Manila, June 24 -- The Philippine Army (PA) has urged the public not to use the term "National Guard" when referring to members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary (CAA).

"We respectfully request that the term 'National Guard' not be used when referring to members of the CAA. Such terminology is not recognized under existing Philippine laws and policies, and its use may lead to confusion or misrepresentation of the mandate, organization, and legal basis of our forces," Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a message to reporters late Tuesday night.

The Army spokesperson made this clarification after some reports came out claiming that the "National Guard" has replaced the CAA in its missions. ...