2 new Army divisions get new commanders

Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan takes the helm of the 1st Infantry Division in Zamboanga del Sur. PHOTO from the Philippine Army

MANILA — The Philippine Army announced the designations of new commanders for its two divisions this week.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan assumed his post as the new commander of the Zamboanga del Sur-based 1st Infantry Division on Thursday.

Ancan, a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) “Hinirang” Class of 1987, replaced Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, who is retiring from military service.

Prior to his new post, he was the commander of the 1002nd Brigade.

The 1st ID covers the Zamboanga Peninsula, Lanao provinces, and Misamis Occidental.

Earlier this week, the 4th Infantry Division also welcomed a new commander, Brig. Fen. Franco Nemecio Gacal. He replaced Maj. Gen. Ronaldo Villanueva, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56.

The turnover ceremony took place at Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro last Tuesday.

Gacal, a member of PMA’s “Maringal” Class of 1988, will oversee Eastern Mindanao, Caraga, and parts of Northern Mindanao. He was the commander of 402nd Brigade before his new assignment. /ee