Vicente Piccio Jr. facts for kids

Vicente Mondéjar Piccio (March 1, 1927 – April 28, 2015) was an important Philippine Air Force officer. He reached the high rank of major general. He also served as a mayor later in his life.

Becoming an Air Force Leader

Vicente Piccio joined the Philippine Air Force Flying School in 1949. He finished his training in 1951. He started as a second lieutenant in the reserve force, which means he could be called to serve when needed. He worked as a flight commander and instructor at Fernando Air Base in Lipa.

A year later, he moved to Basa Air Base in Floridablanca. There, he learned to fly the P-51 Mustang airplane. In 1954, he completed a special course for officers. He was promoted to first lieutenant in December 1954. He then became a full-time member of the regular army in 1955. He was promoted to captain in 1956.

Rising Through the Ranks

In 1978, he became the Commander of the 3rd Air Division. He was promoted to brigadier general in July 1979. In 1980, he was put in charge of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Command. This group helps keep airports and flights safe.

In 1981, he also became the vice-commander of the Philippine Air Force. A year later, on April 5, 1982, he became the commanding general of the entire Philippine Air Force. This was a very high position. On May 2, 1982, he was promoted to major general.

In 1985, General Piccio made a rule. It said that Philippine Air Force members could not travel or work abroad without permission from the President. This rule helped make sure important military personnel stayed in the country.

Role in the People Power Revolution

General Piccio was the commander of the Philippine Air Force during the 1986 People Power Revolution. This was a big event where many Filipinos came together peacefully to make a change in their government.

During this time, some important helicopter pilots, led by Colonel Antonio Sotelo, decided to leave the Air Force. They joined the rebel forces. These pilots then provided air support for the rebel groups. This included forces led by Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Philippine Constabulary Chief Lieutenant General Fidel V. Ramos.

Many people believe that losing these skilled pilots was a key reason why the four-day peaceful revolution was successful. It helped change the government at that time. General Piccio remained loyal to the official military leadership during this period.

Family and Later Life

Vicente Piccio was born in Iloilo City. His family came from the Karay-a town of Dueñas. He grew up in Maasin, another Karay-a town.

He married Nena Hernández from Belison, Antique. They had seven children together: Vincent Bernard, Elizabeth Mary, Philip Gregory, Bernard, Robert Ephrem, Christopher, and Paul Anthony. He also had seven grandchildren.

Vicente Piccio passed away on April 28, 2015, in Belison. He was buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, which is a special cemetery for heroes in the Philippines.

See also

In Spanish: Vicente Mondéjar Piccio para niños