FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila- The 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division was installed with a new commander in a Change of Command Ceremony held in Camp Major Cesar L. Sang-An, Zamboanga del Sur, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019.
The change of the 1ID leadership was formalized through the turnover of the command symbol from the outgoing Commander, Maj. Gen. Roseller G. Murillo to Brig. Gen. Roberto T. Ancan, presided by the Commanding General Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto. A testimonial review was also rendered to honor Maj. Gen. Murillo who is retiring from military service.
Brig. Gen. Ancan is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class of 1987. He holds a Master’s Degree in Management from the Philippine Christian University. Prior to his assumption as the Commander of the Tabak Division, he was the Brigade Commander of the 1002nd “Bagwis” Brigade based in Sarangani and Chief of Staff of the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division of the Philippine Army based in Capiz.
“The role and importance of the 1ID in the effort to sustain peace and development in Mindanao cannot be overemphasized. The goals now are to keep up the campaign against the remnants of the Maute Group and provide continued support in the rehabilitation of Marawi, in tandem with the local government. Moreover, it is also our desire to support the implementation of the Bangsamaro Organic Law and deter any possible effort of the CPP-NPA to “reinfluence” the communities in Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. The momentum is on our side, and the officers and personnel of the 1ID are key to ensuring that we build on the gains made. Keep the words and wisdom of Maj. Gen. Murillo as part of your guidebook and abide by the directions and orders of your new Commander, Brig. Gen. Ancan,” said Lt. Gen. Alberto in his address.
The 1ID is specialized in anti-guerilla warfare and has been involved in combatting terrorists and threat groups in Eastern Mindanao which includes the Zamboanga Peninsula, Lanao Province, and Misamis Occidental. Among its latest historic feat was the success of the liberation of Marawi City from the hands of the Maute-inspired terrorists where the Division was part of the Joint Task Force Marawi. Aside from its troops fighting on the ground, the 1ID also engaged in cyber operation to address the effort of the terrorist in using the cyberspace for their recruitment and propaganda.
The Philippine Army continue to work on improving the warfighting competency of its soldiers through training, development of health service capabilities, build-up the capabilities of its Civil-Military Operations and Intelligence units to be able to provide the necessary support for the troops on the ground.#
