The Philippine Constabulary recruited, organized and equipped official civilian militia during the Hukbalahap Rebellion after World War II.
[4] However, that same month she issued Executive Order 264,[5] establishing the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit on the advice of then-Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos.
[6] Over-all organization, training and equipment was provided by the Department of National Defense, while screening and appointment of actual members was carried out by the military provincial commander upon the recommendation of the local government heads and the Chief of the Philippine Constabulary.
Deployment and utilization of the CHDF troops fell under the supervision of the provincial governor, city and municipal mayors, who coordinated with military and Integrated National Police units in areas under the jurisdiction of the local government.
[7] The antagonists in Lav Diaz' 2018 film Season of the Devil are specifically identified as members of the martial law era Civilian Home Defense Forces, and are responsible for various atrocities in the Barrio of Ginto.