PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said he wanted a stronger Philippine Air Force (PAF) to defend the country’s sovereignty, territory and development.
Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the President was briefed on the recent activities, plans and proposed projects of the PAF.
“The President gave his guidance and instructions on some of the proposed programs to further strengthen the PAF as it defends the country’s sovereignty, territory and development,” Garafil said.
In a statement, PAF public affairs chief Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said air force officials had provided Marcos insights and recommendations on further strengthening the country’s airpower capability to effectively guard and defend the nation from various emerging security challenges as well as enhance its disaster response capabilities.
“The Philippine Air Force expresses its deep appreciation to our commander-in-chief for his guidance and personal engagement with our leaders in this 2nd quarter command conference, and we look forward to his continuous support in our modernization efforts to become a truly capable, credible and sustainable Air Force that our nation needs and deserves,” Castillo said.
However, the PCO and the PAF did not provide specifics on Marcos’ directives.
The command conference came amid both internal and external security concerns.
Rumors of an internal destabilization plot against Marcos’ administration have surfaced, with former military and police officials suspected of being the agents behind it while tensions in the West Philippine Sea have rapidly increased since Marcos sat as President. (GP)
