AFP installs new Westmincom commander

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines —With only a few weeks before the parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Armed Forces chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete installed yesterday Maj. Gen. Jose Vlademir Cagara as the new commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Cagara replaced outgoing Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran who assumed on July 28 as the Philippine Army’s commanding general.

According to Nafarrete, Westmincom is vital in the security preparations for the election, saying it has consistently defended its area of responsibility against local terrorist groups, communist insurgents, external threats and other security challenges.

“While commanders change, our mission remains constant: to protect the people, secure the state and build the conditions for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Western Mindanao,” Nafarrete said.

Cagara’s designation comes as Westmincom continues to oversee security operations across Western Mindanao, including areas affected by terrorism, insurgency and other security concerns such as the Bangsamoro election.