The new WESMINCOM Chief is a proud member of PMA Class of 1976 replacing his mistah, Lt Gen Nelson L Allaga AFP, who is retiring in the military service. MGen Dolorfino assumed as the third Commander of the Western Mindanao Command on July 16, 2009.

MGen Dolorfino was the former Commanding General of the 2nd Marine Brigade; Commander of the Joint Task Force “RANAO”; Commander, National Capital Region Command, and he was also the former Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps. He is a recipient of five (5) Distinguish Service Star Medal, Distinguish Amphibious Cross Medal, Bronze Cross Medal, Silver Wing Medal, Sixteen (16) Military Merit Medals, four (4) Military Commendation Medals and several Letters of Commendation, and Plaque of Appreciation from various unit levels and civilian stakeholders.

Upon his arrival at the camp, MGen Dolorfino was tendered with traditional military honors held at the division parade ground. After which, he proceeded at the Heroes Memorial Marker for wreath laying ceremony in paying tribute to the fallen soldiers in the service for the Filipino people, followed by a briefing held at the Command Conference Room which was attended by the Members of the General & Special Staff and Post Unit Commanders.

During his talk to the men, MGen Dolorfino laid out his concept of command anchored on his vision statement, “We shall be a PEOPLE-ORIENTED and PROFESSIONAL MILITARY command deeply committed to the promotion of peace, progress and development.” He emphasized partnership, integration of efforts, collaboration and extension of interaction with the stakeholders, LGUs, NGOs, and any other groups that can greatly help in the hope of serving the people. Likewise, he pointed out that in the conduct of Internal Security Operations (ISO), partnership with the PNP and other paramilitary forces existing in the area of responsibility for the sake of people in the community.

He stressed out too that soldiers must be people-oriented being servants and warriors of the people to whom soldiers were mandated to protect. “Our loyalty should belong to the Filipino people regardless of political beliefs, religion and ethnic identity,” he remarked. As a professional soldier, he associated it with competence, responsibility, and dedication.

Moreover, he defined human security as the condition wherein the people and their institution are free from armed violence, free to engage in productive enterprises with their civil liberties and human rights respected at all times, and that the citizens’ way of life and environment are always protected and enhance. Accordingly, human security teamwork must be considered in every performance of duty.

Furthermore, MGen Dolorfino vocally pronounced that the operation will be carried out on a 20% Combat Operations and 80% anchored on Civil-Military Operations. However, he clarified that it doesn’t mean a reduction in terms of the combat operations. In fact, the operational tempo will be intensified especially in Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah affected areas (the island provinces of Basilan and Sulu). “The CMO became 80% because we will be expanding our role in nation-building. It is not only ISO but also in our active participation in building-up our country,” he explained.

Subsequently, a lunch in his honor prepared by the command at the Lady of Fatima Shrine (Kapehan sa Tabak) which has always been a magnificent place with a far reaching and guiding views of sprawling plains and mountains surrounding the camp. Afterwhich, a departure honor has been tendered to him by the Tabak Troopers. (AFP/PIA9-Pagadian City)

Last update: 31-07-2009 23:37