AFP Wescom has new commander

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces Western Command (Wescom), with jurisdiction over the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea, has a new commander.

Rear Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado assumed his new assignment as Wescom commander yesterday.

He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983.

Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, acting chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), led the change of command ceremony at the Wescom headquarters in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

Miranda commended the Wescom for successfully securing the national and local elections last May 9 as Palawan was among the most peaceful areas, having no election-related incidents that day.

Mercado replaced acting Wescom chief Brig. Gen. Elvin Hermogino, who temporarily headed the command since April 29 following the retirement of Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez from the military service.

Wescom has jurisdiction over Palawan and the Kalayaan Group of Islands, as well as the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea.

Hermogino will continue holding his old post as Wescom deputy commander for operations. Mercado and Hermogino are classmates at the PMA.

Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesman, said Mercado is considered to be among the most seasoned officers in the Philippine Navy.

Padilla said the new WesCom chief held various command and staff positions in the Navy and the AFP headquarters.