ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) showcased its commitment to effective leadership transition and community engagement through recent ceremonies and outreach programs.
In a Change of Chief of Office Ceremony held at Camp Navarro, Calarian, Senior Master Sergeant Randel Gonzales assumed the role of Command Sergeant Major, succeeding Chief Master Sergeant Feliciano Lazo.
The event, presided over by Brig. Gen. Vincent Incognito, Deputy Commander of WestMinCom, took place on Friday afternoon, August 18, 2023. Chief Master Sergeant Lazo moved on to assume a higher responsibility as the Armed Forces of the Philippines Sergeant Major based at General Headquarters in Quezon City.
Brig. Gen. Incognito praised Chief Master Sergeant Lazo for his exemplary leadership during his tenure and expressed confidence in Senior Master Sergeant Gonzales, stating, “I know you will be able to continue what your predecessor has started.”
In another show of WestMinCom’s commitment, the command continued its tradition of community works as a gesture of gratitude for the support of the people of Mindanao. Through its Joint Task Forces, WestMinCom conducted the Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) and distributed school supplies at the Barangay Hall of Barangay Mother Tuayan, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur on August 18, 2023. Around 350 residents benefited from the outreach program.
This community work is aligned with WestMinCom’s pre-anniversary activities. The chosen community had previously undergone evaluation and was declared a cleared and resilient area by the 601st Brigade. Despite this, the community remains vulnerable to recruitment and recovery efforts of certain groups. As a proactive measure, WestMinCom engaged in purposive Civil-Military Operations (CMO) activities to counter potential recruitment and counteract enemy narratives.
The presence of dignitaries, including Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, a Mindanao veteran and the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, highlighted the significance of these initiatives.
Lt. Gen. Galido emphasized that WestMinCom is committed to being a reliable, responsive, and relevant partner for a better nation. The unit aims to give back to the community as part of its 17th Founding Anniversary, recognizing the citizens as vital partners for peace.
Through these efforts, WestMinCom demonstrates its dedication to strong leadership transition, community engagement, and fostering peace and progress in the region.
