By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara has formally taken command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), assuming a crucial security post as the region prepares for the historic Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.
Cagara was installed as WestMinCom commander during a change-of-command ceremony at Camp Navarro in Barangay Calarian, Zamboanga City, on Monday, August 17.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete presided over the ceremony.
Cagara moved to WestMinCom after serving as chief of the 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao del Norte. He succeeded Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran, who was recently designated as commanding general of the Philippine Army.
In his assumption speech, Cagara underscored the need for cooperation among security forces, local governments, peace stakeholders and civil society in sustaining stability across Western Mindanao.
“True peace is never won by arms alone. It is cultivated through collaboration, mutual trust and shared aspirations,” Cagara said.
He said WestMinCom would remain a dependable partner of local government units, peace stakeholders, civil society organizations and regional counterpart agencies.
Cagara also placed the upcoming Bangsamoro parliamentary elections among the command’s key priorities, stressing the military’s role in helping create conditions where voters can exercise their democratic rights safely.
Cagara said WestMinCom would coordinate closely with the Commission on Elections, LGUs, partner security agencies and civil society groups to help ensure a peaceful, orderly and credible electoral process.
“We will deploy our forces strategically to ensure that the democratic rights of the Bangsamoro people are protected without fear or disruption,” he said.
He described the forthcoming election as a historic democratic exercise that is vital to the pursuit of lasting peace in the region.
The new WestMinCom chief said the military’s role would extend beyond security operations, emphasizing cooperation and public trust as essential elements in maintaining peace across Western Mindanao.
With the leadership transition now completed, Cagara inherits a command tasked with maintaining security across a region where the success of the Bangsamoro electoral process is closely tied to the broader pursuit of long-term peace and stability.
IA/XF
