Joint Task Group Sulu gets new commander

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) has designated a new commander of Joint Task Group Sulu but made clear that this was so senior ground commanders in Sulu could focus on their brigades.

 

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Westmincom spokesman, said Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado has been retained as commander of the Army's 501st Infantry Brigade and Brig. Gen. Jose Cabanban as commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade.

 

The two senior ground commanders formerly acted as commander and deputy of Joint Task Group Sulu, a unit that only had oversight of the two brigades.

 

“This is to allow our brigade commanders to focus on assigned tasks in light of new security challenges in the area,” Tan said.

 

Wesmincom has appointed Maj. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, 1st Infantry Division chief, as the new JTG Sulu commander and Rear Adm. Jorge Amba, chief of Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), as JTG Tawi-Tawi.

 

He said the effort is to streamline its ongoing operations, ensure coverage of all operational areas and synchronize current efforts against the Abu Sayyaf group and to rescue the bandit group's captives in the soonest possible time.

 

Barrientos is currently the division commander of 1st Infantry Division, which operates in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Amba commands all fleet-marine units and all naval assets in the same area of responsibility.

 

“We are optimistic that this change will bring concrete results to our efforts," Tan said.