Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: Duterte names new chiefs for AFP Visayas, Western Mindanao

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Duterte names new chiefs for AFP Visayas, Western Mindanao

From Rappler (Sep 15, 2021): Duterte names new chiefs for AFP Visayas, Western Mindanao (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

Two more members of the ruling PMA class of 1988 assume key commands

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed new commanders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Visayas and Western Mindanao commands, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed on Wednesday, September 15.

In an appointment order dated September 14, Duterte named Major General Robert Dauz as the new military chief of Visayas (Viscom) that has jurisdiction over all military operations in the region. Dauz replaced Lieutenant General Roberto Ancan who retired on August 21.

Major General Pio Diñoso III, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, had served as acting Viscom commander before Dauz’s appointment.

Prior to his appointment, Dauz served as the vice commander of the 100,000-strong Philippine Army. He also served as commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade and the army's Armor “Pambato” Division.

Major General Alfredo Rosario Jr was also appointed new Western Mindanao Command chief, replacing Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr who reached the mandatory age of 56 on August 25. Rosario will now lead the anti-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts in Western Mindanao.

Previously, Rosario served as the commander of the Philippine Army 7th Infantry Division at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. He also headed the 602nd Brigade, 6th Infantry Division, and the Joint Task Force Haribon under the Eastern Mindanao Command.

Both Dauz and Rosario belong to the ruling Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Maringal Class of 1988.

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Their PMA classmates include AFP chief of staff Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr, Army chief Major General Andres Centino, Air Force chief Lieutenant General Allen Paredes, and Navy chief Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado.

[Bio data from Philippine Army Website: MGEN ROBERT C DAUZ PA

MGEN ROBERT C DAUZ PA assumed as the 32nd Vice Commander of the Philippine Army (VCPA) on 18 November 2020. He is a proud member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maringal” Class of 1988.

After graduating from the Academy, MGEN DAUZ held various Command positions, which include Platoon Leader and Executive Officer, Alpha Company, 1st Light Armor Battalion; Commander, 15th Light Armor Company, 1st Light Armor Battalion; Commander, 1st Light Armor Company (SEPARATE), Light Armor Brigade; Commandant of the Armor School; Commander, 5th Light Armor BATTALION (later renamed 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion); Commander, Security and Escort Battalion, Headquarters, Philippine Army; Commander, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade; Commander, 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade; and Commander, Armor “Pambato” Division – his last post before his designation as VCPA.

Among his significant contributions, as Commander of 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, in maintaining the peace and security in the Lanao area is the implementation of “OPLAN KASABUTAN” that he authored. A total of 652 loose firearms were gathered in just 35 days after its launching. Those firearms were voluntarily turned over by civilians, a first for Lanao del Norte. Such effort led to the peaceful conduct of the 2018 Barangay Election in the said province, contrary to the “bloody election” expected by most of its local leaders.

Moreover, being the commander of 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade based in Tacurong City, MGEN DAUZ led the brigade in demoralizing different threat groups in its Area of Responsibility, resulting in the surrender of 38 NPA members and the turnover of 34 firearms and pieces of ammunition.

A visionary, a master tactician, and, most notably, a family man, MGEN DAUZ has set the pace for the Armor “Pambato” Division with his fitting character and ethics. With his competence, the “Mounted Warriors” have sustained and exceeded many of the Division’s prior accomplishments. Hence, the Armor Division, under his leadership, became a more reliable, capable, and decisive force.

During his stint, the Armor Division has recertified its Army Governance Pathway (AGP) Institutionalized Status, garnering 98.05% in the AGP, proving that the Command has been on track with its genuine transformation.

During his stint, the division has neutralized 30 terrorists and recovered their 58 firearms and 11 improvised explosive devices from numerous tactical offensives. Furthermore, it has apprehended 53 lawless elements and recovered 351 loose firearms from its sustained conduct of law enforcement support operations.

Aside from the above-mentioned Command designations, MGEN DAUZ also held Staff positions such as Chief, Admin Branch, OG3, PA; G3 of the then Light Armor Brigade; and Chief of Staff of the Mechanized Infantry Division.

Throughout his military career, MGEN DAUZ pursued various education and training programs in local and foreign institutions that equipped him with the knowledge and skills that are essential in the performance of his duties. He finished Armor Officer Basic and Advanced Courses as well as Military Intelligence Officer Course. He topped both his Basic Aviators Course and Basic Practical Pistol Course and finished second in his Modified VIP Protection and Security Training. He also took up the Law of Armed Conflict and Command and Staff Courses at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Aside from military schoolings, he also participated in the Seminar on Financial Statement Analysis at the University of Asia and the Pacific as well as Strategic Human Resource Management at the Asian Institute of Management. He completed the Senior Executive Course on National Security at the National Defense College of the Philippines and the Basic Incident Command System Course at the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

In his 32 years of active service, MGEN DAUZ earned numerous awards and commendations. The highlights of these are four (4) Distinguished Service Stars, a Distinguished Service Medal, 31 Military Merit Medals, six (6) Military Commendation Medals, seven (7) Campaign Medals, three (3) Civic Action Medals, one (1) Long Service Medal, one (1) Silver Cross Medal, and other badges and decorations. He likewise received numerous Letters of Commendation and Plaques of Appreciation from both the military and civilian sectors.

This multitude of achievements bespeaks the perseverance, unwavering dedication, and effective leadership of MGEN DAUZ.

He is also known for being energetic and adventurous as a triathlete who participated in different triathlon competitions. He is an Army aviator who has logged numerous flying hours with the Aero Scout Company, Light Armor Brigade; a scuba diver who dives into the sea to relax and appreciate the beauty of the bottom of the sea; a hiker who climbs the pinnacle of mountains wherever he may be assigned; and a well-known pistol expert. Yet, only a few know that he loves to shoot using his camera to capture every event and precious moment, especially when he is with his loved ones.

MGEN DAUZ was born on 14 November 1966 in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur. He believes that a successful man is both successful in his career and his family. For him, everything must be balanced, and that everything has its time. He never forgets to give time to his family while performing his job as a military man. He believes that his family is the primary motive for his successful career, the reason why he remains happily married to former Marivee Esguerra of Bauang, La Union, and blessed with four (4) children, Diane Joy, Daizy Joy, Denise Joy, and Daniel Robert.]