New Westmincom chief vows to eradicate loose firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20, 2023): New Westmincom chief vows to eradicate loose firearms (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

NEW COMMANDER. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) installs Maj. Gen. Roy Galido (right, back to the camera) as the new commander of the Western Mindanao, replacing Maj. Gen. Arturo Rojas (left, back to the camera) on Friday (Jan. 20, 2023). Gen. Andres Centino, AFP chief of staff (center) presides the change of command at Camp Don Basilio Navarro that houses the headquarters of Westmincom in Calarian, Zamboanga City. (PNA photo by Teofilo P. Garcia Jr.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The newly installed commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said he will focus on the campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms to achieve a lasting peace.

“The number one tool of violence is loose firearms,” Maj. Gen. Roy Galido said in an interview after his installation as the new Westmincom chief.

“It we want peace, we have to remove the main tool of violence, which is firearms,” he added.

Galido has replaced his classmate in the Philippine Military Academy, Maj. Gen. Arturo Rojas, who will be assigned as the new commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Special Operations Command based in Fort Magsaysay in Cabanatuan City.

Under his leadership, Galido said the Westmincom will work together with the Philippine National Police in eradicating loose firearms, and strengthen the campaign against lawless elements.

Galido clarified he sees no problem with law-abiding people possessing firearms, saying owners of registered firearms are "responsible citizens.”

He also urged the public to cooperate with authorities to help eradicate unlicensed guns in the community.

“We have to work together to be successful in the campaign against proliferation of loose firearms,” he added.

Meanwhile, Galido said he will continue to implement the programs of the command to sustain the gains of his predecessor.

“It is easier said than done, but it can be done,” he said.

Gen. Andres Centino, Armed Forces chief of staff, who led the change of command ceremony, urged the officers and men of Westmincom to extend their support Galido the way they did to Rojas.

Rojas, for his part, expressed his gratitude to the officers and men of the command for the support and cooperation given him during his three months and 15 days stint as acting commander of Westmincom.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193215