+ All Categories
Home > Documents > 6 6 2016 - dnd.gov.phdnd.gov.ph/PDF2017/PDN2017/PHILIPPINE DEFENSE... · 2016 in Vientiane Lao,...

6 6 2016 - dnd.gov.phdnd.gov.ph/PDF2017/PDN2017/PHILIPPINE DEFENSE... · 2016 in Vientiane Lao,...

Date post: 16-Mar-2018
Category:
Upload: lamxuyen
View: 216 times
Download: 1 times
Share this document with a friend
12
1 PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER I VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 2016
Transcript

1

PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER I VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 2016

2

PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER I VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 2016

ASEAN defense ministers held a multilateral meeting during a

retreat in Vientiane, Laos, on November 14, 2016, of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting, otherwise known as ADMM, the highest ASEAN defense and security cooperative mechanism. The defense ministers also witnessed the handover of the ADMM chairmanship from Laos to the Philippines which will host the 11th ADMM and the fourth ADMM-Plus in 2017. The ministers also jointly called on Lao President Bounnhang Vorachith. The leadership was turned over

from the ADMM 2016 Chairman, Minister of National Defence of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lt. Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath to Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N, Lorenzana, in a handover ceremony of the ADMM Chairmanship on November 16, 2016 in Vientiane Lao, PDR. Among the issues discussed during the retreat are regional security threats and challenges such as terrorism, extremism as well as natural disasters and climate change which adversely impact national, regional and international socioeconomic development.

PHL to chair 2017 ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting

3

PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER I VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 2016

Another year is about to come to a close. The year 2016 came fast and swiftly. And along with it, the winds of change.

For its part, the defense department wraps up 2016 and ushers in the coming year with various

accomplishments. The most visible of late are the major acquisitions for the air and naval forces. There’s the welcome sight of two (2) additional FA-50PH flying into the Philippine skies. Eight (8) more of these are expected to arrive by 2017. There’s also the beautiful sight of BRP Andres Bonifacio sailing into the Philippine waters just this December. Expect more and varied acquisitions. All of these so that the Armed Forces of the Philippines may better watch over our people and our territories. So that our people may be guaranteed of protection by the state and be able to pursue developmental goals without hindrance or disruption. The work towards the vision of ensuring the well-being, empowerment, and development of our people continues next year and beyond. And as always, this will not be easy. But as always, we keep at it. And we remain steadfast and undaunted. May the meaning of Christmas and the new beginning that the New Year brings, inspire us all to accomplish our mandate with zeal and excellence, and at the same time, with a heart. Let the changes that are yet to unfold be for the better. For the betterment of the country, and for the upliftment of the Filipino people.

Public Affairs Service (PAS) Department of National DefensePAS Building, Natividad Avenue Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo,

Quezon City 1110Tel: (+632) 982-5679 Fax: (+632) 911-7113

Email: [email protected]

Miriam G. Albao Editor-in-Chief

Marina M. AgustinManaging Editor

Noriza S. AtienzaNews Editor

Jasmin Michelle L. AñanaLayout Artist

Prime S. BeruniaMedia Relations

Nelson L. GallardeFinance

ContributorsCol Edgard A Arevalo (AFP)Eva B. De los Santos (DND)Dianne M. Gammad (DND)

Tiffany Jane P. Buena (DND)Hiyasmin O. Karunungan (GA)Prof. Chester Cabalza (NDCP)Romina R. Marasigan (OCD)

Natalie Pardo Labang (PVAO)

PhotographersRuferick Somera

Renato P. Alba

Photo EditorPinky A. Fernandez

Support ServicesSSgt Anthony B Cadiz

Sgt Isidro R ArejaCpl Celso P Castromayor

Shella D. SonoganLyn Tropa

Assistance & Support byAFP-PAO

OJ7CRS-AFP

Public Affairs Offices ofPhilippine Army

Philippine Navy/Philippine Marine CorpsPhilippine Air Force

EDITORIAL

FOR THE BETTER

4

PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER I VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 2016

PRRD appoints USND Luna

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s appointment of Cardozo M. Luna as

Undersecretary of National Defense completes the roster of undersecretaries in the Department of National Defense. Taking his oath before Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana in a simple ceremony at the Department in Camp Aguinaldo, Undersecretary Luna formally assumed office on November 14, 2016. A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1975, Undersecretary Luna holds a Master of Arts degree in Economic Development from the University of the Philippines. He also holds a Master’s degree in Economics Planning from the University of Pennsylvania, where he is a Ph.D candidate in Regional Economics. Undersecretary Luna is an experienced military commander, having served as the Commander of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command from 2007 to 2008, and the Central Command from 2006-2007. He also led the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army from 2005-2006, and the Training and Doctrine Command from 2004-2005. For his meritorious service in the Armed Forces, Undersecretary Luna was conferred the

degree of Commander of the Philippine Legion of Honor. He also received five (5) Distinguished Service Stars, three (3) Bronze Cross Medals, five (5) Military Merit Medals, and a host of other awards and citations. Capping his decorated military career, Undersecretary Luna served as the Vice Chief of Staff of the AFP from 2008-2009, prior to his stint as the Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands from 2009-2010. It was during his ambassadorship in Netherlands when the Philippines became a member of the Hague Conference on Private International Law and a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.He became a member of the Board of Trustees of the Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loans Association in 2011, and later on its President and Chief Executive Officer. As Undersecretary of National Defense, he is now the most senior undersecretary of the DND. As such, he shall assist the Secretary of National Defense in providing executive guidance, supervision and control over all activities of the department. In addition, the Office of the Undersecretary of National Defense (OUSND) has the lead responsibility in the general administration and management of the DND Proper.

5

PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER I VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 2016

Lieutenant General Eduardo M Año has been named by President Rodrigo Duterte

as the 48th Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during a Change of Command Ceremony held on December 7, 2016, in Camp Aguinaldo. The outgoing CSAFP, General Ricardo R Visaya (Retired), was given the customary Testimonial Honors, Parade, and Review during the turnover ceremony, in recognition of his 37 years of military service and his able leadership as AFP Chief. General Visaya and LtGen Año are both members of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983, The new CSAFP is the 3rd among the classmates to become AFP chief. The first was General Hernando Iriberri. LtGen Año served as Commanding General of the Philippine Army prior to his promotion to the highest military position. He commanded the army since July 2015. In addition to his PMA education, he took courses at the Israel Counter Terrorism Center (2002).and the International Officer Intelligence Course at the U.S. Army Intelligence Center in Fort Huachuca, Arizona with a perfect rating of 100% (1993). He is also a graduate of the Scout Ranger Course. LtGen Año also previously commanded the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, and, prior to that, the the 201st Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. The Lieutenant General also previously served as Chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

An alumnus of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) who has

formerly received the NDCP Outstanding Alumnus Award, Distinguished Achievement Award and Meritorious Service Award, Rear Admiral Roberto Q Estioko AFP (RET), now heads the NDCP and took his oath as NDCP President before Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana on October 28, 2016, at the Department of National Defense in Camp Aguinaldo. Prior to his assumption as President of NDCP, he was elected as the President of the NDCP Alumni Association, Inc. (NDCPAAI). He was previously the Executive Vice President of the NDCPAAI who forged a strong symbiotic relationship between the alumni association and the college, which jointly conducted local and international conferences particularly on cybersecurity and climate change. He has also been active in the academe, having been a Senior Fellow for Development and Security and also served as Member of the Council of Professors involved in various Masteral and Executive Doctorate Program of the Graduate School of Public Development and Management at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP). Admiral Estioko is a product of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and is a member of “Masikap” Class of 1977. Aside from having a degree of Master in National Security Administration from the NDCP, he also holds a master’s degree in Management, and a doctorate in Philosophy in Development Education. He capped his 33-year service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the Vice Commander, and briefly as Acting Flag-Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy in 2010.

PRRD names military’s new chief

Outstanding alumnus now heads NDCP

6

PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER I VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 2016DND at 77 Marking its 77 years

of dedicated service to the nation, the Department of National Defense held its Anniversary Celebration on November 29, 2016, at the AFP Commissioned Officers’ Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Attended by civilian and military personnel, former Defense Secretaries, defense and foreign affairs attachés, and other distinguished guests, the Anniversary Program is the culmination of the Department’s month-long anniversary celebration.With the theme

the anniversary celebration commemorated the significant role of our One Defense Team in nation-building. In his keynote address, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana recounted the remarkable progress the DND achieved in the course of its

history. “Over the years, a lot has changed in the Department,” Secretary Lorenzana said. “From its humble beginning as a simple and small organization, it is now recognized as a strong organization that is capable of fulfilling its mandate of securing the country from any threat, both internal and external.” In the face of various challenges, the Department continues to dutifully perform its mandate to the Filipino people. Secretary Lorenzana further called on everyone in the Department to continue the

Kagawaran ng Tanggulang Pambansa: Kaisa ng Sambayanan

sa Pagsusulong ng Tunay na Pagbabago Tungo sa Mapayapa,

Maunlad at Maginhawang Pilipinas

tradition of excellence and professionalism in the name of service. “Let our defense organization be a key Player in the Asia-Pacific region, a formidable partner in nation-

building, trusted and relied on by our people,” the Secretary said, noting the Department’s many programs and initiatives to secure the nation, aid the national government’s socio-economic drive, promote the welfare of our soldiers and veterans, and trump lawlessness across the country.

To encourage sportsmanship and healthy living among

its employees, the Defense Department held a Fun Run at 4:30AM on November 15, 2016, at the track oval of the AFP GHQ Grandstand. A total of 550 employees from the DND and its bureaus participated in the civilian 3k and 5k races, and military 5k races.

As part of the celebration of the Department’s 77th

Anniversary, a bloodletting activity was held at the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) on November 18, 2016. The activity was supervised by medical professionals, while the blood collected will benefit the AFP Medical Center (AFPMC) and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC). From 89 interested donors, 68 passed the eligibility screening to donate. A total of 29,850 ml of blood stored in 68 bags were collected. The AFPMC will receive 14,850 ml of the donated blood, while 15,000 ml will be added to blood bank of the VMMC.

Anniversary Bloodletting

Anniversary Fun Run

Upholding the nation’s defense and security is not just a matter of importance for the present. The Department

Anniversary Tree-planting

of National Defense carries a mandate that helps shape the future of the nation and its people. Symbolizing this legacy are the trees planted during the celebration of the DND’s anniversary. Led by Undersecretary Raymundo Elefante and Assistant Secretary Jesus Rey Avilla, the ceremonial tree-planting was held at Camp General Mateo Capinpin on November 11, 2016. Meanwhile, about 300 coffee and kamagong seedlings were planted at the main tree-planting site at San Andres Military Reservation in Tanay, Rizal [by DND personnel, PENRO, 2ID personnel and CAFGU].

7

PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER I VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 2016

Every year, the Department recognizes its employees for their loyalty and invaluable contribution to the institution. The following are the lists of the 2016 DND Model Employees and Supervisors, DND Proper Loyalty Awardees and Best Employees by Functional Areas.

2016 DND-Wide Model Supervisors

Engr. Samuel A. Castro – DND ProperMr. Ernesto B. Castada, Jr. – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)Atty. Brian James C. Cuevas – Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO)Ms. Cecilia L. Amontos – Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC)Ms. Romina B. Marasigan – Office of Civil Defense (OCD)Ms. Bibiana D. Tiamzon – National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP)Mr. Eddie P. Arcilla – Government Arsenal (GA)

2016 DND Proper Best Employee By Functional Area

• Command, Control and Supervision Activities Ms. Penelope G. Pamittan, IAS Carla Eugenie V. Corpuz, AS • Defense Capability and Planning System Arch. Ma. Belinda B. Octa, OASAIL Ms. Evelyn F. Morales, OASHR • Defense Acquisition System Ms. Rachel C. Bacordo, AS Ms. Clarita V. Valencia, AS • Defense Resource Management System Ms. Arlene DR Manjares, AS Ms. Jeremy Marie G. Lorenzo, OASFM • Personnel Administration Atty. Jose Froilan DL Arriola, LAS Ms. Virginia B. Tumolva, OASPP • Technical Services Ms. Jacqueline C. Bollozos, AS Ms. Menchie G. Ganzon, LAS • Operations Ms. Marina M. Agustin, PAS Ms. Alma DR Bernardino, AS

2016 DND-Wide Model Employees

Ms. Leah S. Foncardas – DND Proper Mr. Roy Dave T. Magbanua – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)Ms. Elora Joselle F. Cangco – Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO)Mr. Armando O. Revotoc – Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC)Ms. Eleuteria T. Bohol – Office of Civil Defense (OCD)Ms. Jennifer A. Cabbab – National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP)Ms. Eizel Jane G. Perez – Government Arsenal (GA)

2016 DND Proper Loyalty Awardees • 35 YearsMs. Belen C. Torres – Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Management (OASFM)Mr. Dionisio R. Soria – Administrative Service (AS)Mr. Jorge C. Macaraeg – Administrative Service (AS)Ms. Ma. Cecilia J. Luna – Office of the Assistant Secretary for Assessments and International Affairs (OASAIA)Ms. Angelita S. Bernardez – Office of the Undersecretary for Defense PolicyMr. Anacleto S. Ambrocio – Administrative Service (AS)

• 30 YearsDirector Marita I. Yoro – Office of the Assistant Secretary for Assessments and International Affairs (OASAIA)Mr. Dick P. Diolola – Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resource (OASHR)Ms. Rosalina I. Casaclang – Internal Audit Service (IAS) • 20 YearsMr. Ronaldo B. Mendoza – Office of the Secretary (OSEC)Atty. Jose Froilan DL Arriola – Legal Affairs Service (LAS) • 15 YearsMr. Larry P. Dizon – Administrative Service (AS)Ms. Arabelle DL De Dios – Office of the Assistant Secretary for Assessments and International Affairs (OASAIA) Dir. Christine June P. Cariño – Office of the Assistant Secretary for Plans and Programs (OASPP)Eva Delos Santos - Public Affairs Service (PAS)

DND 77th Anniversary Employee Awardees

8

PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER I VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 2016

Aimed at instilling among the Filipino youth love

of country, discipline, leadership, sense of duty and selfless sacrifice, the Department of National Defense organized a symposium on the Revitalization of the Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) on November 11, 2016, at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers’ Club in Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The symposium gathered together ROTC commandants, tactical officers and cadets from various colleges and universities in Metro Manila and other provinces, officials of the DND, active and reserve officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, leaders of various ROTC organizations and support groups, and students, among others. Usec. Eduardo D. Del Rosario, Defense Undersecretary for

Civil, Veterans and Retiree Affairs, officially welcomed the symposium speakers and participants on behalf of Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana. Emphasizing the constitutional mandate of the state to inculcate in the Filipino youth patriotism and nationalism, and to encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs primarily through the ROTC, Usec. Del Rosario said the ROTC aims to boost the reserve force of our armed forces in compliance with every citizen’s duty to defend the state in case of national emergency. “I’m sure you will agree that a strong ROTC will yield a strong people and a disciplined population capable of making selfless sacrifices for our country and people,” he said. The invited speakers then shared their insights on the importance of the ROTC program and its significant contributions in the defense of the country, especially

during Word War II, followed by an open forum focusing on the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to reinstate the mandatory status of the ROTC in tertiary schools. The symposium speakers included retired BGen. Restituto L. Aguilar, Chief, Veterans Memorial and Historical Division of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office who discussed the historical perspective on the ROTC in the Philippines and its numerous contributions in the defense of our country. Army Col. Noel S. Buan, Medal of Valor recipient and the AFP Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retirees Affairs (OJ-9) presented the AFP engagement in the implementation of the ROTC program, while Col. Rolando R. Rodil Inf (GSC) PA presented several opportunities and privileges available only to ROTC cadets, including the chance to

Headways in the revitalization of ROTC

DND conducts symposium on ROTC

9

PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER I VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 2016

travel abroad and represent the country in the annual Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency (CULP) program. Atty. John S. Baroña of the Department of Military Science and Tactics of the University of the Philippines – Diliman, afterwards, made an assessment of the current ROTC program of the country and discussed ways on how to further advance the implementation of the program. The final speaker, Atty. Norman T. Daanoy, Chief of the Legislative Affairs Service of DND, discussed the legislative aspect of strengthening the ROTC program and provided updates on the draft bill to reinstate mandatory ROTC in the educational curriculum. He disclosed that the draft seeks to recommend to Congress the mandatory citizens training as part of the curriculum for Grades 11 and 12. The OJ-9 also introduced 14 ROTC cadets from different ROTC units nationwide who were chosen to represent the country in the 2016 CULP exchange program in Guam. Before the widely participated open forum, five former ROTC cadets from the CULP 2014 pioneer class shared their previous experiences. They are Corita Luzzini A. Doronila of Technological University of the Philippines; Alecxander S. Ibrado, University of Sto. Tomas; Joenaly A. Piadopo - PATTS, College of Aeronautics; Lady Stephanie G. Bernardo - Fullbright College, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, and Keena T. Emplamado, PHILSCA, Basa Air Base, Pampanga. The DND Public Affairs Service which organized the symposium culminated it with the formal launch of the “I Love My Country, I Support the ROTC” campaign to motivate the youth, parents, schools, support groups and other stakeholders to help strengthen the program. Official ROTC mascots named Aro and Tee Cee were introduced to the participants, together with the online media accounts and social media campaign #Uling ROTC Challenge.

Social media has been an important driving force in shaping and molding the youth, and has

found its way into our daily lives. Memes, viral videos and challenges have already made their foray into mainstream pop culture. To connect with the youth for a cause that serves to instill love of country, and to honor the contributions of the soldiers who fought valiantly in the Second World War and in line with the DND’s efforts to promote the reinstatement of mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), we encourage our One Defense Team to take part in the Uling ROTC Challenge! through the social media. During WWII the guerilla operations of our Philippine troops that needed to camouflage turned to the humble uling, or the soot on their pots. They smeared the uling on their faces to minimize reflective light. Now, in honor of the brave men, products of their own ROTC units, who fought for the freedom that we all enjoy today, and to show our support for the revival of the mandatory ROTC program, let us take on the challenge and use the same uling on our own faces. Here are the mechanics:

1. Start with an Intro: “ HI, I’M ____ (Name)_____ OF __(Name of ROTC unit/office)__.2. Explain why you are doing this challenge: “NOT SO LONG AGO, OUR FOREFATHERS HEEDED THE CALL TO DEFEND OUR COUNTRY. THEY USED CHARCOAL TO HIDE THEIR FACES AGAINST THE ENEMY WHENEVER THEY ATTACK AT NIGHT. TODAY, I WILL PAINT MY FACE BLACK TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR THE COUNTRY AND TO EXPRESS MY SUPPORT FOR R-O-T-C!”3. Uling Challenge: Paint your face with charcoal. 4. Restate your Extro: “I AM ____________________. I LOVE MY COUNTRY, I SUPPORT ROTC.”5. Challenge 2 friends: “I CHALLENGE MY FRIENDS, ______________ AND ___________ TO DO THE SAME.”

Upload your videos on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages and use the hashtags #iSupportROTC and #UlingROTCChallenge to show your support.

The #UlingROTCChallenge: Honoring the Past,

Challenging the Future

Please like the I Support ROTC Facebook page to see challenges from other units, and more information on the ROTC campaign.

10

PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER I VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 2016

The Philippine Navy (PN) tendered a traditional welcome ceremony to its

newly-acquired Del Pilar-class Frigate (DCPF), Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Andres Bonifacio (FF17), upon its arrival at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila on December 9, 2016. Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, the Guest of Honor and Speaker, joined the PN personnel and the families of the arriving sailors in welcoming them after three months of preparatory training for familiarization and orientation. Also present to witness the arrival of FF17 is the new United States Ambassador to the Philippines, Sung Y. Kim. BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF17) is the third DCPF of the PN along with its predecessors, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF16). It was named after Andres Bonifacio as a fitting tribute to his heroism as a Filipino revolutionary leader and the president of the Tagalog Republic. FF17 arrived from its more than a month voyage starting from its port of origin in Alameda,

California to Hawaii, USA and finally, the Philippines. It is currently skippered by Navy Capt. Brendo J Casaclang, after being formally turned over, christened and commissioned to PN’s service on July 22, 2016 (Philippine time) in Alameda, California. The FF17 is the former Weather High Endurance Cutter (WHEC) Boutwell of the United States Coast Guard. Former US President Barrack Obama pledged this ship to the Philippines, along with Research Vessel Melville, now BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR702), during his visit to the country in November 2015 on the sidelines of the APEC Leader’s Summit. Just like the other two DCPFs, FF17 is primarily important in the maritime security and sovereignty patrols of the PN, in line with its mandate to protect the people and the state. It will also serve as platform in empowering and upgrading our soldiers’ knowledge and skills in handling high-level and advanced equipment/vessel.

Phil Navy welcomes BRP Andres Bonifacio

11

PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER I VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 2016

In November 2015, the first two (2) units of the FA-50PH planes acquired

from Korea Aerospace Industries, with tail numbers 001 and 002, landed at Clark Air Base, Pampanga. With the arrival of the second batch of FA-50PH at Haribon Hangar, Air Force City, Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Dec. 1, 2016, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has now four supersonic aircrafts in their hangars. By 2017, the Philippines shall have twelve of the FA-50PH Light Combat Fighter Aircraft with multi-role capabilities, also known as “Fighting Eagle” Fighter/Surface Attack/Lead-in Fighters Trainer Aircraft (F/SA/LIFTA). The FA-50 is a multirole fighter variant of KAI’s T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic advanced jet trainer. It is capable of carrying short range air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles with countermeasures such as chaffs and infrared flares.

A formal Acceptance, Turn-over and Blessing Ceremony of the two (2) new arrivals with tail numbers 003 and 004, was held on December 8, 2016 at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. The event was led by Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana together with Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eduardo M Año and Philippine Air Force Chief, Lt Gen Edgar R Fallorina. Delighted to now have four (4) FA-50PH for the air force, Lt Gen Fallorina said “With our four (4) FA-50PH, we have further strengthened our wings and we can now secure more our land, airspace, and maritime territory.” The PAF’s acquisition of the 12 FA-50PH is under the AFP Modernization Program contracted with the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Ltd. to beef up the country’s territorial defense capabilities. The acquisition signals the symbolic return of the PAF to its supersonic age after the PAF’s F-5 Freedom Fighter jets were retired in 2005.

Prelude to 2017

Second Batch of FA-50PH Jets arrives

12

PHILIPPINE DEFENSE NEWSLETTER I VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 2016


Recommended