Calixto Duque

Calixto Duque (October 14, 1893 – November 24, 1972) was a Filipino decorated military officer and a WW II veteran who served as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines from 1951 to 1953 after his retirement. He also served as Vice Chief of Staff from 1949 to 1951 and Deputy Chief of Staff from 1946 to 1949.

Background He was born on October 14, 1893, at Vintar, Ilocos Norte to Venancio Duque and Angelo Castillo Duque where he is the brother to six siblings. He enrolled and took Bachelor of Arts at University of the Philippines and graduated in 1916. He was placed under the command of 101st Infantry Division under Brigadier General Joseph Vachon. He led his undermanned regiment (less 3rd Battalion) in fighting the Japanese landing in Cotabato in April 1942. His unit initially had success delaying Kawaguchi detachment for 4 hours before they were forced to withdraw due to being low on ammunition and the withdrawal of 61st Infantry Regiment in his right flank. His regiment was posted under the command of General Guy O. Fort 's 81st Infantry Division based in Dansalan. Lack of artillery and air support doomed the forces in Mindanao Island.

He surrendered in Dansalan along with entire remnants of 81st Division in May 1942. He was a POW until paroled in August of the same year.

Guerilla Movement He didn't wait long enough to join the guerillas and joined the USAFIP-NL under Colonel Moses and later by Russell Volckman. He was appointed as Operations Officer G3 of the said guerilla force in Northern Luzon area. He participated in the Battle of Bessang Pass where he was the one who planned the guerilla group's operations from San Fernando, La Union to Bessang Pass, Ilocos Sur. He interrogated Colonel Sotomu Terau, chief of staff of the 19th Tora Division.

Post War He was appointed Commanding Officer of 2nd Infantry Division previously USAFIP-NL right after the hostilities ended in 1945. Duque was promoted to Colonel, he was appointed as Commander of I Military Area. He was appointed as Deputy Chief of the Philippine Army in 1946 and promoted to Brigadier General replacing Macario Peralta Jr. who resigned. He was appointed as Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces later that year replacing Brigadier General Mariano Castañeda Sr., who was promoted as Chief of Staff. With the new Secretary of Defense Ramon Magsaysay at helm, he removed deadwood officers in the Armed Forces along with General Castañeda who he could not work along, he recommend Castañeda be replace as Chief of Staff. President Elpidio Quirino appointed Duque as acting Chief of Staff and sent Castañeda to the United States. Duque was appointed permanent chief of staff of the Armed Forces in March 1951 to 1953 until his retirement.

Personal life He married Estela Foronda Pacis, they had 6 children together. He died on November 24, 1972, in Quezon City and was buried at Libingan ng mga Bayani at Taguig, Rizal.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and was president of the Baguio Bachelors' Club.