Choppers on standby at Villamor

Two Air Force bases were placed on high alert late yesterday afternoon as top military officials awaited confirmation of reports that President Estrada would be flown to an unannounced destination by a US air force plane.

Villamor Air Base, the headquarters of the Philippine Air Force, was placed on red alert at 3 p.m. yesterday, and all its gates were closed, prohibiting entry and exit from the base. Helicopters were on standby, with pilots ready to fly anytime a go-signal is given for them to fly.

All civilian personnel were sent home before noon and soldiers armed with high-powered firearms were deployed in all areas of the base.

Four attack helicopters, three Huey helicopters, two Sikorsky helicopters, and one C-130 plane were also placed on standby.

The attack helicopters based at the naval base in Sangley Point were brought to the Villamor Air Base as escorts for the Huey helicopters and the C-130.

Unconfirmed reports said the helicopters would be used to ferry Mr. Estrada and members of his families to Clark Field from where they would be ferried to the US.

But senior PAF officers at Clark Field said Mr. Estrada would not be welcome at the air base.

"He (Mr. Estrada) is not welcome here," said Major Allan Ballesteros, spokesman for the 600th Air Force Wing based at the former US military base.

"Now that Gen. Reyes has already announced the stand of the Armed Forces, the entire Air Force contingent at Clark is solidly backing him," Ballesteros said.

He said security was tightened in and around the former US base that now houses two-thirds of the PAF strength.

As PAF chief Maj. Gen. Benjamin Defensor joined other chiefs of armed services in defecting to the united opposition, PAF deputy chief Gen. Nilo Jatico arrived at Clark Field late yesterday afternoon.

Ballesteros said Jatico’s visit was to "reassure the people of Pampanga not to worry" and that the military’s moves have been calculated for a peaceful transition of government.