New Westmincom chief assumes post

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The new chief of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has been installed.

 Armed Forces of the Philippines Inspector General Lt. Gen. William Gonzales assumed the post during a change of command ceremony led by AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. yesterday.

Former Westmincom chief Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general as he was named AFP inspector general.

Brawner said Crespillo’s promotion was delayed due to the election ban.

 The AFP chief credited Crespillo for downgrading the strength and capabilities of various armed groups within Westmincom’s area of responsibility.

Brawner also lauded Crespillo for ensuring that the recently concluded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were peaceful and orderly.

Gonzales, a former commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Sulu, said he would focus on assisting in the normalization and peace process as well as the disbandment of private armed groups within his jurisdiction. 

He said he would also push for a relentless amnesty program for communist insurgents and members of local terrorist groups in the region.