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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider New Wescom chief takes helm as AFP stresses steady West PH Sea posture

New Wescom chief takes helm as AFP stresses steady West PH Sea posture

Published Apr 27, 2026 03:14 pm
Vice Admiral Alan M. Javier (left) accepts the command symbol from General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, as he assumes leadership of the Western Command (Wescom) during a ceremony held at Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on April 26, 2026. He succeeded Commodore Charles Merric A. Villanueva (right), who served as officer in charge. (Photo: AFP)
Vice Admiral Alan M. Javier (left) accepts the command symbol from General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, as he assumes leadership of the Western Command (Wescom) during a ceremony held at Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on April 26, 2026. He succeeded Commodore Charles Merric A. Villanueva (right), who served as officer in charge. (Photo: AFP)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has installed a new commander of the Western Command, a Palawan-based unit responsible for operations in the country’s western maritime territories, including the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
AFP Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. presided over the change of command ceremony as Vice Admiral Alan M. Javier formally assumed the position of the new Wescom commander, held at the headquarters of the Tactical Operations Wing – West, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City on Sunday, April 26.
Javier succeeded Commodore Charles Merric A. Villanueva, who served as officer in charge following the retirement of Vice Admiral Alfonso F. Torres Jr. on Feb. 16.
Villanueva will continue to serve as Wescom’s deputy commander for external defense operations.
In his speech, Brawner recognized Villanueva’s leadership, saying the Wescom sustained a credible and steady presence in WPS.
“Maritime and sovereignty patrols were carried out with discipline and purpose. Our domain awareness improved. Our posture remained firm—without escalation, without compromise. The work you have done has strengthened our position, not just operationally but institutionally,” he said.
He also challenged the new Wescom chief to have decisive leadership, reaffirming the command’s critical role in national defense, especially amid continuing pressure from China in the WPS.
“You come into this role with experience that is both operational and strategic. Your task is clear: sustain presence, strengthen deterrence, build capability, and lead your people well,” he said.
“Leadership has changed, but the mission has not. Support your commander and do your part. Stay disciplined and focused because what you do here matters—to our fishermen, to our trade routes, and to our future as a maritime nation,” he added.
Read: 'Bolstering the ranks:' Roldan officially named AFP's Top 2 man
Last April 20, Javier was promoted to a three-star rank in a ceremony presided over by Brawner at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. In the same ceremony, Philippine Air Force (PAF) Lt. Gen. Rommel P. Roldan was named as the AFP's new vice chief of staff, the second highest position in the military.
Prior to this, Javier served as the Chief Naval Staff of the Philippine Navy, where he oversaw the coordination of naval staff functions.
He also led the Puerto Princesa City-based Naval Forces West in March 2022, and served as deputy commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao for almost two years.

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Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command West Philippine Sea Vice Admiral Alan Javier Palawan
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