Westmincom gets Blackhawk helicopters

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines deployed Blackhawk helicopters to the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) on Thursday for its operations against the remaining terrorists in Mindanao.

Westmincom chief Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr. said the Tactical Operations Wing-Western Mindanao, the major Air Force unit under its command and control, received the helicopters.

Rosario did not say how many units were deployed. Two helicopters showed their presence with a low pass over the city.

Eleven Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters have been delivered to the country since December last year. Five more units are expected before the end of the year.

Rosario said the deployment of Blackhawk helicopters would boost their capability in both “lethal and non-lethal” operations.

“We are very grateful that the top brass considered the deployment of these air assets, which will greatly contribute to the accomplishment of our missions here in Western Mindanao,” he said.