President Marcos rides fighter jet during capability demo

CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. rode an FA-50PH fighter jet on Tuesday to prove the capability of the military’s air assets.

Clad in an aviator suit, Marcos participated in the flight capability demonstration of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) after the turnover and blessing ceremony of the new C-295 medium lift aircraft of the PAF.

According to Malacañang, Marcos, who had a codename “Lawin,” flew with Lt. Col. Malbert Maquiling on PH007.

The Palace said they reached the Zambales Intensive Military Training Area in the West Philippine Sea, where they conducted familiarization training.

After the flight, Marcos had a ceremonial toast with the main pilot.

They also had a ceremonial cutting of flight suit flaps.

Marcos also received a Mach Buster Patch, an FA-50PH Patch, and a Pilot Codename patch.

The president said the FA-50PH fighter jets would improve the country’s maritime patrol capability, help the PAF monitor the developments within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, and provide close air support to combat troops.

Marcos also led the blessing and turnover ceremony of the new C-295 medium lift aircraft.

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