Philippines committed to have world-class Air Force – Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will continue to pursue modernization of the Armed Forces to have a world-class air force that can be relied upon during disasters as well as in keeping the peace and contributing to regional security, President Marcos said yesterday.

Marcos voiced the commitment after presiding over the change of command ceremony at the Philippine Air Force headquarters at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City where Maj. Gen. Stephen Parreño was installed as new PAF commander, replacing Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas Sr. who retired yesterday.

Parreño is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991, while Canlas is from PMA Class of 1989.

Marcos congratulated Parreño, whom he ordered to sustain the PAF’s ongoing initiatives at modernization “and achieve new heights in responsive service delivery for the country and for the people.”

“Through your collective efforts we will attain our goal of creating a world-class air force that keeps the peace and contributes to our national development and regional security,” Marcos said.

“Be assured that this administration remains committed to the modernization of the PAF and the entire AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” he said.

He also asked PAF officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees to remain dedicated to their duties and continue to work closely with his administration to build “a safe, secure, peaceful country for the benefit of all Filipinos.”

Marcos’ reiteration of his thrust to modernize the Philippine military, one of weakest in Southeast Asia, came less than three weeks before his one-on-one meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Marcos is set to visit China in January.

The President expressed hope that under Parreño’s leadership, the air force would continue to strive for honor and excellence and fulfill its mandate to the country and its people.

“I therefore ask you to remain dedicated to your duties and continue to work closely with this administration as we build a safe, secure, peaceful country for the benefit of all Filipinos,” Marcos said.

Parreno is also a member of the PAF Flying School Class of 1993 where he graduated No. 3 and received the Chief of Staff saber award.

PAF said Parreño also earned the distinction as one of the very few PAF officers to complete the Curso de Estado Mayor or the General Staff Course in Madrid, Spain.

Before his appointment, he held various key positions in the AFP including acting vice commander of the PAF, Chief of Air Staff and Air Force Inspector General.

“He was greatly involved in the air mobility efforts of the PAF during the Battle of Marawi where he has flown as a flight commander of the C130 flights, flying to and from Guam and Arizona to the Philippines, to pick up and transport logistics for the sustainment of the ongoing joint operations,” the PAF said.

Parreño said he intends to sustain and complete all programs underlined in the “LIPAD PAF,” which incorporates previous development strategies for he air force designed to make it more agile in performing its mandate. — Michael Punongbayan