AFP-VISCOM welcomes new chief

CEBU, Philippines —  The Visayas Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has welcomed a former vice commander of the army as its new chief.

Major General Robert Dauz assumed office on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, after the change of command ceremony presided over by Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr., Chief of Staff of the AFP.

In his speech as the new VISCOM CHIEF, Dauz emphasized the urgency of ending the decades-long armed conflict and to focus on the more important task of national development and prosperity as a people.

Dauz also explained that the government is full of unconditional love that welcomes back to the folds of the law those who were deceived and disadvantaged.

“As the peacemakers in the Visayas, I enjoin all components of the Command to observe the rule of law in their application of force, and the rule of love in dealing with the enemies of the state. The spirit of the law is love, and love is the supreme law of all,” said Dauz.

Dauz also vowed in his speech that VISCOM will always exemplify service excellence in all undertakings and will ensure the proper execution of best practices and methodologies in defeating the adversary through optimizing VISCOM’s full potential and capabilities in the conduct of joint operations.

Dauz, is a native of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, and a member of Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988. Prior to his designation as the Philippine Army Vice Commander, he was the Commander in the Armor Division in Capas, Tarlac.

He was also designated in other key positions, notable of which were being the Platoon Leader and Company Commander of Alpha Company, 1st Light Armor Battalion; the Commandant of Armor School; Commanding Officer of 5th Light Armor Battalion; and Commander of 1st and 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

After Lieutenant General Roberto Ancan’s formal retirement from the military service on August 21, 2021, Major General Pio Diñoso III, also a member of PMA Class of 1988, took over the position as the acting VISCOM Commander. — GMR (FREEMAN)