Brig. Gen. Ancan assumes as new Tabak Division Commander

CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur (Press Release) – The 1st Infantry “TABAK” Division (1ID), Philippine Army (PA) has a new commander in the person of Brig. Gen. Roberto T. Ancan who succeeded Maj. Gen. Roseller G. Murillo in a change of command ceremony presided by Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, the Commanding General, Philippine Army, held here on February 7, 2019. Brig. Gen. Ancan is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class of 1987. An Airborne Ranger and well-rounded military officer with expertise in training, operations and managerial acumen.

Ancan is a graduate of Master in Management Major in Public Management. Earlier in his military career, he was a platoon leader of the 11th and 66th Infantry Battalion, Company Commander of the 11th Scout Ranger Company, First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR), Special Operations Command (SOCOM). He also rendered service on training as Course Directors in Scout Ranger Training School in Mindanao and Combat Arms School, Training and Doctrine Command. The new commander also served at management branch of Office of Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations G7, and Personnel G1 of the FSRR, SOCOM.

Ancan also became the Commanding Officer of the 66th and the 72nd Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division and Commander of the AFP Peace Keeping Operations. He worked as Chief of Staff of the FSRR, SOCOM, Philippine Army (PA) and the 3rd Infantry Division based in Jamindan Capiz. Prior to his new post, he was the commander of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade based in Malungon, Sarangani. In his assumption speech, Brig. Gen. Ancan expressed his gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief; Secretary of National Defense; to the members of the Board of Generals; Chief of Staff, AFP; and the members of Philippine Army Board of Senior Officers headed by CGPA for believing in his capacity to command and lead the 1st Infantry “TABAK” Division.

Brig. Gen. Ancan pledged to continue with what the outgoing commander, Maj. Gen. Murillo, had started been doing and take off based on the demands of the prevailing situation and operational circumstances. “I enjoin every member of 1ID and our dear stakeholders to extend to me the usual support you had accorded to Maj. Gen. Murillo, and move on with me in unison, towards the accomplishment of our given mission and ensuring the welfare of our troops,” said Ancan.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Murillo during his valedictory address extended his deepest appreciation to the stakeholders and friends in the 1ID area of operation for the strong partnership and invaluable service. He also expressed his thanks to the Tabak troopers who never fall out of line during his stint. Murillo served in the Military service for 33 years will due to retire.

Lt. Gen. Alberto as Guest of Honor and Speaker in his message encouraged all the Tabak troopers to accord Brig. Gen. Ancan same support like the previous commander in order to sustain the momentum in fighting insurgency and terrorism.