WMC leadership change part of ongoing initiative to beat ASG conclusively

MANILA –Changes in the leadership in the Western Mindanao Command (WMC) are among the ongoing changes being implemented to expedite the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists.

This was stressed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo as Major Gen. Carlito Galvez assumed control of the WMC from Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz Tuesday.

Leadership change along with tactics, procedures, approaches and deployment of units are among the things being expedited by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año to meet his self-imposed six months deadline to eradicate the bandit group and other lawless elements operating in Basilan and Sulu.

“To achieve this difficult task, necessary adjustments in tactics and strategy, and in the approaches to neutralize the ASG — including changes in the leadership and composition of the team that will execute his plans — will have to be made. And this is part of the dynamism of the military profession,” the AFP public affairs office chief said.

Arevelo also said the appointment of Dela Cruz as Inspector General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines could not be considered a demotion as the office is also designated to be headed by a lieutenant general or three star rank.

“Reliefs and designations are part of the dynamics of the military institution and (Tuesday’s turned over) is its manifestation,” he added.

“”Major Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr. assumes command of the Western Mindanao replacing Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo de la Cruz who has served the unit for a year and two months,” Arevalo stressed.

Galvez is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985 and hails from Bulacan.