AFP Visayas Command explained

Dates:01 December 2001 (Celebrated Founding)
Country: Philippines
Role:Conventional and Unconventional Warfare, Anti-Guerrilla Operations
Command Structure:Under the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Garrison:Camp LapuLapu, Barangay Apas, Cebu City
Nickname:VISCOM
Patron:St. Jude Thaddaeus
Motto:"Committed to Serve for Lasting Peace and Progress in the Visayas"
Anniversaries:01 December
Battles:Internal Security Operations or Anti-guerilla operations against the NPA and local criminal elements
Current Commander:LtGen. Fernando M. Reyeg, PA[1]
Notable Commanders:Maj. Gen. Victor S. Ibrado AFP
Maj. Gen. Romulo F. Yap AFP
Maj. Gen. Jaime S. De Los Santos AFP
Maj. Gen. Julius L. Javier AFP
Lt. Gen. Emmanuel R. Teodosio AFP
Lt. Gen. Samuel B. Bagasin AFP
Lt. Gen. Cardozo M. Luna AFP
Maj. Gen. Victor A. Mayo AFP
Lt. Gen. Dionisio R. Santiago AFP
Lt. Gen. Oscar T. Lactao AFP
Lt. Gen. Roberto T. Ancan PA
Website:www.centcomafp.com
Identification Symbol:Central Command Emblem
Unit Name:Visayas Command, AFP

The Visayas Command (abbrv. as VISCOM) is the Armed Forces of the Philippines' unified command in charge of all the visayas islands. It is responsible for the defense of these areas against external aggression, as well as combating terrorism and insurgency. It was formerly known as the Central Command (CENTCOM) before being effectively renamed on 11 August 2021 based on the approved memorandum from the Department of National Defense.

History

On May 17, 1942, the 3rd Military Area (3MA), the original unit of the present-day Central Command, was organized and activated as a wartime military unit under the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) to provide an effective defense against the Japanese invaders. The 3MA provided command and control to all allied forces including Filipino scouts and guerillas in the Visayas and Mindanao region. Its headquarters then was at Camp Guadalupe in what is now Barangay Guadalupe. After the war, the 3MA was transferred to its present location in Camp Lapu-Lapu in what was then the Lahug District of Cebu City. The foundation of the present Barangay Apas and the subsequent evolution of neighboring barangays into highly urbanized areas took their roots from the establishment of Camp Lapu-Lapu.From being the 3MA Headquarters, the place metamorphosed into several military headquarters after the Second World War. It was the Battalion Combat Team in the 1950s and then later as CEMCOM that covered the Mindanao military operation during the Muslim rebellion in the 1970s. Later, the place became home of the 3rd Brigade Separate with former President Fidel V Ramos then as a Philippine Army general, serving as one of its commanders prior to his stint as a PC Chief.Subsequently, the area became home to the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army in 1975. Further reorganization of the AFP in the late 80s, transferred the 3ID to Jamindan, Capiz, and the subsequent creation of the Regional Unified Command (RUC). The RUC later merged with other regional commands to form the Visayas Command (VISCOM). VISCOM was organized as an operating unit of the AFP to control Internal Security Operation (ISO) in the Visayas, which then became the forefather of the present-day Central Command (CENTCOM), AFP.[2]

On August 11, 2021, the name of the Central Command was reverted to its original name as the Visayas Command.

Lineage of Commanders

Organization

The following are the units that are under the Visayas Command.

Operations

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Beltran . Roger . AFP Visayas Command gets new head . Visayan Daily Star . 24 April 2024.
  2. http://www.centcomafp.com www.centcomafp.com
  3. News: Diñoso installed as new military commander in Visayas . 23 August 2021 . Manila Bulletin.
  4. News: Duterte names new chiefs for AFP Visayas, Western Mindanao . 15 September 2021 . Rappler . en.
  5. News: AFP chief cites Viscom gains in security drive, territorial defense .
  6. News: Guardian . Daily . Viscom chief Arevalo retires, passes baton to Canlas . Daily Guardian . 21 March 2024.