MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has officially become a part of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Poseidon, aimed at bolstering maritime security across Western Mindanao. This initiative follows the recent deactivation of JTF Tawi-Tawi, which was dissolved after successfully pacifying the region once troubled by insurgent and terrorist activities.
According to Philippines News Agency, JTF Poseidon will operate under the Western Mindanao Command's (Westmincom) Joint Area of Operations (JAO) and will focus on territorial defense operations, internal security measures, and supporting other law enforcement agencies. Rear Admiral Francisco Tagamolila, chief of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), has been appointed as the commander of this newly established task force.
The creation of JTF Poseidon comes on the heels of the deactivation of JTF Tawi-Tawi, credited with establishing peace in an area once notorious for kidnapping and other illicit activities. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Robert Patrimonio, commander of the Maritime Security Law Enforcement Command (MARSLEC), has praised Westmincom's ongoing security efforts in the region and committed full support to JTF Poseidon’s mission. This mission includes enforcing maritime laws, combating illegal activities, ensuring maritime stability, and safeguarding the Philippines' maritime borders, especially near southern neighbors Malaysia and Indonesia.
JTF Poseidon was activated by Westmincom on Tuesday and is expected to extend its operations across the command's area. This strategic move comes after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s visit in May to the former JTF Tawi-Tawi headquarters, where he highlighted the transformation of a former conflict zone into a developing region with resorts and other economic activities.