WestMinCom Commander pays farewell visit to military unit in Tawi-Tawi

**LAST CONFERENCE:** Some good things never last and has to end at the right time. Here in his last conference with the people of Tawi-Tawi, WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. seated at right in front, he thanked the people of the province as represented by the municipal mayors. At the same time Tawi-Tawi Gov. Ysmael “Mang” Sali also thanked the outgoing general for ensuring the safety and security of the people. (Contributed Photo)

BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi — A week prior to his retirement Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) paid a farewell visit to the troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi and 2nd Marine Brigade here in this province.

On his arrival. Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. was welcomed with Foyer Honors rendered by the marine troops led by JTF Tawi-Tawi Commander Col. Romeo Racadio at Toong Hall, 2nd Marine Brigade Headquarters, Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on Wednesday morning of August 18.

**FAREWELL TO THE TROOPS:** Outgoing Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., talked for the last time to the Philippine Marines troopers at the 2nd Marine Headquarters in Sanga-Sanga, Tawi-Tawi. The WestMimCom bades them goodbye during his farewell message a week prior to his retirement from military service. (Contributed Photo)

During his talk to the troops, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. commended the soldiers for their numerous accomplishments notable of which is the killing of most wanted Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) commander named Apo Mike and the recovery of several loose firearms.

“Let us sustain the momentum, remain steadfast in accomplishing our mission, and continue to establish a good relationship with our partners, stakeholders, and the communities so as to win their popular support to all our endeavors, for it is better to win peace without a single bloodshed,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

In his visit to Tawi-Tawi, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. also paid an exit call to Gov. Yshmael “Mang” Sali at the Provincial Capitol of Tawi-Tawi.

The outgoing WestMinCom commander also expressed his gratitude to Gov. Sali for his unwavering support to the command’s thrust.

Likewise, Governor Sali thanked Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. for all the assistance extended by the command to the province of Tawi-Tawi particularly in ensuring the safety and security of the people.

Also present during the short meeting were the local chief executives of all the municipalities of Tawi-Tawi. They also expressed their appreciation to the WestMinCom Commander.

JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL