CEBU CITY — Major General Moises L. Micor of the Philippine Air Force officially assumed command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Visayas Command (VISCOM) in a change of command ceremony held on Monday, October 5, 2026. The turnover took place at Camp Lapulapu in Cebu City.
General Micor succeeds Major General Peter B. Burgonio of the Philippine Army, who served as acting commander. AFP Chief of Staff General Antonio G. Nafarrete presided over the ceremony, according to an official statement from VISCOM.
Micor Vows Leadership of “Character, Competence, Credibility”
In his assumption speech, Major General Micor emphasized that he views his new role as a responsibility rather than a privilege. He outlined the core principles that will guide his leadership, referring to them as the “three Cs.”
“In leading this Command, I will be guided by the three Cs that have shaped my service: Character, Competence, and Credibility,” Micor stated. He elaborated that “Character provides the moral foundation, competence provides the ability to perform, and credibility builds the trust necessary for our organization to move forward as one.”
Micor also highlighted the command’s personnel as its greatest strength, expressing confidence that their discipline and professionalism would enable VISCOM to address future challenges effectively.
Extensive Air Mobility Background
Major General Micor is a distinguished member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maalab” Class of 1993. His prior commands include the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) Air Mobility Command, the Tactical Operations Wing Central, and the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing.
The military believes that Micor’s extensive background in air mobility and tactical operations will significantly enhance VISCOM’s overall capabilities across the central Philippines, as stated by the AFP.
Nafarrete Stresses Mission Continuity
AFP Chief of Staff General Antonio G. Nafarrete commended outgoing acting commander Major General Burgonio for his efforts in sustaining peace and development gains throughout the Visayas during his tenure. Nafarrete also expressed strong confidence in Major General Micor’s ability to lead.
“Maj Gen Burgonio knew the operating environment and understood the work that had to continue. And today, Maj Gen Micor takes responsibility for that work, bringing to VISCOM a career built in operation and command,” Nafarrete remarked during the ceremony.
The AFP chief underscored the importance of continuing progress against what he described as remaining communist terrorist groups in the region. He also stressed that VISCOM must maintain readiness for any other missions required of it.
“This requires every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine to work as one force across a wide and complex operating environment. I am confident that Maj Gen Micor will lead the Command well,” Nafarrete affirmed, calling on all VISCOM personnel to extend their full support to the new commander.
Future Directions for VISCOM
Under Major General Micor’s leadership, VISCOM is anticipated to advance initiatives focused on modernization, foster closer coordination among the various Army, Navy, and Air Force units under its command, and enhance regional security efforts.
VISCOM functions as the AFP’s unified command responsible for the entire Visayas region. Key units under or providing support to the command include the Philippine Army’s 3rd “Spearhead” Infantry Division and 8th “Stormtroopers” Infantry Division, the Philippine Navy’s Naval Forces Central, the PAF’s Tactical Operations Wing Central, and the Army’s 53rd Engineer Brigade.
By the Numbers
- Major General Moises L. Micor assumed command on: Monday, October 5, 2026
- Micor is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maalab” Class of: 1993
- Number of “Cs” guiding Micor’s leadership: 3
Why This Matters
This leadership change at the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Visayas Command is significant for regional security and stability. Major General Micor’s background in air mobility and tactical operations is expected to bolster VISCOM’s operational effectiveness in combating threats and ensuring peace across the central Philippines. The continuity of strategic goals and sustained efforts against security challenges will depend on the new commander’s ability to implement his stated principles of character, competence, and credibility.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Visayas Command, AFP
