Former southern Negros Army chief Lt. Gen. Pio Diñoso is the new commanding general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command.
Diñoso replaced Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan, a Negrense, who retired from the military service on Aug. 21.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1988, Diñoso is no stranger to his assignment in Visayas region. He was the commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion in Negros, prior to his present position in the AFP Central Command
Diñoso also served as commander of the 8th Infantry Division in Eastern Visayas.
Ancan, a member of PMA Class 1987, used to be assigned with 11th IB in northern Negros, at the height of insurgency problem in the island.
The change of command and retirement ceremony on Aug. 21 at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City, was presided over by AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr.
Since its inception in 2001, the Central Command (CENTCOM) reverted to being called the Visayas Command (VISCOM) on Aug. 11 this year. It is primarily geared towards attaining peace and sustainable development in the region.
Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, is also due for retirement next month. However, his successor has not been named, as of this time.
Vinoya and newly-retired AFP chief of staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana are members of PMA Class 1987. – GB
