Haribon Hangar, Air Force City, Clark Air Base, Pampanga
July 4, 2017
“As our country faces the current challenges of terrorism, external security, I call upon the men and women of the Philippine Air Force to live up to your oath with the highest degree of professionalism and competence,” said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as he inspired the men and women of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) during their 70th anniversary at the Haribon Hangar in Clark Air Base, Pampanga.
The President lauded the PAF’s efforts in joining the fight against terrorism, criminality and illegal drugs. He cited that the PAF had been involved in almost a thousand counter-insurgency and law enforcement operations, five of which contributed to the war against illegal drugs and loose firearms.
“The Philippine Air Force is also playing a crucial role in an effort to retake Marawi City from the clutches of the ISIS inspired terrorists,” said President Duterte, and spoke of the over 40 air assets and more than 400 officers and personnel deployed by the PAF in Marawi to aid in retaking the war-torn city.
The President also gave his assurance that the PAF arsenal will continue to be augmented by the government, saying, “we will continue the ongoing modernization program by procuring additional attack and combat utility vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs to complement our already existing air assets.”
The PAF anniversary highlighted military traditions such as the presentation of command and honors to the President, and the presentation of awards to PAF officers and personnel for meritorious service to the nation.
The Commander-in-Chief was accompanied in the event by Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Gen. Eduardo M. Año, PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, and other high-ranking Philippine officials.
With the theme, ‘PAF@70: Partnering For Change and Sustaining the Effort Towards a Jointly Engaged Transforming Force for Greater Peace and Security,’ the PAF anniversary highlighted their increased air defense and rescue capabilities through synergy with other government defense services such as the AFP and the Philippine National Police.
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