AFP Western Command

The Western Command (abbrv. as WESCOM) is the Armed Forces of the Philippines' unified command in charge of the islands of Palawan and Kalayaan, including the disputed Spratly Islands group. It is responsible for the defense of these areas against external aggression, as well as combating terrorism and insurgency.

Western Command
Active	March 28, 2001 – Present
Country	Philippines
Role	Conventional and Unconventional Warfare, Anti-Guerrilla Operations, Protecting the Sovereign Territory
Part of	Under the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Garrison/HQ	Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Nickname(s)	WESCOM
Motto(s)	Protector of the West Philippine Sea and the Last Frontier We Do It
Mascot(s)	Palawan peacock-pheasant
Anniversaries	March 28
Engagements	Anti-guerilla operations against the NPA, Abu Sayyaf Group and local criminal elements
Website	www.wescom.mil.ph
Commanders
Current commander	Major general Antonio Gustilo Nafarrete acting capacity[1]
Insignia
Unit Patch	Western Command Emblem

Operations

• Anti-guerrilla operations against the New People's Army
• Anti-terrorist operations against known terror groups operating in their area of responsibility.
• Guarding and patrol operation on the Spratly Islands (Kalayaan Island Group).
• Defense and protection of Palawan and islands in the South China Sea (relevant areas referred to by the Philippine government as West Philippine Sea) against Chinese aggression.
• Joint Multinational Search and Rescue Operations for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.^[2]

Organization

The following are the units that are under the Western Command:

• Tactical Operations Wing West, PAF
• Naval Forces West, PN
• MBLT-3, PMC
• MBLT-4, PMC
• 18th Special Forces Company (Riverine), PA
• 3rd Marine Brigade, PMC

See also

• Alberto Carlos Commander, 2022-2024