AFP Western Mindanao Command

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= Western Mindanao Command


caption=
dates= August 29, 2006 - Present
country= flagicon|Philippines Philippines
allegiance=
branch=
type=
role= Conventional and Unconventional Warfare, Anti-Guerrilla Operations
size=
command_structure= Under the Armed Forces of the Philippines
current_commander= LGen Nelson Allaga AFP
garrison= Cam General Navarro, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur
ceremonial_chief=
colonel_of_the_regiment=
nickname= "West MinCom"
patron=
motto= "Katapangan"
colors=
march=
mascot=
battles= Anti-guerilla operations against the NPA , MILF, ASG, and local criminal elements
notable_commanders= LGen Nelson Allaga AFP, LGen Eugenio Cedo AFP
anniversaries=August 29
decorations=
battle_honours=
identification_symbol_label=Unit Patch
identification_symbol=Western Mindanao Command EmblemThe Western Mindanao Command, known officially as the WestMinCom, is one the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Wide Support Commands Combating Terrorism and Insurgency in Mindanao.

History

The Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines was activated effective 29 August 2006 pursuant to AFP General Orders 1035, Section II, which was signed by the AFP Chief of Staff effective 23 August 2006.The unit was created to further combat dissidence in the Southern Philippines by dividing the Island of Mindanao to 3 Separate Combat Regions namely Western, Eastern, and Central which the previous Southern Command controls.

Mission

Their mission is to conduct sustained Internal Security Operations (ISO) in Western Mindanao to neutralize the Communist-Terrorist Movement (CTM) and reduce their operational capabilities. One of their missions is to support local Law Enforcement as well as the Philippine National Police in containing the MILF while supporting the peace process; and destroy the ASG and the JI network operating in their AOR. This is needed to establish a secured backdoor and maintain a physically & psychologically sound environment conducive to growth and development.

Units

The following are the units that are under the Eastern Mindanao Command.
* 1st Infantry (TABAK)Division, PA
* 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion, PA
* 1st Light Reaction Battalion, PA
* Naval Forces Western Mindanao, PN
* 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, PAF

Operations

* Anti-guerrilla operations against the New People's Army * Anti-terrorist operations against the Abu Sayyaf operating in their AOR.

Trivia

* LGen Nelson Allaga was the former commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps.

References

* [http://www.afp.mil.ph Official Site of the AFP]
* AFP GO# 1035 Section II
* Philippine Army: The First 100 Years
* Military Science 21 ROTC Manual, NCR RCDG, ARESCOM