Canlas, new PAF chief, vows to heed ‘flight plan’ for PH defense

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte has named Maj. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas as the new commanding general of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Canlas, who served as PAF vice commander prior to his new appointment, took charge on Tuesday (Nov. 7) as his predecessor Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes retired from the service.

“I am not really too keen on leaving legacies but my ultimate goal is to achieve the milestones set by our Flight Plan that was established by our predecessors,” Canlas said in his assumption speech.

The new air force chief called his leadership thrust as LIPAD PAF, which incorporates previous development strategies for the PAF to be “agile” in performing its mandate.

Canlas is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989, where he finished with honors and ranked fifth out of all graduates.

He joined the PAF in 1991 after serving as a Philippine Constabulary officer. He completed his pilot training in 1993 where he topped his class and earned the McMicking Award.

Canlas also served as head of the Air Defense Command, the unit responsible for air operations in securing the Philippine archipelago.

His assumption came at a time when the PAF has commissioned various new air assets in recent months, and is set to acquire more.

The PAF remains optimistic it would be able to acquire multi-role fighters, a critical capability for air force to boost defense of the country’s territorial airspace.

Paredes, as he stepped down after almost two years as air force chief, highlighted the need for the government to invest more in air power, particularly in multi-role fighters and attack planes.

“Air power is best wielded by an independent and adequately equipped air force. These make ground forces more effective. These are the game changers,” he said.

TSB