Vows to continue ongoing military modernization program
(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday emphasized the “crucial role” of the Philippine Air Force in efforts to liberate Marawi from Islamic State-inspired attacks, as he vowed to continue the modernization program of the country’s aerial warfare troops.
“The (PAF) is also playing a crucial role in efforts to take Marawi from the clutches of the ISIS-inspired terrorists. We have deployed more than 40 of our air assets, and more than 400 of Air Force officers and personnel, several of (whom) are involved in ground operations,” Duterte said in ceremonies held in Clark, Pampanga in celebration of the Air Force’s 70th anniversary.
In facing the troops, President Duterte–who usually improvises when asked to speak in public events–read from a prepared speech, saying he wanted to fast-track the ceremony so his men would not stand under the rain for long.
The ceremonies were also attended by, among others, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Eduardo Año, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and Vice President Leni Robredo, whom Duterte acknowledged and called “Maam” at the beginning of his speech.
According to the President, as the government wraps up its campaign to liberate Marawi, he was “confident the PAF will once again take an active role in the rebuilding of the city, and in the uplifting of the spirit of those affected by the conflict.”
“We will rely on your valuable experience in humanitarian assistance, and disaster response, especially in surveying war-torn areas and in airlifting relief goods, and rescuing victims and people stranded,” he said, noting also the Air Force’s role in the government campaign against illegal drugs and in preserving the country’s national sovereignty.
He said that the government would continue the Air Force’s ongoing modernization program “by procuring additional attack and combat utility vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs to complement our already existing air assets.”
“As our country faces the current challenges of terrorism and to external security, I call upon the men and women of the (PAF) to live up to your oath with the highest degree of professionalism and competence,” he said.
“Let us create an environment where our people can live in peace and prosperity. Mabuhay ang (PAF). And I salute you,” he added.