ZAMBOANGA CITY–The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday installed newly-promoted Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega as the new commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).
The installation of dela Vega, a seasoned military officer, coincided with the commemoration of the first year anniversary when the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups occupied the city of Marawi.
National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana presided over the turnover of command that saw the installation of dela Vega as the 10th commander of Westmincom.
Dela Vega, the current commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, replaced Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., who was promoted as AFP chief of staff on April 18.
Lorenzana said Westmincom is fortunate to be led successively by two bemedalled officers, Galvez and dela Vega.
“Both are very good officers,” Lorenzana added, citing both officials have served as his subordinate officers when he was still in the military service.
Lorenzana said both Galvez and dela Vega have worked together in crushing the ISIS-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf Groups in Marawi City.
Galvez said dela Vega was the first commander to send reinforcements to government troops when the fighting broke on May 23, 2017 in Marawi City.
Previously, dela Vega was assigned as the commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, the command that pursues the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Dela Vega, as the current commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, also leads the fight against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Central Mindanao.
“With his vast experience in dealing with terrorism and his strong leadership, I am confident that the Westmincom under (Lt.) Gen. dela Vega can performs its task inherent to this command,” Lorenza said.
Galvez said Westmincom “will be in good hands” with the designation of dela Vega as the new chief, whom he described as “a competent and honest commander.”
Galvez and dela Vega are members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sandiwa” Class of 1985. (PNA)
