Rolando Joselito Bautista

Rolando Joselito Delizo Bautista (born October 15, 1962) is a retired Filipino lieutenant general who served as Secretary of Social Welfare and Development from 2018 to 2022 under the Duterte administration. A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy's "Sandiwang Pamilya" class of 1985, Bautista pursued specialized training in intelligence, counter-terrorism, and infantry both domestically and internationally, including at the AFP Command and General Staff College and the VIP Protective Detail Course at the US Embassy in Manila. Bautista is a Scout Ranger-trained General and member of the Special Forces. He participated in the 1989 coup attempt against President Corazon Aquino as part of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), led by Colonel Gregorio Honasan, but was later granted amnesty under President Fidel Ramos. Known for his extensive military career, Bautista served in various command roles, including leading the 73rd Infantry Battalion and the Unified Command Staff of the AFP Northern Luzon Command. During Duterte's presidency, Bautista rose through the ranks, leading the Presidential Security Group and later becoming the Commanding General of the Philippine Army. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Marawi as the overall ground commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi, employing innovative tactics against terrorist groups like the Maute and Abu Sayyaf. Bautista retired on October 15, 2018, after leading the Philippine Army through significant doctrinal changes and modernization efforts. His military career was marked by numerous awards, including the Philippine Legion of Honor and various medals for bravery and service. In his ...