New PAF chief faces challenges of new security landscape

MANILA, Philippines — There is no room for complacency as the Philippines faces a changing security landscape, President Marcos said yesterday, as he installed former Armed Forces vice chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura as the new commanding general of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

In his speech during a change of command ceremony at Villamor Air Base, Marcos expressed confidence that the PAF would overcome challenges under the leadership of Cordura, who succeeded retired Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño.

“The road ahead is not without its challenges, but I am confident that you will rise to meet those challenges. With your steadfast leadership, you can guide the Air Force towards becoming an institution that is more agile, credible and responsive to the demands of an ever-evolving security landscape,” the President said.

“These times call for vigilance and for resolve. There is no room for complacency, for any pause in our efforts to risk compromising the safety and welfare of the Filipino people. We must ensure that the continued modernization of our armed forces remains a priority, empowering us to protect the ideals that define our nation,” he added.

Cordura, the 40th chief of the country’s air force, is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis-Lahi” class of 1990 and a member of the PAF Flying School Class of 1992. He served as the Armed Forces vice chief of staff before his appointment as PAF commanding general.

Cordura held a number of important military positions, including PAF vice commander, PAF chief of Air Staff, chief of the Air Force Reserve Command, wing commander of the 520th Air Base Wing, deputy commander of the Tactical Operations Command Mindanao, deputy wing commander of the 520th Air Base Wing, chief of the Air Force Strategic Management Office, assistant chief of air staff for personnel, group commander of the Tactical Operations Group and commandant of the Philippine Air Force Officer School.

Marcos also heaped praises on Parreño, who bowed out of the service yesterday. He said the former PAF chief led the major service to new heights over the past two years.

“His steadfast commitment to the command thrust Accelerate PAF with Excellence has inspired every airman to embrace the ideals of competence, professionalism, and responsiveness—values that have guided your every endeavor. The legacy of your leadership is etched in the achievements of the Philippine Air Force under your watch,” the President said.

Marcos cited Parreño’s contributions to the air force, including the 2,500 flying hours dedicated to external defense and 450 maritime patrol missions in strengthening the country’s territorial integrity and protecting the exclusive economic zone.

“These are not just records; they represent vigilance, determination, and an unwavering resolve to safeguard our airspace. In these efforts, our skilled pilots have remained resolute, intercepting threats [and] monitoring unidentified tracks that encroach upon our airspace,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), conducted a routine patrol around Bajo de Masinloc to protect Filipino fishermen in the area.

PCG vessels BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Cabra also distributed food packs and groceries to around 40 Filipino fishing boats observed fishing near the shoal.

The initiative aims to support local fishermen and assert their right to safely operate in Philippine waters.

A BFAR aerial surveillance spotted two China Coast Guard vessels and seven Chinese maritime militia vessels in the surrounding waters. A Chinese naval vessel, with bow number 552, was detected approximately 50 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales. — Mark Ernest Villeza