UN peacekeeping veteran Ancan assumes leadership of Central Command

Major General Roberto Ancan on Thursday replaced acting commander Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina as the head of the Cebu-based Central Command, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“To be the commander of the Central Command is not an easy task, you have to hurdle challenges, defy odds, and offset the threats that loomed in every corner of your area of responsibility," AFP Chief of Staff General Noel Clement said in a statement.

"It is upon you to formulate cohesive strategies and plans to definitively address the communist threat, allow development to progress, and uphold peace and security in the whole of the Visayas region,” he added.

Prior to being assigned as the Cebu commander, Ancan was the commander of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army based in Zamboanga del Sur since February 2019.

He was also designated as Commander of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade and the Commanding Officer of the AFP Peacekeeping Operations Center, wherein he managed the units deployed to United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Clement vouched for Ancan's capability, stating that he is a "fierce" leader.

Ancan was a member of the Philippine Military Academy Hinirang Class of 1987.

He was a graduate of the Basic Airborne, Scout Ranger, Field Artillery, Explosive Ordnance and Disposal, and Peacekeeping courses.

He also finished at the top of his Command and General Staff Course class at the AFP Command and General Staff College, the statement added. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News