AFP: Cagara installed as new Westmincom chief

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara was formally installed as the new commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) at Camp Navarro in Barangay Calarian, Zamboanga City, on Monday, Aug. 17.

Cagara, who previously served as chief of the 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao del Norte, succeeded Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran, who was recently designated as commanding general of the Philippine Army.

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AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete presided over the change of command.

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In his assumption speech, Cagara pledged to sustain WestMinCom’s mission of safeguarding peace and security across Western Mindanao while highlighting the command’s crucial role in ensuring the success of the forthcoming historic Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.

“True peace is never won by arms alone. It is cultivated through collaboration, mutual trust and shared aspirations. WestMinCom will continue to be a dependable partner to our local government units (LGUs), peace stakeholders, civil society organizations and regional counterpart agencies,” Cagara said.

He assured that WestMinCom would work hand in hand with the Commission on Elections, LGUs, partner security agencies and civil society groups “to guarantee a peaceful, orderly and credible election environment.”

“We will deploy our forces strategically to ensure that the democratic rights of the Bangsamoro people are protected without fear or disruption,” he added.

Cagara emphasized that the upcoming election is a historic democratic exercise “vital to securing long-term peace in the region.” /mcm