Duterte urges PAF to help rebuild Marawi

President Rodrigo Duterte addresses troops during the 70th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Air Force at Clark Freeport Zone Tuesday, July 4, 2017 in Pampanga province, north of Manila, Philippines. AP Photo/Bullit Marquez

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday urged the officers and personnel of the Philippine Air Force to help Marawi City to get back on its feet.

In his prepared speech during PAF’s 70th anniversary, Duterte stressed the  crucial participation of the air force in the government’s operations against the Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorist group in Marawi City.

“As we wrap up in our campaign to liberate Marawi, I am confident that the Philippine Air Force will once again take an active role in the rebuilding of the city and uplifting of the spirit of those affected by the conflict,” Duterte said.

He added that the government has deployed more than 40 air assets and more than 400 Air Force officers and personnel in Marawi.

“We will rely on your valuable experience in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, especially in surveying war-torn areas and airlifting relief goods, and rescuing victims and people stranded,” he said.

The President also vowed to turn the organization into a robust force.

“We will continue the ongoing modernization program by procuring additional attack and combat utility vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to complement our already existing air assets,” Duterte said.

As the country faces terrorism and external security, Duterte called upon the men and women of the PAF to “live up to [their] oath with the highest degree of professionalism and competence.”

“Together, let us create an environment where our people can live in peace and security,” he said.