AFP names Erickson Gloria as new Wescom chief

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday announced that Lieutenant General Erickson Gloria would be the new commander of the Western Command (Wescom). 

In a press statement, the AFP said Lieutenant General Antonio Ramon Lim, who has served as AFP inspector general, would replace Gloria as The Deputy Chief of Staff in an acting and concurrent capacity. 

The Change of Chief of Office ceremony was presided by AFP chief General Felimon Santos Jr. at the AFP headquarters. 

"As the chief executor and adviser on matters pertaining to policy formulation and implementation, and command decision-making process through completed staff actions, the OTDCS AFP plays a very important role in overseeing and ensuring that the different staff and services are working harmoniously towards the direction set by the AFP leadership,” Santos said. 

Santos also congratulated Gloria for his new assignment of leading Wescom, which is based in Palawan. 

Gloria is set to formally replace Wescom chief Vice Admiral Rene Medina during a change of command and retirement ceremony on Thursday, May 28. 

Gloria previously served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, J1; Wing Commander, 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing; Deputy Commander, Air Mobility Command; and Deputy Commander, Air Logistic Command.

He was also designated as Squadron Commander, 5051st Search and Rescue Squadron based in Palawan; 5053rd Search and Rescue Squadron in General Santos City; and Commander of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing. 

Gloria is also a tactical and rescue pilot and who holds a command pilot rating in the Philippine Air Force. —KG, GMA News