization of its reserve units. Known for his discipline on the polo field, Romero brings the same strategic precision and competitive spirit to his role in shaping the country’s Total Defense Force.
The transformation was formally marked during the Simultaneous Deactivation, Organization, and Activation Ceremony of seven PAF Reserve Units on March 6 at the PAF Multipurpose Gymnasium, Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
During the ceremony, Romero expressed gratitude to PAF leadership for spearheading the reform.
“The replication of the regular force structure within the reserve units is a historic step toward building a true Total Defense Force, where citizen airmen can fully support and complement the operational capabilities of the Air Force,” Romero said.
He also acknowledged Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, and Maj. Gen. Pablo Rustria, Vice Commanding General, for leading the integration of reservists more closely with the regular force.
The event was presided over by Lt. Gen. Cordura, with Maj. Gen. Ronie D. Petinglay, Commander of the Air Force Reserve Command, delivering remarks and introducing the presiding officer. Air Force Adjutant Col. Susan T. Rodolfo read the official orders for the deactivation, organization, activation, and redesignation of reserve units.
As part of the sweeping reorganization, the Philippine Air Force deactivated seven existing reserve wings and replaced them with a new lineup designed to mirror the structure of regular PAF units, providing comprehensive coverage across the country. At the forefront of this transformation is the Tactical Operations Wing Reserve – Northern Luzon, now under the command of Col. Mikee Romero, whose leadership brings both strategic acumen and the competitive edge of a world-ranked polo player.
In Southern Luzon, Col. Floreto Solano takes the helm of the newly activated wing, while Brig. Gen. Jude Ejercito leads the Central wing. Other key components of the restructured reserve force include the Air Base Wing Reserve, as well as Tactical Operations Wings covering EastMinCom, WestMinCom, and WesCom. Together, these units form a seamless network of citizen airmen, each mirroring the operational readiness and capabilities of their active-duty counterparts, ready to contribute to national defense wherever needed.
Col. Solano welcomed the transformation, noting its energizing effect on the reserve force.
“This reorganization energizes the entire reserve force. By mirroring the structure of the regular Air Force, reservists are now better positioned to contribute meaningfully to operational readiness and national defense,” Solano said.
Under the Total Defense Force development concept, the PAF aims to replicate the organizational structure and capabilities of regular units within its reserve force on a one-to-one basis, enabling reservists to maintain the same technical and operational competencies as their active-duty counterparts.
The initiative reflects the PAF’s commitment to building a stronger Citizen Air Force, leveraging the expertise and specialized skills of reservists to bolster the operational readiness of the regular force in safeguarding the nation.
