Civilian aircraft join PAF in patrolling beach resorts

Civilian planes will beef up the Air Force in patrolling the country’s coastlines, beach resorts and far-flung tourist spots.

Their participation in the anti-terrorist air patrol is made possible through the assistance of the Reservists and Air Force-affiliated units, according to Col. Roberto Ricalde, Air Reserve Command chief.

"The objective is to monitor the movement of vessels and seacraft in any specified area with the use of privately owned planes and to report any unusual developments to the nearest Tactical Operations Group (TOG) or Reserve Airlift and Tactical Support Squadron (RATSS)," Ricalde said.

TOG units are based in the country’s airports and operationally control the RATSS, whose reservists own or operate civilian aircraft.

Citing the move as the brainchild of PAF chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Defensor, Ricalde said the military and civilian air patrol would keep an eye on the potential targets for kidnapping and other illegal activities, including smuggling and environmental destruction.

"The air patrols will be complemented by different civilian radio stations who will bridge the communications between the aircraft and the PAF tactical units," Ricalde added.

"Given their inherent advantages, flexibility and visual range, and the interface of modern communications technology, civilian aircraft can help tremendously in monitoring ground and sea movements in their designated areas of operations," said Col. Rene Certeza, head of the Reserve Airlift and Tactical Support Group, to which the civilian aircraft groups are affiliated.

Initially, the airports where these aircraft will operate are the Manila and Mactan international airports, and the Iloilo, Caticlan and Puerto Princesa airports.

Aside from the civilian air patrol, Defensor has ordered a so-called Reservist Intelligence Training to strengthen PAF operations in areas which tourists frequent.

Meanwhile, the 3rd Tactical Operations Wing, under Brig. Gen. Nelson Eslao, saved the lives of Dr. Virgilio Tac-an and his son who were ambushed by rebel groups in Ipil, Zamboanga del Norte.

The two were airlifted to the Brent Hospital in the same province.