Commander, Western Command Visits Western Mindanao Command
CAMP NAVARRO, Zamboanga City — The Western Mindanao Command (WMC) welcomed the Commander of the Western Command (WESCOM), Vice Admiral Alfonso F Torres Jr. PN, during his official visit to WMC Headquarters on January 27, 2026.
Vice Admiral Torres was accorded battalion-sized arrival honors and was received by WMC Commander, Lieutenant General Donald M Gumiran PA. The visit included a ceremonial reception and an executive session attended by key leaders from both commands.
During the engagement, senior officers discussed current operational developments, aligned strategic priorities, and explored ways to strengthen regional maritime security and inter-command coordination.
The visit underscored the strong partnership between WESCOM and WMC, reaffirming their shared dedication to mission readiness, regional security, and collaborative efforts in support of national defense objectives.
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COMMANDER, WESCOM VISITS PAF HEADQUARTERS
VILLAMOR AIR BASE, Pasay City - On January 26, 2026, the Commander of the Western Command (WESCOM), Vice Admiral Alfonso F Torres Jr PN, rendered an Exit Call on the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Lieutenant General Arthur M Cordura PAF. Upon arrival at PAF Headquarters, Vice Admiral Torres was accorded battalion-sized arrival honors.
Vice Admiral Torres Jr. conveyed his gratitude to Lieutenant General Cordura for the Philippine Air Force’s strong partnership with WESCOM, emphasizing how sustained PAF support has reinforced joint air and maritime security efforts, strengthened domain awareness, and enhanced coordination across the western area in defense of national sovereignty.
WESCOM reaffirmed its commitment to sustained inter-service cooperation with the Philippine Air Force in strengthening modern, responsive air capabilities that enable the AFP’s effective presence in the Western Frontier.
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The Chief of Navy, Royal Australian Navy, visits Western Command
CAMP RICARTE, Puerto Princesa City — Western Command (WESCOM) welcomed the arrival of Vice Admiral Mark David Hammond AO, Chief of Navy, Royal Australian Navy, during his official visit on January 27, 2026. Upon arrival, Vice Admiral Hammond was accorded battalion-sized arrival honors and was formally received by Commodore Charles Merric A Villanueva PN, Deputy Commander, WESCOM for External Defense Operations.
Following the arrival honors, Vice Admiral Hammond conducted a courtesy call on Vice Admiral Alfonso F Torres Jr. PN, Commander, WESCOM, represented by Brigadier General Ronie D Petinglay PAF, Deputy Commander, WESCOM for Internal Defense Operations. The visit continued with an executive session with senior WESCOM officials.
During the engagement, discussions focused on command updates, operational matters, and issues of mutual interest in support of ongoing mission objectives. The exchange provided an opportunity to reaffirm cooperation, enhance mutual understanding, and strengthen professional engagement between WESCOM and the Royal Australian Navy.
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Commander, Western Command Visits Naval Forces Southern Luzon
LEGAZPI CITY — Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NFSL) welcomed the Commander of the Western Command (WESCOM), Vice Admiral Alfonso F Torres Jr PN, during his official visit on January 20, 2026. Vice Admiral Torres Jr. was accorded battalion-sized arrival honors and received by the NFSL Commander, Commodore Estelito B Lagadia Jr PN.
The visit featured a ceremonial reception followed by an executive session where key leaders reviewed the operational developments, aligned strategic directions, and discussed measures to further strengthen regional maritime security. Vice Admiral Torres Jr. also conducted talks with troops and NFSL personnel, offering words of encouragement and commending them for their steadfast service and professionalism.
The engagement reinforced the close working relationship between WESCOM and NFSL, underscoring their shared focus on mission readiness, regional security, and personnel well-being. It also fostered enhanced coordination, knowledge sharing, and morale among the officers and enlisted personnel in attendance.
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Honoring Leadership, Loyalty, and Service: PMA Recognizes Vice Admiral Alfonso F. Torres Jr.
On 10 January 2026, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) rendered Arrival Honors and conducted a Testimonial Parade in honor of Vice Admiral Alfonso F. Torres Jr., PN, at the Headquarters, PMA, Fort del Pilar, Baguio City. The ceremony recognized Vice Admiral Torres Jr.’s more than three decades of steadfast, selfless, and exemplary service to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His distinguished career stands as a testament to unwavering dedication, professionalism, and commitment to duty, embodying the core values instilled by the Academy in its graduates.
Alongside six other distinguished honorees, Vice Admiral Torres Jr. participated in a facility tour of key PMA landmarks, including Melchor Hall, the Army Laboratory, and the Navy Laboratory. The tour highlighted the enduring bond between the Academy and its alumni, symbolizing the continuous exchange of tradition, excellence, and mentorship between generations of military leaders. These visits underscored the honorees’ shared legacy of service and their lasting contributions to strengthening the nation’s defense and leadership foundations.
The day culminated with a fellowship lunch at Yap Hall, Headquarters, PMA, attended by Vice Admiral Torres Jr., PMA Superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard N. Valencia, PN, fellow honorees, and PMA cadets. The gathering reflected the deep respect and gratitude of the Academy toward its alumni who have honorably served the nation. The event served not only as a tribute to individual achievements but also as a powerful symbol of patriotism, love of country, and loyalty to the PMA—an enduring reminder that service to the nation remains the highest calling of every Filipino soldier, sailor, airman, and future officer of the Armed Forces.
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Commander, Western Command Conducts Courtesy Visit to the Philippine Fleet
Naval Operating Base Subic, Subic, Zambales — The Commander, Western Command (WESCOM), Vice Admiral Alfonso F Torres Jr PN paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Fleet at Naval Operating Base Subic on January 5, 2026
Upon arrival, Vice Admiral Torres Jr PN was accorded Battalion-sized arrival honors and formally received by the Commander, Philippine Fleet, Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C Orbe PN.
Following the honors, a courtesy call was held between the two officials during which they discussed matters pertaining to maritime security operations, capability development, and strengthened coordination between WESCOM and the Philippine Fleet in support of AFP mission objectives. The engagement also provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on current operational concerns within the country’s western maritime areas and the role of naval forces in maintaining a credible defense posture.
As part of the visit, Vice Admiral Torres Jr PN conducted an ocular inspection of selected Philippine Navy assets, specifically BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) and BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) under the operational control of the Philippine Fleet, where he was briefed on their current operational status, readiness, and ongoing capability enhancement initiatives. Vice Admiral Torres Jr PN also conducted a talk to troops, during which he expressed his appreciation for their professionalism and dedication to duty, and emphasized the importance of unity, readiness, and sustained commitment in accomplishing the AFP’s maritime security mission.
The visit reaffirmed the enduring professional relationship between the two major units and highlighted their shared commitment to protecting the country’s maritime interests and ensuring peace and stability within the maritime domain.
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AFP Units and Partners Unite in Nationwide Blood Donation Drive for AFP’s 90th Founding Anniversary
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan - In a powerful demonstration of partnership, heroism, and shared purpose, Western Command (WESCOM), through the Office of U7, in partnership with Ospital Ng Palawan, successfully facilitated the nationwide simultaneous AFP-wide Blood Donation Activity in celebration of the 90th Founding Anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on December 13, 2025, held at Ospital Ng Palawan, Puerto Princesa City.
The activity brought together uniformed personnel and civilian partners, underscoring the AFP’s enduring commitment to saving lives not only through defense of the nation, but also through compassionate service to the Filipino people. Participating units included WNC, 3MBDE, TOW-WEST, CMOU-West, 6CRG, Reservist Units, alongside various civilian entities, reflecting a united front of service beyond duty.
A total of 70 participants took part in the activity, with 60 successful blood extractions, yielding an impressive 27,000 cubic centimeters (cc) of donated blood. These life-saving contributions will significantly support the medical needs of patients served by Ospital Ng Palawan and nearby healthcare facilities.
This blood donation drive exemplifies the AFP’s core values of bayanihan, selfless service, and heroism, highlighting the strength of civil-military cooperation and the shared responsibility of safeguarding life. As the AFP marks nine decades of honorable service, this initiative stands as a testament that true heroism is not only found on the battlefield, but also in acts of compassion that sustain and protect the community.
WESCOM extends its sincere appreciation to all participating units, partner institutions, and civilian volunteers whose collective efforts made this endeavor a resounding success. Together, they reaffirmed that through unity and shared purpose, lives are saved and hope is strengthened.
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Gear up for the CWC Invitational Shootfest—a fun way to build camaraderie, strengthen teamwork, and enjoy a safe marksmanship experience.
For full details, scan the QR code. Inquiries can be made through 0917-680-2278. See you there!
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IN PHOTOS || Commander, Joint Special Operations Command visits Western Command
CAMP RICARTE, Puerto Princesa City – The Western Command (WESCOM), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), welcomed the visit of Brigadier General Eliglen F Villaflor PA, Commander, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), AFP on November 28, 2025 at the Headquarters, WESCOM.
Upon arrival, Brigadier General Villaflor was accorded sideboys honors, with Commodore Charles Merric A Villanueva PN, Deputy Commander for External Defense Operations, WESCOM, serving as the receiving officer. Following the honors, Brigadier General Villaflor paid a courtesy call on Vice Admiral Alfonso F Torres Jr PN, Commander, WESCOM, represented by Commodore Villanueva. During the engagement, both officials conducted focused discussions and briefings highlighting WESCOM’s operating environment, emerging security challenges, and ongoing joint coordination with special operations units. The dialogue included initial assessments of mission-support requirements, special operations integration, interoperability priorities, and the current operational posture across WESCOM’s Joint Operational Area (JOA), as well as the significance of ongoing bilateral coordination with Australia.
The visit underscored the critical role of WESCOM-JSOC cooperation in enhancing joint operational readiness, deepening inter-service coordination, and advancing the AFP’s capacity to respond swiftly to evolving threats. Both commands reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening security, stability, and mission effectiveness across WESCOM’s JOA through enhanced special operations support, improved joint planning, and sustained operational collaboration.
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