SINCE assuming command on Feb. 10, 2025, the newly installed commander of Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) Commodore Joselito de Guzman has been steadfast in preparing for a series of critical operations in the Visayas region.
In a press conference on Monday, April 7, de Guzman told reporters that he will focus on ensuring the security and peace and order within the Visayas region.
“The top priority of [any] military commander in the area is to ensure the peace is secured [and] the well-being of every Filipino is well continued. So that anyone can go around without any fear of [an] untoward incident,” said de Guzman.
De Guzman mentioned the importance of proactive collaboration with local authorities and government agencies, citing specific support for upcoming events and national holidays set to take place in Cebu.
As Cebu is a known tourist destination, especially with the coming observance of the Holy Week when an influx of tourists is expected, he said that the Navforcen will assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) and maritime agencies with the security operations to ensure the safety of every Filipino and visitor.
“We’ve been preparing our service assets, our reservists not only in Cebu will be of help to the PNP and other Maritime agencies that will implement the peace and order situation here in the Visayas,” said de Guzman.
Elections
Looking ahead to the May 2025 elections, Navforcen will also support the PNP and the Commission on Elections by prioritizing security efforts in Lapu-Lapu City, said de Guzman.
He added that personnel leaves are directed to be canceled to ensure full participation and readiness for election-related operations.
With its headquarters located in Lapu-Lapu City, Navforcen will also automatically assist in the Kadaugan sa Mactan activities, said de Guzman.
As former Inspector General of the Philippine Fleet, de Guzman’s primary function was to oversee the overall systems management of the Philippine team, ensuring everything was in order and recommending improvements.
As the Navforcen commander for the past two months, he disclosed that one of the main challenges he faces is the vast operational area, which spans multiple regions in the Visayas.
He mentioned the challenge of collaborating with various agencies, stressing the need for joint efforts toward a shared mission in maintaining peace and order of all Filipinos in the Visayas.
As part of his efforts, he has been attending Regional Peace and Order meetings and meeting with Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia. He also plans to meet with other local officials from Cebu and Lapu-Lapu City.
De Guzman remains optimistic and continuously prepares for any contingency, including the ongoing climate crisis and natural disasters like the Mt. Kanlaon eruption, by providing humanitarian assistance and response.
He explained that, as part of the territorial defense agency’s efforts, Navforcen minimizes the use of air conditioning and vehicles when not necessary, emphasizing that maritime authorities are committed to contributing to climate change mitigation in their own small way.
Preparations are also underway for the Navforcen’s interagency local exercise, dubbed “Bantay Kadagatan,” which aims to enhance interoperability and coordination among the various government agencies involved. / DPC