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MANILA, Philippines — A Marine general is taking over command of the Zamboanga City-based Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), one of the most crucial and coveted posts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Lt General Rustico Guerrero, former Marine commandant and ex-chief of the Jolo-based anti-terrorism unit Task Force Comet, will be replacing Army Lt General Rey Ardo, who played a key role during the Zamboanga City siege. The turnover ceremony is scheduled on Saturday, November 9.
Guerrero will be plucked from his current command at the Western Command (Wescom) in Palawan.
“He is very qualified and has experience in the area. He is among our best officers in the area,” said AFP chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista, who confirmed Guerrero’s new post in an interview with reporters on Monday, November 4.
Wesmincom commands troops dealing with the breakaway Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in central Mindanao and the Abu Sayyaf Group and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) operating in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
“He has a big responsibility,” added Bautista. Guerrero takes the helm after the 20-day Zamboanga City standoff in September when followers of Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari attacked the city. The government vowed to secure the area to prevent the attack from happening again.
Bautista and Guerrero are classmates at the Philippine Military Academy (Class 1981).
Reshuffle
Guerrero’s Wesmincom appointment triggers a reshuffle in two other posts.
Air Force Lt General Roy Deveraturda will be replacing Guerrero at Wescom in Palawan. The turnover ceremony is scheduled on Friday, November 8. “In Wescom, we usually appoint a navy or air force officer. General Deveraturda is very familiar with the situation there having been former J5 (deputy chief of staff for plans and programs). He is very aware of the strategic situation,” Bautista said.
Wescom oversees the Kalayaan Group of Islands (Spratlys) in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), a territory where 6 countries including the Philippines and China having overlapping claims.
Maj General Bonafos, on the other hand, will take over the post of Deveraturda as chief of the Cebu-based Central Command (Centcom).
Bonafos is currently the chief of the Special Operations Command based in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. As Socom chief, he supervises the elite troops of the Armed Forces, the Scout Rangers and the Special Forces. — Rappler.com
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