Helicopter pilot Lt. Gen. Fallorina is new Air Force chief

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina has been named by President Benigno Aquino III as the new commanding general of the Philippine Air Force.

Fallorina, a native of Jaro, Leyte will assume his post on Wednesday at Fernando Air Base in Lipa, Batangas, said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla.

READ: New Air Force chief to assume post next week

A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, Fallorina has been the deputy chief for the AFP since June 2015.

He is described by Padilla as a “proficient helicopter pilot.”

Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina. PHOTO COURTESY OF AFP PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

Fallorina served as deputy commander of 3rd Air Division in 2012; commander of 1st Air Division in 2013 and vice commander of the Philippine Air Force in 2014.

He was also designated as squadron commander of the 206th Tactical Helicopter Squadron in 2002 and Wing Commander of 520th Air Base Wing in 2011.

Fallorina was a recipient of three Distinguished Service Stars; the Distinguished Aviation Cross, the Silver Wing Medal and numerous Military Merit Medals.

He is set to retire in 2017.

Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado will step down from service on the same day, a few days ahead of his original retirement date on March 20 because of an election ban on appointments. RAM

READ: New fighter jets to fly at PAF chief’s sendoff