The Western Command (abbrv. as WESCOM) is the Armed Forces of the Philippines' unified command in charge of the islands of Palawan and Kalayaan, including the disputed Spratly Islands group. It is responsible for the defense of these areas against external aggression, as well as combating terrorism and insurgency.
| Western Command | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | March 28, 2001 – Present |
| Country |  Philippines |
| Role | Conventional and Unconventional Warfare, Anti-Guerrilla Operations, Protecting the Sovereign Territory |
| Part of | Under the Armed Forces of the Philippines |
| Garrison/HQ | Puerto Princesa, Palawan |
| Nickname(s) | WESCOM |
| Motto(s) | Protector of the West Philippine Sea and the Last Frontier We Do It |
| Mascot(s) | Palawan peacock-pheasant |
| Anniversaries | March 28 |
| Engagements | Anti-guerilla operations against the NPA, Abu Sayyaf Group and local criminal elements |
| Website | www |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Major general Antonio Gustilo Nafarrete acting capacity[1] |
| Insignia | |
| Unit Patch | Western Command Emblem |
Operations
edit- Anti-guerrilla operations against the New People's Army
- Anti-terrorist operations against known terror groups operating in their area of responsibility.
- Guarding and patrol operation on the Spratly Islands (Kalayaan Island Group).
- Defense and protection of Palawan and islands in the South China Sea (relevant areas referred to by the Philippine government as West Philippine Sea) against Chinese aggression.
- Joint Multinational Search and Rescue Operations for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.[2]
Organization
editThe following are the units that are under the Western Command:
- Tactical Operations Wing West, PAF
- Naval Forces West, PN
- MBLT-3, PMC
- MBLT-4, PMC
- 18th Special Forces Company (Riverine), PA
- 3rd Marine Brigade, PMC
See also
edit- Alberto Carlos Commander, 2022-2024
References
edit- ^ Alipala, Julie (November 20, 2024). "Nafarrete assumes as acting chief of AFP's Westmincom". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
- ^ "PH joins SE Asia search for Malaysian plane". Rappler. 8 March 2014.