Senate elects ex-AFP Central Command chief Ancan as new Sgt-at-Arms

The Senate of the Philippines on Monday elected retired military Lieutenant General Roberto Ancan as its new sergeant-at-arms.

Ancan will be replacing retired Major General Rene Samonte.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa sponsored Ancan's nomination during the plenary session.

In nominating Ancan, Dela Rosa recalled the retired military officer's bravery against the New People's Army, saying Ancan literally took a bullet for him.

Ancan is the highest-ranking retired military man was elected as the Senate sergeant-at-arms, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said.

Ancan, who comes from from Victorias, Negros Occidental, headed the Cebu-based Central Command in 2019.

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

He was also designated as commander of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade and commanding officer of the AFP Peacekeeping Operations Center, where he managed the units deployed to United Nations peacekeeping missions.

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

He also graduated in Basic Airborne, Scout Ranger, Field Artillery, Explosive Ordnance and Disposal, and Peacekeeping courses. — Hana Bordey/RSJ, GMA News