Vinluan assumes as new WestMinCom chief

Major General Corleto Vinluan on Tuesday formally assumed his post as the new commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).

Armed Forces chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay presided over the change of command ceremony at Camp Basilio Navarro in Zamboanga City.

Vinluan replaced Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, who had been promoted as commanding general of the Philippine Army.

In his speech, Vinluan called on the troops of WestMinCom to work together in sustaining the growing peace in the region.

"We shall harmonize our efforts to ensure interoperability of our security forces with the agencies tasked with law enforcement to stem the flow of criminality and secure our maritime borders from threats that impede the growth of the economy of the region," Vinluan said.

"I urge you to strengthen your resolve to pursue the mission given to us. Ours is a privileged opportunity to serve and be part of the noble profession of arms," he added.

He expressed confidence that the WestMinCom would continue moving forward and would succeed in its endeavors.

Prior to his new post, Vinluan served as the head of Joint Task Force Sulu.

Vinluan has spearheaded significant combat operations which led to the neutralization of several Abu Sayyaf members and foreign terrorists operating in Sulu.

Vinluan belongs to the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988.

Brigadier General William Gonzales replaced him as head of JTF Sulu. Gonzales is also a member of PMA Class 1989. — RSJ, GMA News