2 helicopters to aid in ‘national integrity’
AFP chief General Emmanuel Bautista inspects one of the three brand new naval choppers on Thursday at the blessing and commissioning rites. FILE PHOTO/AFP Public Affairs Office
MANILA, Philippines—In an attempt to beef up its presence near the disputed waters the Philippine Fleet deployed two Agusta helicopters Wednesday.
In a statement, the two newly-acquired helicopters were deployed to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ operations in the disputed territories near Palawan.
Rear Admiral Jaime Bernardino, Philippine Fleet Commander, said the two Agustas would “help protect the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty by complementing” the naval operations of the AFP.
With tail numbers PNH431 and PNH432, the two helicopters were launched from Sangley Point in Cavite.
Bernardino added the deployment was the first time that helicopters would be integrated afloat the Philippine Navy’s capital ships, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
Navy Lieutenant Commander Herbert June Dang-Awan and Navy Lieutenant Commande Leo Penacerada were aboard the PNH431 while Navy Lieutenant Commander Rowene Colita and Navy Lieutenant Commander Ariel Joseph Coloma were aboard the PNH432.
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