The Philippine military has dismissed reports that Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Brig. Gen. Arnel de la Vega has been sacked for failing to stop the Abu Sayyaf group from its kidnapping activities despite a massive military operation in the south. ADVERTISEMENTDe la Vega was a member of Philippine Military Academy Class ’85 while Santiago belonged to Class ’82. Santiago also served as the Deputy Commander of the Communications, Electronic and Information Service of the AFP. He was also the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations and Chief of Staff of the defunct National Development Support Command.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 22, 2016 20:41 UTC