Viscom commander is new Army chief

Armed Forces Visayas Command (Viscom) chief Maj. Gen. Dionisio Santiago will be the next commanding general of the Philippine Army vice Lt. Gen. Jaime de los Santos who is to retire on April 2, President Arroyo announced yesterday.

"He (Santiago) is very acceptable to the men in the field, and has a very extensive battle record," the President told reporters during her weekly press briefing luncheon.

"When I talked to the men in the field, like the colonels and other middle level officers, the respect for his capability was very high plus, of course, he is very senior," the President pointed out.

Santiago, who commanded military units that defended Malacañang during the May Day riot last year, turns 55 this April 8 and is expected to serve in his new post for a little over one year, or until he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Santiago is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1970, of which the President is an honorary member. — Marichu Villanueva