US Three-Star General lauds WestMinCom chief during his visit in Zamboanga City

Zamboanga City - In a courtesy call to Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., the commander of the WestMinCom, in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City last Sunday (November 19), 

Lieutenant General David H Berger USMC, the commander of the Marine Forces in the Pacific (MARFORPAC), vowed to work with the AFP in terms of enhancing technical capability and sharing of skills through training.

Arriving at 10:30 inside the Western Mindanao Command headquarters, 3-star General Berger was accompanied by some of the top staff officers from his command.

After exchanging pleasantries, LtGen Berger said the U.S. troops have heard of the accomplishments of the WestMinCom under Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr., and lauded the WestMinCom Chief for his commendable leadership as the Joint Task Forces continue to intensify the conduct of combat operations against threat groups within its joint area of operations.

He further specified the commendable successful campaign of the command against the terrorists in Marawi City.

Discussed by two Generals were some successful tactics and innovations practiced and applied during the campaign in Marawi.

Further discussed were the assessment of the support extended by the U.S. troops in the command and the possible ways to broaden efforts between the WestMinCom and U.S. troops.

The MARFORPAC commander said," It is important that we work closely with your troops and augment your capability in some aspects as we have also worked with other environments threatened by terrorism all over the world."

In his response, the WestMinCom Chief said,”We always welcome all kinds of support and help extended especially in training and technical capability. As long as it is for the betterment of our soldiers and their skills, it is a welcome news.” (posted by Becky D. de Asis- online editor)

5 Filipino kidnap victims rescued by troops in Tawi-Tawi

Zamboanga City - Troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi and the Naval Task Group of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command were able to rescue five Filipino kidnap victims in Tawi-Tawi last Friday (November 17).

Following a thorough planning and build up, the sailors and marines were able to successfully rescue the victims at the seawaters off Sugbay Island, Languyan, Tawi Tawi Province at 1:30 in the afternoon last Friday.

The victims were crew men of Fishing Boat Danvil 8 who were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf last October 14 near the coastal area of Poblacion Simbahan, Pangutaran, Sulu. Rescued were Vergel Arquino, from Davao City; Jushua Ybanez; Emo Fausto; Junald Minalang; and Spriano Sordid, all four from Pagadian City.

“The successful rescue was made possible due to the loose security of the captors,” said Brigadier General Custodio Parcon, Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi. In his report to the 

Commander, Western Mindanao Command, Rear Admiral Rene Medina, the NavForWem Chief said that they found the opportunity to rescue the victims after learning that the captors were confused and on the run due to the continuing conduct of focused military operations in the area.

“The timing was critical since the captors may shoot the victims if they will know about the plan,” said RAdm Medina.

“We were able to lead them to safety through our contacts, thus this rescue,” he added. “The victims were immediately subjected to medical examinations upon their arrival at this headquarters to ensure that any medical condition be address,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., commander WestMinCom. “They will soon be reunited with their families.”

“For this year alone, our units have been successful with carrying out rescue operations through special operations,” added Lt Gen Galvez Jr. “Just last week, three Vietnamese KVs were rescued from the hands of the ASG captors also thru connections and build up.”

“I commend the troops of NavForWem under Rear Admiral Medina and the marines of the Joint Task Force Tawi tawi under BGen Parcon for yet another successful rescue operation,” added the WestMinCom Chief. (posted by Becky D. de Asis-online editor)