AFP Western Command explained

Unit Name:	Western Command
Dates:	March 28, 2001 – Present
Role:	Conventional and Unconventional Warfare, Anti-Guerrilla Operations, Protecting the Sovereign Territory
Command Structure:	Under the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Garrison:	Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Nickname:	WESCOM
Motto:	Protector of the West Philippine Sea and the Last Frontier We Do It
Mascot:	Palawan peacock-pheasant
Anniversaries:	March 28
Battles:	Anti-guerilla operations against the NPA, Abu Sayyaf Group and local criminal elements
Current Commander:	RADM Alfonso F. Torres Jr. (Acting Commander)^[1]
Identification Symbol:	Western Command Emblem
Identification Symbol Label:	Unit Patch

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.

Operations

• Anti-guerrilla operations against the New People's Army
• Anti-terrorist operations against known terror groups operating in their AOR.
• Guarding and patrol operation on the Spratly Islands (Kalayaan Island Group).
• Defense and Protection of Palawan and islands in the West Philippine Sea against Chinese Aggression.
• Joint Multinational Search and Rescue Operations for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.^[2]

Organization

The 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

• Alberto Carlos Commander, 2022-2024

External links

• • Official History of the AFP citing the creation of Central Command

Notes and References

1. Web site: Dava . Bianca . Carlos out as Wescom chief; Torres assumes post . ABS-CBN . 18 May 2024.
2. Web site: PH joins SE Asia search for Malaysian plane. Rappler. 8 March 2014.