Former West PH Sea commander is new DND official for plans

MANILA, Philippines – Retired Lieutenant General Roy Deveraturda, former chief of the Palawan-based Western Command (Wescom), was appointed chief Assistant Secretary of the Department of National Defense.

Deveraturda was appointed on June 1 to lead the DND office on plans and programs, according to DND public affairs service chief Arsenio Andolong.

“This is more strategic than operational,” Deveraturda told reporters in a chance encounter on Wednesday, July 29.

He joins the DND hierarchy as the country awaits the ruling on its arbitration case against China.  (EXPLAINER: Philippines’ 5 arguments against China)

Wescom is responsible for the country’s territorial defense. The disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) off the coast of Palawan and Scarborough Shoal off the coast of Zambales are parts of its area of responsibility.

Deveraturda is the predecessor of current Wescom chief Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez.

Before leading Wescom, Deveraturda was chief of the Cebu-based Central Command (Centcom) when Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) hit the country. – Rappler.com