MVP donates chopper to Army

The Philippine Army receives a second hand helicopter from telecommunications tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan on Thursday, Jan. 7. OACPA

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Army received a second hand BO 105 multipurpose helicopter from telecommunications tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan on Thursday (Jan. 7).

The donation was expected to boost the Army’s disaster response, air ambulance, reconnaissance and maritime patrol operations while it continues to build up its aviation fleet.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines received a helicopter, rescue boats, and trucks donated by business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan on Thursday, January 7.

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— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) January 7, 2021

Army spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala said the donated helicopter would also help train members of the Army Aviation Regiment.

The helicopter, Zagala said, will serve as “a springboard to improve the capacity of army aviation in supporting government agencies in the face of disasters and calamities in the country.”

The Army wants to acquire more aircraft in the coming years, including armed reconnaissance helicopters, medium-lift multipurpose helicopters and special mission aircraft.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay and major service commanders accepted the donation from Pangilinan at a ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo.

Pangilinan also donated brand new rescue boats, life vests and vans to other service branches.

TSB