Marcos cites need to boost aerial assets in PAF rites

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday underscored the need for an enhanced aerial capability to equip the country in defending its territory.

On his first day of office, Marcos graced the 75th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga. Former president and Pampanga lawmaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also attended the event.

Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. graces the 75th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force at Clark Air Base in Pampanga. Ex-president and Pampanga lawmaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is also in attendance. @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/OIyaK0QNM1

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In his message, Marcos said "today's event is a perfect time to recognize our nation's continued enhancement in air strength over the years." He noted that a modernized air capability could address the territorial issues, threat from communist and extremist groups, and even natural calamities.

"The ongoing defense modernization effort is in coordination with the basic prerequisites that would complement this administration's vision for a stronger, bigger, and effective air force, capable of defending and maintaining our sovereign state and of assisting our people in times of dire consequences and today's reality that this dictates," Marcos said.

"A more modern aerial and surveillance capability is all the more felt given the territorial disputes that we in the Philippines are involved in. This enhanced capability is also proven to be very critical in the Philippine military's effort to protect the nation from local communist insurgents and extremist groups in the south," he added.

He said transport aircraft, helicopters and the like, are important facilities that "only the Philippine Air Force can suitably and sufficiently provide, especially during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations."

The newly-sworn president also lauded the personnel of PAF for their commitment in serving the country.

"I congratulate the entire team, the brave, courageous men and women officers of the Philippine Air Force as commanded by Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony D. Canlas. Your loyalty and commitment and love of country are definitely worth emulation for not only those in the military but of all citizens of the Philippines," he added.

For his part, Canlas, the PAF chief, described the personally of the force as those who have "embodied the qualities of the diamond."

"They have been forced under pressure and they shine with their heroism, patriotic duty during the nation's most crucial moments, and their strength is unbreakable," said Canlas in his address.

"Ang pangako ng inyong Philippine Air Force ay lalong paigtingin ang serbisyo para sa bayan. This is an expression of constancy of purpose in developing our core competencies to continue soaring to greater heights," he added.—LDF, GMA News