Wescom chief Javier assumes new role as Navy head
Vice Adm. Alan Javier assumed command of the Philippine Navy on Friday with a pledge to strengthen maritime defense amid increasing security challenges in the West Philippine Sea.
Javier, who headed the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Wescom) until his new assignment, succeeds newly retired Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta. In his remarks upon assuming his new post, Javier said, “Coming from the Western Command, I have seen firsthand the complexities of our maritime security environment and the strategic challenges confronting our country.”
He cited his role as Wescom chief of overseeing military operations in Palawan and the West Philippine Sea. Before Wescom, Javier had served as commander of the Western Naval Command and chief of Naval Staff.
‘Continuous operations’
Regarding the naval deployment ahead of the Asean events, Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said naval patrols would focus on key maritime approaches to Manila Bay, particularly areas to the north, west and south of the capital.
She said the Navy would also deploy its Marines, naval SEALs and air assets to reinforce maritime security operations during the summit.
Martinez emphasized that regular naval operations across the country, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, would not be disrupted. “Our operations across the country [are] continuous, from north to south, from west to east,” she said.
