The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) on Tuesday deployed its Joint Task Force (JTF) for maritime domain protection in the southwestern part of the Philippines.
Dubbed as JTF Poseidon, the task force is part of the AFP’s Campaign Plan “Bantay Kalayaan 2023-2028” that focuses on the conduct of security and defense operations in the multi-domain environment to deter the furtherance of adversaries, as well as “Illegal, Coercive, Aggressive, and Deceptive” (ICAD) activities.
“It is also to sustain maritime operations, respond to aggression in order to protect the country’s national interests and secure her sovereignty, sovereign rights, and territorial integrity, and protect the people’s democratic way of life,” WestMinCom Public Information Office Chief Major Orlando Ayllon said.
WestMinCom Commander Lieutenant General William Gonzales initiated the activation of JTF Poseidon to strengthen the territorial defense capabilities of the command in protecting the maritime domain under the WestMinCom’s Joint Area of Operations (JAO) from external threats.
JTF Poseidon is composed of Naval Task Force 61 (NTF61) and the forces-in-being in the province of Tawi-Tawi (the 2nd Marine Brigade (2MBde), the 17th Special Forces Company (17SFC) of the Philippine Army, the Tactical Operations Squadron-Mapun (TOS Mapun) and Tactical Operations Squadron-Sibutu (TOS Sibutu) of the Philippine Air Force.
Naval Forces Western Mindanao Commander Rear Admiral Francisco Tagamolila Jr. will be manning the task force.
