PAF celebrates its 61st funding anniversary

MANILA, July 3 (PNA) -- Philippine Air Force’s celebration of its 61st founding anniversary Wednesday will honor the heroism and exemplary deeds of its personnel set against a struggling economy, a looming global food crisis and a domestic tragedy that drew the world’s attention to the nation’s maritime transport industry.

Air Force public information officer Major Gerardo Zamudio Jr. said that despite the trying times, the heroism of its personnel and their accomplishments are worth recognizing, adding that PAF is trying its very best to deliver what the public expects.

Zamudio revealed that its choice of combat fighters, rescue personnel and airlift pilots for this year’s individual awards underscore PAF’s increasing role in the military’s anti-insurgency operations and the government’s humanitarian and disaster response.

Organizationally, PAF contributed 1,426 ground combat operations and 17,204 flight hours to the internal security campaign with its inventory of 87 aircrafts assigned to AFP unified commands providing aerial firepower, troop transport and tactical support to ground and naval troops in battling insurgent and terrorist groups in the country.

Fifty five percent of all Air Force personnel are currently involved in the internal security operations, he added.

In Batangas-Cavite area alone, Zamudio added, elements of PAF’s 710th Special Operations Wing (SPOW) was responsible for the downgrading of three CPP-NPA guerilla fronts into a single front.

He also revealed that elements of SPOW are also actively engaged in Central Luzon.

Last week, Zamudio said SPOW commander, Colonel Jesus Fajardo, presented to PAF chief Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog 10 rebel returnees from Central Luzon –products of an intensive education and information campaign to shield the residents from communist rebels.

However, these accomplishments are set to increase once PAF gets its modernization going, Zamudio opined, saying that under its capability upgrade program, PAF is set to acquire night capable attack helicopters, trainer aircrafts and additional utility helicopters, light lift aircrafts, trainer helicopters and other equipment to increase its current capability.