Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA -- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to remain professional, mission-ready, and faithful to its constitutional mandate as he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing the service.</p><p>Speaking during the PAF’s 79th founding anniversary at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Marcos praised the PAF’s contributions to territorial defense, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response, describing it as an “indispensable partner in nation-building.”</p><p>He noted that the PAF logged nearly 50,000 flying hours over the past year for internal and external defense operations, pilot training, and maintenance missions, while transporting millions of pounds of cargo and tens of thousands of passengers in support of disaster response, troop deployments, and inter-island operations.</p><p>Marcos also cited the PAF’s sustained patrols and air surveillance missions, saying these have strengthened the country’s maritime domain awareness and sovereignty protection, while joint activities with allies have enhanced interoperability and promoted regional stability.</p><p>“It is only fitting, therefore, that your government stands steadfast in supporting the Air Force as it fulfills its mandate,” Marcos said.</p><p>The president assured that his administration would continue investing in the PAF through the acquisition of helicopters, aircraft, and surveillance radar systems, as well as specialized intelligence training, advanced flight simulation programs, and initiatives that support the mental health and well-being of PAF personnel.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/16/marcos-jr-reminds-pma-graduates-your-loyalty-is-with-constitution-1238"><strong>Marcos Jr. to PMA graduates: Your loyalty is with Constitution, not political interest or individual</strong></a></div><p>“I also reiterate my directive to the Philippine Air Force to ensure the airworthiness of all its aircraft and to uphold rigorous safety protocols in mission and training activities. Our aircraft carry the women and men who serve our nation. Their safety must always remain paramount,” Marcos said.</p><p>“Above all, remain faithful to your constitutional duty to protect our people and defend the democratic institutions that safeguard our freedoms,” he added.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>PAF CHIEF CITES GAINS, ACKNOWLEDGES CHALLENGES</strong></div><p>PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura said the PAF recorded “both major and modest victories” over the past year.</p><p>“Despite the constraints inherent in a modernizing Air Force… we have continued to perform our mission, develop our capabilities, and strengthen our foundation as a values-based organization,” Cordura noted.</p><p>He acknowledged that the service also faced “numerous challenges” that tested the institution.</p><p>“Rather than allow these difficulties to define us, we choose to learn from them and move forward together. We cannot afford to be stymied by adversity,” the official said.</p><p>Cordura added that the PAF has worked to remain relevant amid an increasingly complex security environment by improving adaptability, interoperability, and the use of its limited capabilities.</p><p>He highlighted ongoing modernization efforts, including the planned acquisition of long-range patrol aircraft, additional Black Hawk and Bell 412 EPX helicopters, advanced surveillance radar systems, and flight simulators, as well as the eventual completion of strategic air bases in Pag-asa Island and Santa Ana, Cagayan.</p><p>“Looking forward, we aim to become a more effective force provider to the joint force and relevant in combined operations,” Cordura said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/13/floating-structure-shifts-renewing-concerns-over-chinese-activities-in-wps-1646"><strong>Floating structure shifts, renewing concerns over Chinese activities in WPS</strong></a></div><p>He continued: “We will sustain our focus on operational preparedness, accelerate force modernization, further strengthen cooperation with allies and partners, explore novel technologies in defense, strengthen air and maritime domain awareness, enhance deterrence and area denial, invest in strategic basing and infrastructure, and develop the professional growth and well-being of our human resource.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>AFP RAISES RED ALERT IN NCR</strong></div><p>The anniversary program marked Marcos’ first public appearance after cancelling his scheduled engagements on Tuesday to monitor the rally at the EDSA People Power Monument.</p><p>A day earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) placed its units in the National Capital Region under red alert to ensure heightened operational readiness.</p><p>The AFP said the measure is intended to keep personnel and assets ready to support civil authorities, when requested, in accordance with the Constitution, existing laws, and established procedures.</p><p>It added that it continues to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies to maintain public safety, security, and the uninterrupted delivery of essential services.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/1/qc-puts-on-hold-inc-rally-permit-for-thursday-after-complaint-1911"><strong>QC withdraws permit for INC rally on Thursday</strong></a></div><p>Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the heightened alert was a routine security measure.</p><p>“Routine lang naman iyan. There’s ongoing coordination with the PNP. Ang AFP is support lamang sa PNP upang mapangalagaan ang katahimikan. That’s a normal and routinary thing,” Teodoro told reporters on the sidelines of the PAF’s anniversary program.</p><p>Asked whether authorities were monitoring any serious threat, he answered: “Wala naman kaming namo-monitor insofar as I am concerned.”</p>

<p>President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to remain professional, mission-ready, and faithful to its constitutional mandate as he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing the service.</p>

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to remain professional, mission-ready, and faithful to its constitutional mandate as he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernizing the service.

Marcos urges PH Air Force to remain mission-ready, uphold constitutional duty

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Marcos urges PH Air Force to remain mission-ready, uphold constitutional duty

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 01, 2026 09:53 PM PHT

Read More:

Philippine Air Force

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura

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