President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a speech at the 77th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force in Pampanga on Monday, July 1, 2024. (PHOTO SCREENGRABBED FROM RTVM)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthen the Philippine Air Force (PAF) as part of the country’s “resolve to contribute to global peace and security.”
Marcos made the pronouncement as he expressed gratitude to the PAF personnel during its 77th founding anniversary at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga.
The president said PAF has already increased its maritime domain awareness by regularly conducting maritime patrol missions and monitoring over 400 unknown tracks within the Philippine Air Defense Identification Zone.
PAF, at the same time, also continued its internal security operations, which resulted in the surrender of over 250 members of local insurgency groups, he pointed out.
Furthermore, Marcos said the national government heightened its international defense and security engagement through talks with foreign military counterparts and multiple bilateral and multilateral military exercises.
“This is a testament to our stern resolve to contribute to global peace and security,” said the commander-in-chief.
“In all of these, the selfless women and men of the Air Force have been nothing short of exemplary, especially in your efforts to provide prompt assistance by regularly conducting humanitarian and disaster response operations,” he recalled.
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According to Marcos, the government is now in the process of acquiring additional air assets, enhancing cyber warfare communication systems, and pursuing base development programs for PAF.
These efforts, he said, have already resulted in the acquisition of additional aircraft, as well as advanced radar systems, “which have transformed our operational readiness and has enhanced our operational reach.”
Apart from PAF’s capability development, Marcos also vowed to prioritize the welfare of PAF personnel.
“As your commander-in-chief, I assure you of this administration’s support in prioritizing your welfare, ensuring that you are all well attended to in terms of overall health and wellness so you may perform your duties effectively and safely,” he said.
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During the celebration, Marcos witnessed a live capability demonstration showing the PAF’s capabilities.
These activities included retaking a territory supposedly seized by hostile forces; detecting, tracking and neutralizing enemy aircraft through air strikes; intelligence reconnaissance and surveillance of the area using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); and troop insertion via ‘Black Hawk’ helicopters using fast-rope insertion and extraction systems.
The president also led the presentation of plaques and streamers to 17 awardees, recognizing their achievements in the service.