Jonathan Frederic De Santos

U.S. Army aircraft take flight during Balikatan 23 at Colonel Ernesto P. Ravina Air Base, Philippines, on April 14, 2023. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan)

Article (news)

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785227449188CERAB.webp" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>U.S. Army aircraft take flight during Balikatan 23 at Colonel Ernesto P. Ravina Air Base, Philippines, on April 14, 2023. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan)</div>MANILA — The Philippine Air Force on Tuesday defended the commander of the Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Tarlac after the Sangguniang Bayan of Capas declared her persona non grata for security measures that allegedly disrupted government operations and compromised public services.Local governments sometimes use persona non grata declarations, which are unenforceable, to express their displeasure.The SB had cited instances when military checkpoints blocked individuals and public servants from entering the air base. Residents also reported alleged harassment by PAF personnel, it said.PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said it would review allegations raised by the council but also said  Lt. Col. Owen Avenida &quot;in her capacity as the base commander, was only performing her lawful duty to protect&quot; the facility. and nearby communities.The PAF maintained that the security protocols enforced at CERAB are essential and standard procedures to safeguard military readiness, protect national defense infrastructure, and ensure public safety within the military reservation.Basco said there is no need at this time to relieve Avenida from her post, stressing that the service will review the allegations through established procedures.&quot;We stand by personnel who perform their duties professionally and lawfully, and we remain committed to constructive engagement with the local government.&quot;The PAF aemphasized that it remains open to dialogue with local officials, but said actions taken in good faith to secure military property should be viewed in the context of official duty.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/14/paf-deploys-fa-50-fighter-jets-c-130-over-200-personnel-for-pitch-black-in-australia-1840">PAF deploys FA-50 fighter jets, C-130, over 200 personnel for Pitch Black in Australia</a></div>

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday defended the commander of the Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base (CERAB) in Tarlac following a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Capas declaring her persona non grata due to actions that allegedly disrupted government operations.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday defended the commander of the Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base (CERAB) in Tarlac following a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Capas declaring her persona non grata due to actions that allegedly disrupted government operations.

PAF defends base commander declared persona non grata by Capas council

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PAF defends base commander declared persona non grata by Capas council

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 28, 2026 04:34 PM PHT

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Updated July 28, 2026 04:35 PM PHT

Read More:

Philippine Air Force

Capas

Tarlac

Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base

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