Marcos: Modernization should remain a priority for Air Force

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the modernization of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) should remain a priority under the new leadership of the country’s air force. 

Marcos Jr. made the remarks during the PAF change of command and retirement ceremony in Pasay City, wherein Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura officially assumed his role as the new commanding general of PAF. 

“We must ensure that the continued modernization of our armed forces remains a priority, empowering us to protect the ideals that define our nation,” Marcos said.

“These times call for vigilance and for resolve. There is no room for complacency, for any pause in our efforts to risk compromising the safety and welfare of the Filipino people,” added Marcos. 

Cordura, meanwhile, said he intends "to pursue a Command Thrust that focuses on the Mission Essential Tasks and clearly defines the imperatives for a successful implementation of an Integrated Air Defense System (IADS)."

Born in San Fernando, Pampanga, Cordura is the 40th Commanding General of PAF. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990, graduating Cum Laude and as Top 10 of his PMA Class.

Cordura is also a member of the PAF Flying School Class of 1992 and finished his studies as top 3 among 65 student pilots. He joined 15th Strike Wing and attained all levels of flight qualifications from Combat Crew Training Pilot, Element Lead Training Pilot, and Instructor Pilot of the MD-520 Military Gunship.

Prior to his appointment, Cardora served as the vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

Marcos also honored Cordura's predecessor, Lieutenant General Stephen Parreño.

“By logging over 2500 flying hours dedicated to external defense and conducting 450 maritime patrol missions, you have strengthened our nation’s territorial integrity and protected our exclusive economic zone,” Marcos Jr. said. 

Under Parreño, PAF carried out around 120 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, and rescued 320 trafficked individuals. It likewise acquired several military assets including C-295 medium-lift aircraft, two T-129 ATAK helicopters, one mobile radar, one fixed radar, and 10 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters.  

—Sundy Locus/ VAL, GMA Integrated News