PBBM: PHL relying on PAF’S power to secure borders, fight insurgents

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Friday said he is banking on a modernized air force to secure the West Philippine Sea and combat insurgency.

In his speech during the 75th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Marcos Jr. stressed the importance of the ongoing modernization program of the country’s air force to protect the country’s borders from internal and external threats.

He vowed his administration would continue the said initiative.

“A more modern aerial and surveillance capability is all the more felt given the territorial disputes that we in the Philippines are involved in,” Marcos said.

“This enhanced capability is also proven to be very critical in the Philippine military’s effort to protect the nation from local communist insurgents and extremist groups in the South,” he added.

Likewise, he also recognized the role of the PAF in providing relief in times of disasters.

“Transport aircraft, helicopter and the like are important facilities that only PAF can suitably and sufficiently provide especially during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations,” Marcos Jr. said.

Marcos thanked the PAF for its continued service during its 75th anniversary celebration with the theme “Patuloy sa Paglipad Tungo sa Mas Matatag at Maaasahang Hukbong Himpapawid para sa Diyos, Bayan at Pilipino” (Continuing to Fly Towards a More Stable and Reliable Air Force for God, the Country, and Filipinos).

During the event, he led the presentation of awards to distinguished PAF units and personnel.