The document summarizes several initiatives and accomplishments of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It discusses WestMinCom declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front as persona non grata in Mindanao. It also discusses WestMinCom troops conducting a feeding activity for orphans and their campaign against insurgency and terrorism in Mindanao through military offensives and community engagement. Additionally, it covers WestMinCom inducting officers on the Freedom of Information manual to promote transparency.

1. "remain
apolitical.
ensure a
credible,
orderly,
and peaceful
election"- LtGen Dela Vega
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Official Publication of Western Mindanao Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines

2. EDITORIAL
4 The Breakthrough
MESSAGE
5 Commander, Western Mindanao Command, AFP
FEATURE ARTICLE
6 Making life worthwhile; Living life for others
7 WestMinCom: The Front-Runner of Peace in Southern Philippines
8 CPP-NPA-NDF declared as persona non grata in Mindanao
9 The FOI Process: Promoting Transparency in the AFP
10 The Freedom of Information at a Glance
14 Muslim Troops act out the central principles of their faith
16 OU8 Continuously Edifies the Men and Womenof WestMinCom
18 WestMinCom leading the way towards peace
22 Western Mindanao Command: Mission Accomplished
28 The Life & Times of ABDV
36 Primacy of Accomplishing the Mission
40 CMO Spectrum: peace time, conflict situation, and wartime
42 Reaching Horizons: Info at your fingertips
E D I T O R I A L B O A R D :
Chairman
Lieutenant General Arnel B Dela Vega Armed Forces of the Philippines
Vice-Chairmen
Brigadier General Cirilo Thomas P Donato Jr Armed Forces of the Philippines
Brigadier General Generoso M Ponio Armed Forces of the Philippines
Members
Colonel Nolasco B Cawaling (General Staff Corps) Philippine Air Force
Colonel Roderick A Balberon General Staff Corps (Cavalry) Philippine Army
Colonel Ismael P Mandanas Jr (General Staff Corps) Philippine Army
Lieutenant Commander Ariel B Tero Philippine Navy
Colonel Clarence V Abellera (MNSA) Philippine Air Force
Lieutenant Colonel Antonio A Mandawe Philippine Air Force
Colonel Gerry M Besana (General Staff Corps) Philippine Army
Colonel Miguel E Ceballos (General Staff Corps) Philippine Army
E D I T O R I A L S T A F F :
Editor-in-Chief
Colonel Gerry M Besana (General Staff Corps) Philippine Army
Associate Editors
Donita Lou A Bemida Civilian Employee
Jennie D Yu Civilian Employee
Photographers
Technical Sergeant Marty Gee D Vicente Philippine Air Force
Technical Sergeant Ruel A Casanes Philippine Army
Sergeant Rowell C Galvez Philippine Air Force
Airman Second Class Alexander E Rosales Jr Philippine Air Force
D E S I G N C O N S U L T A N T:
4th Civil Relations Group, CRSAFP
Art Editor
Corporal Raymond Ferdinand S Quin Philippine Army
Editorial Consultant
Colonel Leonardo I Peña Philippine Army (MNSA)
/ w e s m i n c o mw e s t m i n c o m . c o m
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In This Issue
PhotobyCplRaymondFSQuinPA,4CRG,CRSAFP
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3. MESSAGE
ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES
HEADQUARTERS WESTERN MINDANAO COMMAND
Camp Don Basilio Navarro, Calarian
Zamboanga City
We tread on the path toward peace and development in Mindanao with fervor and hope
that we may realize the common aspiration to end insurgency and terrorism in the regions.
On this journey, we trekked on perilous roads, sailed through strong currents, and
surpassed strong winds, armed with our courage and conviction, to defeat the menace that
bring economic and social havoc in Western and Central areas.
Our hard work and resolve were not put in vain as we reached milestones that proved
we were remarkable in our campaign to eliminate security threats and violence in our area
of operations.
We made great strides that broke terrorist groups operating in our area, remarkably
seen by the fall of hardcore leaders and fighters and the reintegration of former rebels,
among the unprecedented accomplishments that our joint task forces made since their start
of campaign.
While doing our part, we also embrace our evolving role in nation-building and socio-
economic development with our involvement in wide-ranging initiatives for stability in
Mindanao.
Therefore, with pride and exultation, I commend soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, and
non-uniformed personnel of the Western Mindanao Command for their utmost dedication
and selfless service that contributed to the command’s accomplishment of its objectives.
May you continue to anchor your strength on the core values of honor, service, and
patriotism.
It is fitting that we also ascribe our success to our peace partners and stakeholders who
support our campaign against violent extremism in Mindanao.
In this joint venture, let us stand on the same ground and triumph over common
adversaries with our synergies. It is imperative that we cultivate empathy in this resonating
call for unity.
Together, let us build a tower founded by trust, respect, and faith in Him who never
failed us.
Mabuhay ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas.
A R N E L B D E L A V E G A
L i e u t e n a n t G e n e r a l , A F P
T
he major breakthrough in the campaign of the Western Mindanao Command, Armed
Forces of the Philippines, is marked by the overwhelming number of returnees leaving
the battleground, succoring to the government’s campaign against insurgency and
terrorism. While there is evidently a sudden shift, many, with curious minds, will bear
these confounding questions: “Do these rebels deserve a second chance? Will reintegration
address terrorism?”
True enough, violent extremism brought nothing but turmoil that security and development
were undermined in Mindanao, and that many were left widowed and orphaned by decades-
long armed struggles that to consider condonation an option is a sheer folly.
True enough, their reintegration will not conclusively answer their propensity to return to
the battlegrounds.
But between these robust arguments lies a thin line calling for empathy; there is an
underlying need to cultivate an understanding of the roots of violent extremism.
For one good question deserves definite answers: “Why do terrorists exist?”
In “Preventing Violent Exremism through Promoting Inclusive Development, Tolerance and
Respect for Diversity,” the United Nations Development Programme said, “People get pulled into
radical and violent movements, through well-considered manipulation and accompaniment
processes, often facilitated by personal, emotional or psychological factors.”
The UNDP said that violent extremism is the interplay of historical, political, economic, and
social circumstances.
Relating that to the local setting, rebel returnees, who were reintegrated into mainstream,
said deception, compulsion, and poverty convinced them to join extremist groups.
“We were made to believe that the communists can help us claim back our ancestral
lands. Instead, our involvement in the communist terrorist group had brought more suffering
to us and to our communities,” said Ka Jongie, an ex-member of a communist group in Sultan
Kudarat.
We now come to the effects of pure military approach in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
Experience points to an indubitable fact that internal armed conflicts do not actually
resolve discord in the area; rather, they breed violence and influence those who are vulnerable
to adopt an indifferent ideology.
In Armed Conflicts and Their Consequences, the UN Department of Economic and Social
Affairs said: “The widespread insecurity and trauma due to the atrocities and suffering of
the civilian population is another terrible legacy of these conflicts. Conflicts create extensive
emotional and pyschosocial stress associated with attack, loss of loved ones, separation from
parents, and destruction of home and community.”
We think instead of the prospective effects of peaceful mechanisms in our current thrust
toward security and development in Mindanao.
Suffice it to say, we are taking into account the interplay of several factors and think that
a dynamic approach, one that considers every facet, should be applied.
The Breakthrough
The Breakthrough
E d i t o r i a l
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4. Making life worthwhile;
Livinglifeforothers
T
he Western Mindanao Command troops led
by Deputy Commander for Admin, Brigadier
General Cirilo Thomas Donato, Jr. conducted a
feeding and gift giving activity at the Reception
and Study Center for Children (RSCC) in Barangay Talon-
Talon, Zamboanga City on March 28, 2019.
The RSCC is an orphanage operated by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Region IX in partnership with the Foundation for the
Development of Children Incorporated (FDCI), a non-
government organization that supports the needs of the
orphans.
A short program was prepared whereby 50
foundlings were entertained, fed, and given presents by
the troops.
Said activity was also participated in by the Emperor
Eagles Club-Zamboanga City Chapter led by Lieutenant
Colonel Hasmin Hadjimuddin; the 4th Civil Relations
Group, Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the
Philippines; and Joint Task Force Zamboanga.
The feeding and gift giving activity was done
purposely to extend help to the abandoned and less
fortunate orphans and to reach out to the community as
part of the campaign of the AFP.
Additionally, the activity was organized by the
command to reciprocate WestMinCom Commander
Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega and Brigadier
General Cirilo Thomas Donato Jr.’s usual way of
celebrating their birthdays.
“We are happy that we are able to touch lives and
to make the orphans feel loved and cared.”
Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega
Commander of the Western Mindanao Command
WestMinCom:
The Front-Runner of Peace
in Southern Philippines
A
combination of military actions and multi-sector
alliances bore considerable feats for Western
Mindanao Command, which rallies its campaign
against insurgency and violent extremism in
Mindanao.
Structured to defend its complex area of
responsibility against all security threats, the command
conducts its operations through its joint task forces that
confront insurgent groups in western and central parts.
The unrelenting offensives of military forces
brought unprecedented advances in the command’s
thrust to defeat peace spoilers in its operational area.
Recent accomplishments undermined the capability and
operations of terrorist groups in Mindanao.
Joint Task Forces ZamPeLan and Central have been
successful in disintegrating communist fronts and in
aiding local governments in reintegrating returnees.
In Central Mindanao, soldiers gained a foothold
in the all-out campaign, bringing down leaders and
overrunning enclaves of the Bangsamoro Islamic
Freedom Fighters.
Ground forces in Zamboanga Peninsula also
destabilized the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute factions with
their focused military operations in Lanao del Sur.
Equally successful are the offensives of Joint Task
Forces Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi that resulted in the
neutralization of several Abu Sayyaf militants and the
recovery of the enemy's arsenals in the area.
These are well complemented by peaceful
mechanisms and engagements made by the troops with
local leaders to encourage community participation for
keeping and enhancing security and development in the
regions.
But with all its accomplishments, your WestMinCom
will not rest on its laurel but will remain steadfast in
realizing its mission.
Your soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines from
WestMinCom are your partners in this common aspiration
and continued journey for lasting peace and progress in
Mindanao.
Your WestMinCom troops are your protectors, ever
committed to fulfilling their sworn duty to serve their
countrymen and to defend its area of operations against
all those who disrupt its security.
Your WestMinCom troops are your friends, ever
true, committed, and selfless in providing assistance to
the peace-loving people of Mindanao.
We are the Armed Forces of the Philippines that
you can always trust. Let us stand together and work for
peace and positive transformation in Mindanao.
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5. CPP-NPA-NDF declared
as persona non grata
in Mindanao
T
he peace-loving people of
Mindanao have declared
the Communist Party
of the Philippines (CPP),
New People’s Army (NPA) and the
National Democratic Front (NDF)
as persona non grata.
This unified movement of
support aims to condemn the
actions of the CPP-NPA-NDF and its
blatant disregard for the country's
search for peace.
The resolution passed by the
Provincial Peace and Order Council
of Misamis Occidental states that
effective April 4, 2019: the people
of Misamis Occidental must make
a stand against the presence of the
Communist Terrorist Group (CTG)
in their respective localities in order
to show its sincerity and support
on the call of President Rodrigo
Roa Duterte to end insurgency in
our country; the people of Misamis
Occidental are already fed up with
the 50 years of lies and atrocities of
these militants against the people
for their criminal acts and violations
of the International Humanitarian
Law; and the local chief executives
(LCEs) in Misamis Occidental have
stressed that their constituents
want to live in a peaceful,
prosperous, and happy community
that is insulated from the brutal war
that the communist terrorists have
waged for decades.
The province of Misamis
Occidental is composed of three
(3) cities, 14 municipalities, and 419
barangays.
Additionally, members of the
Cotabato Provincial Peace and
Order Council have joined forces
in declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF
persona non grata on April 11.
The NPA terrorists are no
longer welcome in Cotabato and
are not allowed to settle in the said
province.
They will be alienated for the
cruelty they commit to the people
and the poison they feed to the
youth.
It is expected that these
declarations are of great help to
the AFP’s effort to protect the
communities from the atrocities of
the communist terrorist group.
With the declaration, the
CNN will have a small chance
of recruiting innocent civilians
especially the farmers, the youth,
women, and the indigenous people
to join this terrorist movement.
Moreover, these audacious
actions by the local government
units of Mindanao will ease and
hasten the campaign against the
terrorist group.
TheFOIProcess:
PromotingTransparencyintheAFP
T
he Armed Forces of the
Philippines cascaded its
manual on Freedom of
Information and inducted
its officers and staff during the
leveling seminar held in Quezon
City on March 8, 2019.
WestMinCom spokesperson
Colonel Gerry Besana and other
FOI action officers and staff from
unified commands and other
military units and offices pledged
their oath of commitment during
the ceremony presided over by
Lieutenant General Salvador
Mechor Mison, Jr., the AFP Vice
Chief of Staff.
Colonel Noel Detoyato, the
AFP Public Affairs Office Chief,
said: “The public has the right to
know the right information at the
right time. An informed populace
is a source of national power, and
right information can empower
Filipinos of informed decision.”
Assistant Secretary Michel
Kristian Ablan, of the Presidential
Commission Operations Office,
said E.O. No. 02 covers the
executive branch, including
government-owned or controlled
corporationsandstateuniversities
and colleges.
Ablan added that the AFP
complied with the requirements,
including the crafting of its FOI
manual, inventory, registry, and
summary report.
Colonel Napoleon De
Vera, chief of the Policy, Plans,
and Programs Division of the
Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-
Military Operations, discussed the
military’s FOI manual, including
the roles of the military’s FOI key
players, the FOI process, and the
administrative remedies as set
forth in the manual.
“We must release the
information to the people
with maximum disclosure and
with minimum delay. The AFP
understands that the power of the
State emanates from the public,
and that the public needs and
deserves to know all government
transactions, decisions, and
policies that affect the lives of
Filipinos,” added Detoyato.
NorizaAtienza,representing
Director Arsenio Andolong, of
the Public Affairs Service of the
Department of National Defense,
related the DND’s experience and
the FOI process.
The cascading and leveling
seminar was held at Dimalupig
Hall in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon
City at around 8am on March 8.
“We commit to serve the
people with transparency and
to uphold people’s constitutional
right to be informed in the spirit
of republicanism. As true servants
and defenders of Filipinos, we
are advancing this governmental
objective as a mechanism to
bridge efficiency and legitimacy,”
said Lieutenant General Arnel
Dela Vega, WestMinCom
commander.
“Delineating reasonable
limitations, freedom of
information will bear positive
outcomes, especially in policy
processes, as people will be more
involved,” concluded Dela Vega.
Present, during the
leveling seminar, were civil-
military operations and public
information officers and staff
that were designated as FOI
action officers and staff by their
respective units and offices.
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6. The FOI at a Glance
Consistent with the 1987 Philippine Constitution,
Executive Order No. 02 operationalized in the
executive branch the people’s “right to information”
and the “state policies of full public disclosure and
transparency in the public service.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines then crafted
its manual, setting out procedures, rules, remedies, and
administrative liability relative to its implementation of
the Freedom of Information under Section 8 of the said
executive order.
The military’s FOI manual replicates the general
guidelines under E.O. No. 02 and the limitations
provided by jurisprudence, laws, rules, and regulations.
It mandates the protection of personal
information against “unauthorized access, leaks, or
premature disclosure” in accordance with existing
laws.
What is Freedom of Information?
The fundamental law of the land recognizes (1)
the right of the people to information on matters of
public concern; and (2) their corollary right of access
to official records and documents.
It further mandates the full public disclosure of
all government transactions involving public interest.
Access to information, under E.O. No. 02, covers
public records, official records, documents, and
government research data for policy development.
What are the exceptions to the right of
access to information?
The Office of the President issued, through a
memorandum, an inventory of exceptions to the
right of access to information, to wit:
1. Information covered by executive privilege;
2. Privileged information relating to national
security, defense or international relations;
3. Law enforcement and protection of public
and personal safety;
4. Confidential information for the protection of
privacy of persons;
5. Confidential information by reason of official
capacity;
6. Prejudicial premature disclosure;
7. Records of proceedings;
8. Confidential information under banking and
finance laws; and
9. Other exceptions under laws, jurisprudence,
and Implementing Rules and Regulations.
Under Section 2-6 of the AFP’s FOI Manual,
the military may deny the right of access, if:
1. the identity of the requesting party is fictitious
or illegitimate;
2. the request is prompted by sheer idle curiosity
or ulterior motive;
3. the request is contrary to law, morals, good
customs, or public policy;
4. the request is made for a commercial purpose;
or
5. the request will compromise national,
operational, and personnel security.
The AFP is also mandated to protect personal
information under its custody and to disclose such
information only if permitted by law.
What information should be published?
The military is mandated to regularly publish,
print, and disseminate to the public, in an accessible
form and through their website, key information,
including:
1. Adescriptionofitsmandate,structure,powers,
functions, duties, and decision-making processes;
2. A description of its frontline services;
3. The names of its key officials, their powers,
functions and responsibilities, and their profiles;
4. Work programs, development plans,
investment plans, projects, performance targets, and
accomplishments;
5. Budgets, revenue allotments, and expenditures;
6. Important rules and regulations, orders or
decisions;
7. Current and important databases and statistics;
8. Bidding processes and requirements; and
9. Mechanisms or procedures by which the public
may participate in or influence the formulation of policy
or the exercise of its powers.
What are the forms of FOI Requests?
A valid FOI request may be:
a. In writing and accomplished using the
prescribed FOI Request Form, with the full name,
contact information, and two identification cards of the
requesting party and clearances from the NBI, PNP, and
barangay where the requesting party resides;
b. Request through electronic mail, with scanned
copies of the accomplished FOI Request, identification
cards, and clearances of the requesting party; or
c. Oral request, provided that the requesting party
is illiterate or disabled, and that the request is put in
writing by the FRO.
What are the periods for responding to an
FOI Request?
The AFP shall respond to request within 15
working days following the date of receipt of the request,
which may be:
1. The day on which the request was physically
delivered to the FRO;
2. The day on which the requesting parties have
personally appeared to the FRO (for emailed requests); or
3. The day after which the necessary clarification
was received, if the AFP has asked for further details to
identify and locate the requested information.
Is the 15-day period extendible? On what
grounds?
Yes, the 15-day period is extendible, if:
1. The information requested requires extensive
search of office records and facilities;
2. The information requested requires examination
of voluminous records;
3. There is an occurrence of fortuitous event;
4. The COU requires security clearance for the
requesting party; or
5. Other analogous cases.
In no case shall the extension exceed 20 working
days in addition to the mandated 15 working days to act
on the request, unless exceptional circumstances warrant
a longer period.
Who are the AFP’s FOI key players?
The FOI key players are:
1. The Chief, Public Affairs Office, AFP as the FOI
Receiving Officer ;
2. The AFP Chief of Staff as the FOI Decision Maker;
In his absence or inability, the AFP Vice Chief of
Staff shall substitute on matters up to his level only;
3. The Chief, Administration Officer as the FOI
Action Officer of Cognizant Offices/Units ;
4. The Deputy Chief of Staff of the AFP as the
chairman of the Central Appeals and Review Committee;
The Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, the
Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, the
COU’s Deputy Chief or Deputy Commander, and the
Judge Advocate General as CARC members;
5. Executive officers from the Office of the Deputy
Chief of Staff for Intelligence, the Office of the Deputy
Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, the COU, and
the Office of the Judge Advocate General, as members of
the FOI Appeals and Review Subcommittee ;
What are the functions of the FRO?
The AFP’s FOI Receiving Officer shall:
1. Receive, on behalf of the AFP, all requests for
information;
2. Assess if the requesting party has clearly
communicated its request;
3. Assess if the AFP can provide the information
requested;
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7. 4. Assess if the request is a repeat of a previous
request from the same party;
5. Evaluate FOI Requests against disclosure
criteria and requirements;
6. Facilitate processing of all FOI Requests;
7. Coordinate with the requesting party
regarding all concerns related to the FOI Request;
8. Monitor all FOI transactions, compile relevant
statistical information, and prepare all relevant reports
regarding the AFP’s implementation of FOI;
9. Assist the FOI Decision Maker in evaluating all
FOI requests; and
10. Assist and inform the public with
regard to the AFP’s implementation of FOI.
Can the FOI Receiving Officer deny an FOI
request upon evaluation? On what grounds?
Yes, the FRO, upon initial evaluation, can deny
an FOI request based on any of the following grounds:
1. The FOI request form is incomplete;
2. The information, documents, or material
requested is already disclosed in the Official AFP
Website or at any other publicly accessible repository
of data;
3. The information, documents, or materials
requested is not in the AFP’s custody;
4. The information, documents, or materials
requested is substantially similar or identical to a
previous request that has already been granted or
denied by the AFP to the same requesting party;
5. The requesting party intends to use the
requested information or document in criminal,
administrative or civil proceedings; or
6. The information, documents or material
requested falls under any of the exceptions under
the Constitution, existing law or jurisprudence, or the
Inventory of Exceptions to E.O. No. 2, series of 2016.
What if the FOI request was forwarded to
a line unit?
If an FOI Request was made through a line unit,
the receiving unit shall forward the request to PAO,
AFP within one (1) day.
What are the functions of the Cognizant
Office Unit?
The FOI Cognizant Office/Unit, which shall
be determined by the FOI Receiving Officer based
on the nature of the information requested, shall
provide assistance, recommendation, and advice to
the FOI Decision Maker in all matters arising from the
evaluated FOI Requests.
It shall also clarify, locate, and review the
information requested.
Within 10 working days from receipt of the
endorsed request from the FRO, the COU shall forward
the requested information and its recommendation to
the FDM.
Thus, all AFP line units shall designate their Chief,
Administrative Officer as their FOI Action Officer and
regularly submit and update the FAO’s contact details.
What are the functions of the FOI Action
Officer?
The COU’s FOI Action Officer shall facilitate the
processing of all FOI requests forwarded by the FOI
Receiving Officer and keep an inventory of information.
What are the functions of the FOI Decision
Maker?
The AFP Chief of Staff, as the FOI Decision Maker,
shall have the sole authority to approve or deny
the release of information requested based on the
recommendations of the COU.
What are the functions of the FOI
Appeals and Review Subcommittee?
The FARS shall serve as secretariat to the CARC.
It shall review all appeals made on denied FOI
Requests and evaluate the information requested and
the FDM’s decision.
The FARS shall then submit its recommendation
to the CARC for final deliberation and approval.
What are the functions of the Central
Appeals and Review Committee?
After final deliberation, the CARC shall submit
its recommendations to the AFP Chief of Staff, who
shall either uphold or overturn the denial of the FOI
Request.
Illustrate the FOI Process under the AFP’s
Manual.
The process is shown below:
1. The FOI Receiving Officer
a. receives the FOI requests;
b. conducts an initial investigation of the
request; and
c. advises the requesting party whether or not
the request shall be facilitated by the AFP.
2. The FOI Receiving Officer transmits the
endorsed request to the Cognizant Office Unit.
a. It shall record the date, time, and name of
the unit or office which received the request in a
record book with the corresponding signature and
acknowledgment of receipt.
3. The COU clarifies, locates, and retrieves the
requested information.
a. It shall communicate denial of the request to
the FRO in the event that the requested information
is:
i. not in its custody
ii. it falls under any of the exceptions, or
iii. it is classified military information
b. It shall provide recommendations to the FOI
Decision Maker.
c. It shall forward the requested information
and recommendation to the FDM within 10 working
days from receipt of the endorsed request from the
FRO
4. The FOI Decision Maker approves or denies
the release of requested information.
5. Upon receipt of requested information from
the FDM, the FOI Receiving Officer shall:
a. Ensure that the information is completed;
b. Attach a cover/transmittal letter signed by
the AFP Chief of Staff within 15 working days upon
receipt of the request information;
c. In case of denial, whether wholly or partially,
the FRO shall notify the requesting party of the
denial in writing, setting forth the grounds and
circumstances on which the denial is based.
What is the remedy in case an FOI
Request is denied?
The request party may file a written appeal with
the AFP CARC within 15 days from notice of said
denial.
Said appeal must be decided upon by the AFP
CARC within 30 days from the filing of said written
appeal.
Failure to decide within the period shall be
deemed a denial of the appeal.
If denied, or if the period to respond lapsed,
the request may be appealed to the Office of the
President
The requesting party may file a judicial action in
accordance with the Rules of Court upon exhaustion
of administrative FOI appeal remedies.
What are the administrative sanctions
in case of non-compliance with the AFP’s FOI
Manual?
Military personnel shall be governed by the
Articles of War and other existing AFP Rules and
Regulations.
Civilian employees shall be governed by the
Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil
Service:
1st offense- Reprimand
2nd offense- Suspension (1 to 30 days)
3rd offense- Suspension (1 month-6 months)
4th offense- Dismissal from service
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8. A
nine-man composite team flew to
Middle East not for war but to fulfil
one of the Pillars of Islam. The team
members coming from the different
Joint Task Forces under the Western Mindanao
Commandwererecommendedbytheirrespective
units as representative in the 2018 Annual Hajj in
Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The team was headed by
TSg Kendall N Verdeprado PAF, a Jama Mapun
from WESTMINCOM and members, TSg Randy
Asim PA, a Maguindanaoan from JTF CENTRAL,
SSg Misug Gandarosa PA, a Maranao from JTF
ZAMPELAN, SSg Elizarde H Irilis PA, a Tausug from
JTF SULU, SSg Sahimagdar M Julhajiri, a Tausug
from JTF ZAMBOANGA, Sgt Matarul J Hadjie PA,
a Tausug from JTF SULU, Cpl Jain H Muhallus,
a Yakan from JTF BASILAN, Cpl Isniruddin A
Muhtamad, a Yakan from JTF BASILAN and S1YN
Elvin U Ben PN, a Sama from JTF TAWI-TAWI.
The team was composed of Airforce, Navy, and
Army personnel. Further, a team from Philippine
National Police (PNP) also participated in the
Annual Hajj.
The nine (9) pilgrims were recommended
by then General Carlito Galvez, Jr., Chief of Staff,
AFP in response to the instructions of President
Rodrigo Roa Duterte to send Muslim soldiers to
Mecca, Saudi Arabia to participate in the Annual
Hajj for free.
Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca,
the holiest city for Muslims, and a mandatory
religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out
at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims
who are physically and financially capable of
undertaking the journey. The rites of Hajj, which
according to Islam go back to the time of Prophet
Abraham who built Kaaba after it had been first
built by Prophet Adam, are performed over five or
six days, beginning on the eighth and ending on
the thirteenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month
of the Islamic calendar.
The journey of the nine soldiers began on
August 06, 2018. The team with thousand other
Filipino pilgrims left Manila on board commercial
flight bound for Medina, Saudi Arabia. Medina
was the first leg of the Annual Hajj. The team was
fetched by personnel of National Commission
on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) at the airport. The
weather in Medinah was hot with an average of
43°C. They were billeted at Hotel Jewar El Saqefa,
Madinah close to Masjid Al Nabawi, Medinah.
The team toured at Muslim historical sites like
Masjid Quba (Quba is the place on the outskirts
of Madinah where the Prophet, accompanied by
Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) arrived
and first stayed after emigrating from Makkah),
Mount Uhud (Mount Uhud is a mountain north of
Medina, Saudi Arabia. It was the site of the second
battle between Muslims and Meccan forces. The
Battle of Uhud was fought on March 19, A.D. 625
between a force from the small Muslim community
of Medina, in what is now north-western Arabia,
and a force from Mecca), Grave/Cemetery of
Hamja, and dates farm in Madinah.
Muslim Troops act out the
central principles of their faith
The pilgrims performed Salah five (5) times
a day during the entire Hajj: Salat Al-Fajr: dawn,
before sunrise; Salat Al-Zuhr: midday, after the
sun passes its highest; Salat Al-As'r: the late part of
the afternoon; Salat Al-Maghrib: just after sunset;
and Salat Al-Isha': between sunset and midnight.
On August 09, 2018, AFP Muslim pilgrims
in their Ihram (Ihram is a garment worn by
Muslim people during the pilgrimage) together
with other pilgrims departed for Mecca, Saudi
Arabia for the 2nd leg of the Annual Hajj. They
were billeted at Dar Qari Hotel for the duration
of the Hajj. The team performed Tawaf where
each person walked counter-clockwise seven
times around the Ka’aba -the cube-shaped
building and the direction of prayer for Muslims
everywhere in Masjid Al-Haram. The Ka’aba was
built by Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam) and is the most
sacred site of Islam.
Moreover, the team performed an Islamic
tradition at the As-Safa and Al-Marwah (Pilgrims
run seven times between the mountains of As-
Safa and Al-Marwah as Hajar did during her
search for water).
AFP Muslim personnel together with other
pilgrims left for Mina for the conduct of the Hajj
proper. Mina (also known as the Tent City) is a
neighborhood of Mecca Province in Western
Saudi Arabia. The pilgrims also went to Arafah
and Mudzdalifah as part of the Hajj.
The following day, millions of pilgrims
marched towards Jamarat. Jamarat is a three-
stone pillar that are pelted as a compulsory ritual
of Hajj in emulation of Prophet Ibrahim (Peace
be upon him). They represent the three locations
where Ibrahim (PBUH) pelted the Shaitan (Satan)
with stones when he tried to dissuade him from
sacrificing his son Ismail (PBUH). The pillars are
called ‘Jamarat-al-Ula’, ‘Jamarat-al-Wusta’, and
‘Jamarat-al-Aqaba’. After the first stoning of
the pillars, the pilgrims shaved their heads. The
second and third stoning of the pillars were done
one day after the other. After the last phase of
the stoning of the pillars, the pilgrims left for
Mecca. Immediately, the AFP pilgrims, together
with Sheik Mauna, proceeded to Masjidil Haram
to perform the Tawaf. Tawaf (literally going
about) is one of the Islamic rituals of pilgrimage.
During the Hajj and Umrah, Muslims are to go
around the Kaaba (the most sacred site in Islam)
seven times, in a counter clockwise direction; the
first three circuits at a hurried pace on the outer
part of the crowd, followed by four times closer
to the Kaaba at a leisurely pace. The circling is
believed to demonstrate the unity of the believers
in the worship of the One God, as they move
in harmony together around the Kaaba, while
supplicating to God. Then the AFP-PNP pilgrims
went to Safa and Marwa. Safa and Marwa are two
small hills located in the Great Mosque of Mecca
in Saudi Arabia named the Masjid Al-Haram.
Muslims walked fast back and forth between
them seven times during the ritual pilgrimages of
Hajj and Umrah. Further, food, water, and snacks
were given for free.
TSg Verdeprado, SSg Irilis PA, and SSg
Julhajirie, together with selected PNP personnel,
were invited to attend the Hajj Night at the
Philippine Embassy, Jedda, Saudi Arabia. The
AFP personnel paid a courtesy call to the Consul
General Edgard B. Badajos after the activity at the
embassy.
During the 35-day pilgrimage in Mecca that
ran from August 06 to September 10, 2018, each
soldier was able to perform/pray five (5) times a
day at Masjidil Haram in Medina and Mecca, visit
Muslim historical sites in Medina and Mecca, kiss
the Black Stone (Hajaral Aswad); and perform
Umbra and Hajj rituals in Mecca.
TSG KENDALL N VERDEPRADO PAF
About the Author
TSG KENDALL N VERDEPRADO PAF is a member of the Class 28-95 of the AFPTRACOM, Tanay, Rizal.
He is presently the Chief Clerk, OU3, WMC. He is also a BS Education graduate at the WMSU, ZC, batch 1995.
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9. O
n January 8 and 9, Western Mindanao
Command, through the Office of the
Assistance Chief of Unified Command
Staff for Education (OU8), conducted a
two-day Gun Safety Seminar for 9mm Glock 17 at
WMC Civil Development Center for lectures and
at Headquarters, Joint Task Force Zamboanga
firing range for familiarization firing.
It was participated in by 104 organic
personnel of the command.
Additionally, OU8, in partnership with the
Australian Defense Force (ADF) JTG 629 and
TOW WESMIN, conducted a three-day Joint
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
(ISR) Planning at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Edwin
Andrews Airbase, Zamboanga City on March
12-14, 2019 with 50 students comprising of the
different operations and intelligence officers from
the Navy, Air Force, Army, and AFP JSOF.
The purpose of the training is to educate
the joint staff in ISR planning focusing on the
development of the ISR working group whereby
the different tri-services worked together to
develop a structured and layered ISR planning
process against a specified tactical scenario.
OU8 Continuously Edifies
the Men and Women
of WestMinCom
The students were given a series of briefings
from the different units of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines from the PAF 300 AISW, PAF 220th
Airlift Wing, PN Augusta NAG, JSOF, and WMC
on the different Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance platforms and its capabilities, use of
ISR during the conduct of sniping/recon operations,
WMC ISR Planning Process, and insights on the
utilization of the ISR assets during the Marawi siege.
Discussed in the seminar were the Intelligence
Principles that support the ISR process, principles
of selecting and allocating ISR assets, ISR working
group concept, ISR working groups, and the
purpose and roles that compose the said group.
The students underwent a planning workshop
on the application of member roles during the
planning process for the utilization of ISR assets on
a given scenario.
The Office of U8 consistently performs its
mandate to continuously edify the men and women
of the Western Mindanao Command.
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10. WESTMINCOM
leading the way
towards peace
T
he military forces under the premier
Western Mindanao Command
(WestMinCom) continue to diversify its
strategies in coping with the evolving
challenges posed by various threat groups in
southern Philippines.
In understanding the challenges, the military
forces are engaging the varied threat groups,
including the Abu Sayyaf and its foreign cohorts, lost
command rebels, the communist insurgents of the
New People’s Army (NPA), and factions of criminal
syndicates operating in central and western part of
Mindanao.
Taking cognizant of the different security
issues, the command down to its field units
underscored the need of strategizing its efforts
depending not solely on its core but involving as
well all stakeholders in taking the responsibility for
stabilizing the security.
Currently, the WestMinCom, as a planner and
as an operational center, is working with several
joint task forces – Joint Task Force Central, Joint
Task Force ZamPeLan, Joint Task Force Zamboanga,
Joint Task Force Basilan, Joint Task Force Sulu, and
Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi.
The WestMinCom is also working with its
different units, which include the 3rd Tactical
Operation Wing of the Philippine Air Force (PAF)
and the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NWFM).
Defense critics and observers and even former
commanders have said WestMinCom is the most
unique among the area commands as it is dealing
with various challenges.
MR ROEL PAREÑO
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11. In dealing with the threat groups, the troops under
the different joint task forces are deployed in strategic
points, plugging traditional entry and exit routes of the
enemies.
The strategy speaks well of the NFWM and its
Philippine Fleet-Marines Ready Force working for the
Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi. Troops and sailors deployed
on the islands deny the Abu Sayyaf group and its cohorts
their traditional staging points in piracy, hijacking, and
kidnapping of sea farers.
The Joint Task Force Sulu, on the other hand,
focused on limiting the space of the Abu Sayyaf group in
the mainland of Sulu where parts of the island province
still served as a refuge to the bandits.
While the territorial locations pose hurdle in some
jungles of Sulu, the military is still left with upper hand
advances through the deployment of highly trained
troopers from army and marines in staging surgical and
focused military operations and taking value on close
coordination with the local populace by providing parallel
civil-military operations through medical mission and skills
training in livelihood, which allow the local government
to reach out and to provide services to its constituents.
Similar efforts in Basilan prove to be a success with
the strong participation of the local government units
by picking up areas cleared by the military forces and by
implementing the socio-economic program needed by its
community.
TheWestMinComleadershiphasalwaysemphasized
that a military operation is not always the solution to
counter violent extremism as the strong participation of
the LGUs in extending a peaceful avenue for the Abu
Sayyaf members to surrender is necessary.
The close coordination established by the military
in Zamboanga Peninsula also thwarted diversionary
bombings by terror groups sympathetic to the Abu Sayyaf
and prevented recruits of the NPA in the northeastern
parts of the region while batches of the insurgents
giving up and availing of the government’s Enhanced
Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The WestMinCom's pursuit operations against the
spoilers of peace, like the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom
Fighter (BIFF) and other Daesh-inspired groups, are also
helping the newly established Bangsamoro Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in ensuring peace
and stability in Central Mindanao.
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12. Western Mindanao Command:
Mission Accomplished
T
he Armed Forces of the Philippines, through the Western
Mindanao Command, has successfully fulfilled its mandate of
ensuring a peaceful, orderly, honest, fair, and credible midterm
elections in Western and Central Mindanao.A ceremonial
send-off for troops
deployed for
election duties.
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13. Preparations
With the success of the Barangay
and SK Elections last October 2018 and
the Bangsamoro Organic Law Plebiscite
in January and February 2019, the
WestMinCom has already identified the
measures to be undertaken to ensure that
everything will run smooth during the
National and Local Elections 2019.
During the preparation phase, a series
of conferences, covenant signings, and
security operations were conducted in the
different provinces under the operational
control of the command.
Through the constant meetings held, all the gaps have already been identified and eventually addressed
by the different agencies involved, including the Commission on Elections, the Department of Education, the
Department of Interior and Local Government, the PPCRV, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the
Philippines, and other stakeholders.
The political aspirants had actively participated in the peace covenant signings facilitated by the AFP units
under the operational control of the WestMinCom, in partnership with the PNP, the COMELEC, and the Local
Government Units of the cities and municipalities in Western and Central Mindanao.
The WestMinCom troops also supported the different election-related activities of other lines agencies,
including the “Oplan Baklas” and “Oplan Bakal Sita”.
“Oplan Baklas” is the removal of illegally and inappropriately posted political campaign materials in connection
with the advocacy of the DENR to protect the trees under Republic Act No. 3571 (An Act to Prohibit the Cutting,
Destroying or Injuring of Planted or Growing Trees, Flowering Plants and Shrubs or Plants of Scenic Value Along
Public Roads, in Plazas, Parks, School Premises or in Any Other Public Pleasure Ground) while “Oplan Bakal Sita”
is the operation against violators of the COMELEC Gun Ban and Republic Act No. 10591 (An Act Providing for a
Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof).
Since the start of the campaign period, security operations were unceasingly being conducted to ensure that
any activity initiated by the local politicians prior to the midterm election would be peaceful and that safety and
protection of the community would be sustained.
To give soldiers the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, an absentee voting was held in the different
localities. This was done earlier so that on the election day, soldiers would just focus on the accomplishment of their
mandate that is to ensure a free, honest, credible, orderly, and peaceful 2019 National and Local Elections.
During the finalization phase, the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) and the Regional Joint
Security Control Center (RJSCC) of the different provinces and regions under the operational control of the
Western Mindanao Command, held command and coordinating conferences to iron out possible glitches on the
preparations for the 2019 NLE.
On May 7, a send-off ceremony for the troops to be deployed for election duties was held by the different
Joint Task Forces under the WestMinCom. These, however, were only ceremonial forces as troops have already
been pre-deployed in preparation for the elections.
Despite the deployment of troops for election duties, the operations against all threat groups continued.
The intensified military and security operations were continuously conducted to prevent armed threats and
lawless elements from conducting atrocities that would disrupt the peaceful conduct of elections.
Vote Casting
On Election Day, a monitoring center for the National and Local Elections 2019 was formally activated at the
Operations Building of the WestMinCom to keep abreast of the electoral process.
The activation was spearheaded by the WestMinCom chief, Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, and Police
Major General Daniel Macatlang, Jr., the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Western Mindanao.
Composed of combined AFP and PNP troops, the monitoring team was tasked to provide hourly updates on
the electoral process and on election-related incidents that may arise.
One of the covenant signings held in preparation for the
2019 National and Local Elections.
Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega AFP
participates in the absentee voting held at
WestMinCom on 30 April 2019.
Lieutenant General Dela Vega and Colonel Leonardo
Peña, the Chief of Unified Command Staff, closely
monitor the electoral process at the Election
Monitoring Center of the command.
RJSCC held in Police Regional Office-9 at Camp
Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City on 03 May 2019.
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14. Generally Peaceful
The peaceful and orderly conduct of the 2019
National and Local Elections was a result of the
convergence and diligence of the combined elements
of the AFP and the PNP.
Randomcheckpoints,roadsecurity,mobileandfoot
patrol, and security assistance to COMELEC personnel
and election paraphernalia were implemented.
There were forty-two election-related incidents
reported, but those were considered isolated cases.
Overall, the 2019 National and Local Elections
turned out to be generally peaceful.
Truly, this was one historical event where no
failure of elections and violent election-related cases
had been reported.
“I commend all Joint Task Forces for
fulfilling their mandate of maintaining the
peace and orderliness of the 2019 National
and Local Elections, and I would like to
ascribe the success of the electoral process
to the PNP and the COMELEC”
- Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega
Commander, Western Mindanao Command
From left: Colonel Leonel Nicolas, Commander, Joint Task Force Zamboanga;
Brigadier General Cirilo Thomas Donato, WestMinCom Deputy Commander
for Admin; Lieutenant General Dela Vega; Police Major General Macatlang, Jr.;
and Brigadier General Generoso Ponio, WestMinCom Deputy Commander for
Operations
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15. The Life & Times
of ABDV F
rom humble beginnings to a three-star general of the Armed Forces
of the Philippines, Lieutenant General Arnel Bernardino Dela Vega
was born in Lipa City, Batangas on March 28, 1964. He is a graduate
of the Philippine Military Academy “Sandiwa” Class of 1985.
Lieutenant General Arnel Dela
Vega and his wife, Debbie,
pose after the testimonial
parade tendered by the
Philippine Military Academy in
his honor on April 13, 2019.
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16. “They are the wind beneath my wings.”
- Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega
Commander, Western Mindanao Command
Lieutenant General
Dela Vega, as an
accomplished military
officer, has been an icon
to his soldiers for having a
happy family.
Lt. Gen. Dela Vega with wife,
former Ms. Divina “Debbie”
Castigador from the province
of Quezon, and their smart
and good-looking children:
John Kevin; Keith Dianne; Kim
Ellaine; and the twins – Karen
Eunice and Karel Denise.
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17. Lt. Gen. Dela Vega
completed various military
courses like the Scout
Ranger Orientation, Special
Operations Team, Special
Forces Operations, Basic
Airborne and the Jump
Master, Military Scuba
Diving, Military Intelligence,
Infantry Officers Basic
and Advance, and the
Command and General
Staff Course.
He also completed
the US Special Forces
Operations Course at the
United States Special Warfare
Center and School in Fort
Bragg, North Carolina and
Masters of Management
Studies in Human Resource
Management at the University
of New South Wales in
Australia.
Lt. Gen. Dela Vega tops the Special Forces
Operations Course Class 45-88 at the Special Forces
School, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) in 1988.
US Special Forces recognizes Lt. Gen. Dela Vega for
his active involvement in the activities during his
schooling in North Carolina, USA in 1993.
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18. Prior to his designation as
the commander of the Western
Mindanao Command, Lt. Gen.
Dela Vega led the troops of
the 6th Infantry ‘KAMPILAN’
Division, Philippine Army in
Maguindanao, from January
2017 to May 2018, where
his skills and acumen in
peacebuilding, peacemaking,
and peacekeeping were
showcased.
As the concurrent
commander of the 6ID and
the Joint Task Force Central,
Lieutenant General Dela
Vega effectively employed
the tools of the AFP’s
Development Support and
Security Plan “Kapayapaan”
through intelligence-driven
Focused Military Operations
and purposive Civil Military
Operations with intensified
stakeholder engagement, all
geared towards preventing
and countering violent
extremism while sustaining the
peace in Central Mindanao.
The then Joint Task Force Central Commander,
Brigadier General Arnel Dela Vega, welcomes
the Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo Roa
Duterte, during his visit to the troops in Camp
BGen Gonzalo H. Siongco in Awang,
Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
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19. Primacy of
Accomplishing
the Mission
T
he Western Mindanao Command is
responsible for the security of Western
Mindanao’s land, sea, and airspace and is
task-organized into Joint Task Forces (JTFs)
suitable for distinct operational challenges in each
of their area of operations which were represented
based on the prevailing threats and extent of
influence and not on traditional political boundaries.
As the 10th commander of the WesMinCom,
AFP, Lieutenant General Arnel Bernardino Dela
Vega, ensures that development support and
security operations are sustained to defeat lawless
groups and to significantly contribute to the peace
process, security, and development in Western
Mindanao. Lt. Gen. Dela Vega was pro-active with
his detailed and specific directive to his ground forces
and organic personnel in pursuing the AFP’s mission
of promoting and sustaining internal stability.
On Air Operations, using the dedicated air
assets deployed in the respective Joint Area of
Operations (JAO), the Command performed 2,258
sorties equivalent to 3,457.65 flying hours. For airlift
operations, the Air Force transported 8,500 military
personnel, 1,976 civilian passengers, and 797,814 lbs
of assorted military cargoes within the WMC’s JAO.
The Naval Air Group conducted 299 sorties to support internal security and territorial defense
operations with estimated hours of 382:54.00. The group also transported 249 military and 14
civilian passengers along with 668 kilograms of military cargoes with its naval operations. The
Naval Task Group of the NFWM accomplished a total of 4,234 maritime patrol missions equivalent
to 32,102:15.0 steaming time, covering a distance of 32,102:15.00 nautical miles.
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20. The result of the combined conduct of Focused
Military Operations (FMO) against terrorism and
violent extremism in the JAO, with the full support
and efficiency of the Law Enforcement Operations,
and through the effective and efficient command and
control of the JTFs, the terrorist groups abandoned
their traditional safe haven and moved towards our
constriction areas. Moreover, the maximum utilization
of the capabilities of the air and sea assets reinforced
the firepower of the ground troops which significantly
resulted to a large number of enemy neutralized.
THREAT
GROUP
NR OF ENEMY NEUTRALIZED PERSONALITIES
KILLED
APPREHENDED/
CAPTURED
SURRENDERED ARRESTED TOTAL
CNT/CTG 2 18 370 0 390
ASG 98 21 215 11 345
DI 39 33 99 0 171
BIFF 151 6 59 0 216
FTF 1 0 0 0 1
TOTAL 291 78 743 11 1, 123
With the significant
accomplishment in terms
of the neutralization of
enemy personalities,
the command gained
headwayinthemultitude
of surrendered and
recovered firearms. The
increase of government
e n g a g e m e n t s
consequently upshot
a large number of
accomplishments in
terms of firearms gained.
The recovery of firearms shall be continued until communities
become relatively safer than ever. Similarly, close monitoring of
the local chief executives continues as provided for in Martial
Law Instructions No. 1 just to ensure that basic services are
delivered and are rendered by concerned LGUs. Thus, the sincere
cooperation of the local chief executives is what we are counting
for so as to prevent innocent lives from being lured.
- Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega AFP
Commander, WestMinCom
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21. CMO Spectrum:
Peace Time,
Conflict Situation,
and Wartime
T
he conduct of Civil
Military Operations
(CMO) nested in
the overall mission
and intent of the commander.
It is essential because it can
primarily assist his ground forces
in planning, preparing, and
executing civilian and military
operations. In return, it can help
the commander consider civil
components within his area of
operation and consequently
appreciate and establish its
importance. Being the prime
mover against the Ideological,
Political and Organizational
(IPO) works of threat groups,
the Civil Military Operations of
this Command has focused on the
terroristic activities of the enemy
and clan dispute issues.
As a catalyst of the DSSP
“Kapayapaan”, the WestMinCom
has engaged with government
agencies and NGOs to address
underlying issues, such as
poverty, illiteracy, social justice,
environmental protection, and
wildlife preservation.
During the stint of
Lieutenant General Dela Vega,
from May 18, 2018 to June 28,
2019, WestMinCom effectively
and intensively continued the
implementation of CMO programs
in line with the WMC Campaign
Plan “Kasanyangan”. He personally
undertook the visit and monitoring
of all units in WMC’s JAO and
attended meetings, dialogues,
and conferences with different
stakeholders, including courtesy
calls with both local and foreign
military personnel and local chief
executives.
As a catalyst of the DSSP
“Kapayapaan”, WesMinCom
has engaged with government
agencies and NGOs to address
underlying issues, such as
poverty, illiteracy, social justice,
environmental protection, and
wildlife preservation.
With our changing security
environment, a more complex
threat progresses and emerges
which subsequently requires a
solution that involves different
stakeholders across the political,
social, economic, and military
aspect both in the local and
international landscape.
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22. Reaching Horizons:
Info at your fingertips
T
he Western Mindanao Command
administers public relations and
understanding of the military aspect
as one of the mission that support
commanders to relay timely information and
to ensure that the general public is updated
with the latest activities and programs of the
command.
Through the Command Public Information
Office, headed by Colonel Gerry M Besana (GSC)
PA, who acts as a communication channel
between the command and the general
public, WestMinCom performs its mandate
by coordinating activities; by increasing its
engagements with the interviews to local
and national media; by facilitating requests of
foreign/local journalists to conduct interviews;
and by updating its social media accounts.
The launching of the WMC’s website
and the WMC‘s E-Magazine “Kapayapaan”,
with the theme: “Reaching Horizon through
Integrated Effort and Multi-sectoral Alliance last
September 21, 2018 was one way of bridging
and penetrating the modern media of today’s
generation.
Community relations were further
strengthened through visible engagements with
different stakeholders in their undertakings, such
as commemorations of “Araw ng Kagitingan”
and “Dia de Caling”; inaugurations/blessings,
such as that of the AFPFC Multi-Purpose
Cooperative satellite office at Yubenco Bldg. in
San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City; Consultative-
Forum at Garden Orchid Hotel; solidarity dinner
for Eid’l Adha initiated by the Peace Advocate
of Zamboanga (PAZ); various forums initiated by
the Office of the Governor, ARMM in Cotabato
City; and the likes. The continuous operation
of DXWC Peace 88.3 positively reinforces the
command’s thrust of dominating the information
environment.
The intensified information support
activities conducted through the production
and dissemination of information, concepts,
or ideas through social media, print, and radio
influenced the attitude and behavior of the
civilians and other stakeholders towards the
WestMinCom and the AFP, as a whole.
1 s t
& 2 n d
Q u a r t e r 2 0 1 942 43k a p a y a p a a n

23. H E A D Q U A R T E R S
W E ST E R N M I N DA NAO C OM M A N D
ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES
Camp Don Basilio Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City
PhotobyCplRaymondFSQuinPA,4CRG,CRSAFP