Philippine Coast Guard and Western Mindanao Command Join Forces to Combat Sea Lawlessness
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On 09 May 2022, The Tactical Operations Wing Western Mindanao (TOW WestMin) under the leadership of COLONEL DENNIS G ESTRELLA PAF (GSC) , Wing Commander, was directed by the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) to perform a Persuasion Flight over Western Mindanao areas to deter Lawless Elements from disrupting the orderly conduct of National Election 2022. The newly-acquired Super Tucano aircraft with Tail Numbers #1904 and #1905 of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) orbited over the Province of Basilan and flew a Quick Pass over Zamboanga City before making a Low Pass Maneuver at Zamboanga City International Airport (ZIA). Then, Super Tucanos went straight to Lanao and Maguindanao areas to continue their Persuasion Flight. (Wikimedia Creative Commons)
Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have pledged to collaborate in combating maritime lawlessness in the Westmincom area of operations.
This commitment was made during a courtesy visit by Rear Admiral Gregorio Adel, Jr., Chief of the Coast Guard Inspector General-Internal Affairs Service, to Lieutenant General Roy Galido, Westmincom Chief, on Thursday, June 29.
Adel emphasized the importance of the strong relationship between the PCG and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, stressing the need to maintain their good rapport and establish a robust working network to ensure effective coordination on mutual concerns in the future.
In response, Galido expressed Westmincom’s unwavering support for the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), their counterpart. He urged continued collaboration to combat sea-based lawlessness and crimes and to uphold peace in Mindanao.
During the visit to Camp Navarro, which houses the headquarters of Westmincom in Zamboanga City, Commodore Marco Antonio Gines, the CGDSWM commander, accompanied Adel, solidifying the commitment to joint efforts in the area.