(Photo via Liza Jocson)
ZAMBOANGA CITY- The Western Mindanao Command marked its 20th founding anniversary on Thursday, August 27, at the gymnasium of Camp Don Basilio Navarro here with the theme "Strengthening Joint and Inter-Agency Operations toward Resilient Western MIndanao."
The ceremony, graced by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, brought together military personnel, government officials, partner agencies, veterans and other stakeholders to recognize two decades of service and sacrifice.
The program featured a live simulation exercise showcasing inter-agency defense operations. Awards were also given to officers, enlisted personnel, the Civilian Human Resource of the Year and other stakeholders in recognition of their contributions to the command.
The anniversary was the culmination of a series of activities including the Run-for-a Cause, Veterans’ Day, Interagency Territorial Defense Operations exercises, a wellness caravan, and others.
Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, acting commander of WESMINCOM, said the milestone also provides an opportunity to assess the command’s readiness amid an evolving security environment.
“Today, we celebrate 20 years of service, sacrifice, protecting our people, preserving peace, and defending this part of the nation,” Cagara said.
General Nafarrete thanked stakeholders for their continued support to WestMinCom and its units. He said the command will play a greater role this year in coordinating and harmonizing security efforts, strengthening communication and promoting a peaceful and orderly election process in coordination with the Philippine National Police and other government agencies.
The celebration underscored the continuing partnership among the military, government agencies, and local communities in protecting peace gains and building safer and more resilient communities across Western MIndanao.