THE Philippine Army has designated a new command chaplain to the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) effective Tuesday, July 13.

Lieutenant Colonel Harley Flores assumed as the new command chaplain, replacing Lieutenant Colonel Jose Españo, who was reassigned to the headquarters of the Philippine Army.

The transition was made official through a simple Change of Chief of Office Ceremony at the Bautista Lounge in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City.

Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr., Westmincom chief, presided the ceremony, which was witnessed by the command staff and selected personnel of Westmincom.

Prior his current post, Flores was the chaplain of the Health Services Command.

Vinluan awarded a Distinguished Service Medal to Españo in recognition of his meritorious and valuable service rendered to the command as the Command Post Catholic chaplain since January 16, 2020.

Españo thanked the Westmincom family for allowing him to grow as a chaplain and public servant during his stay at the command.

Flores vowed to work hard to continue the good work of his predecessor.

Vinluan said leadership transition even in the chaplain service is a military tradition that sustains the dynamism and infuses new blood in the organization.

"Having gone through the same experience for the nth time, I know the challenges and the opportunities that come with it. There may be a change in leadership style but leaders all have one thing in common-they lead their men to accomplish the mission," Vinluan said. (SunStar Zamboanga)