BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Army Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan started his military career in 1987 with the 11th Infantry (Lapu-Lapu) Battalion in northern Negros, and will conclude his service at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City, as commanding general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command.
Ancan, of Victorias City, Negros Occidental, is ending his 38 years of military service on Aug. 21, when he reaches the mandatory age retirement of 56.
During a reunion with his former subordinates Aug. 14 at the 11IB headquarters in Siaton, Negros Oriental, Ancan, who recognized individually the presence of his former subordinates, said that he started his military career as a young lieutenant with the 11IB.
“This is the ground where I learned how to accomplish my mission and to ensure the morale and welfare of my men, as I started to raise my family also,” he told 11IB troopers, who is now being led by Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo.
Ancan also cited the exemplary achievement of the 11IB during his stint as commander of the AFP Central Command.
“This is the unit where I really belong and my heart always belongs here,” he told 11IB troopers, whose infantry unit he had served from 1987 to 1991.
‘IMPRESSIVE’
Ancan described his four years assignment with I1IB as the “impressive years of my life.”
“To all Lapu-Lapu troopers, active and retired personnel, thank you very much, and keep that fire burning as defenders in your area of operation,” Ancan added.
Ancan served as a platoon leader of IIB headquarters and Headquarters Service Company October 1987 to October 1988, executive officer of HHSvc Company from October 1988 to January 1989, executive officer and platoon leader of the Delta Company from September 1989 to June 1990, and commanding officer of Charlie Company from June 1990 to June 1991.
Retired AFP chief of staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, also started his military career with the 11IB as a platoon leader, as well as former AFP chief of staff Gen. Victor Ibrado, then AFP Visayas Command chief Maj. Gen. Julius Javier, and Maj. Gen. Alphonsus Crucero, 3rd Infantry Division commander, who had served the unit as battalion commanders.*
