(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday lauded the Philippine Air Force for its invaluable contributions in keeping the country safe.
In a speech during PAF change of command ceremonies at Clark airbase in Pampanga, President Duterte said “we have made significant headway in ridding the country of criminality, terrorism…corruption,” counter-insurgency, among others, because of the PAF’s help.
With the ceremonies, the air force is now headed by Lt. Gen. Galileo Kintanar, chief of the Western Command that oversees the West Philippine Sea.
This was after Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina stepped down from the service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Where terrorism is concerned, the President noted PAF deployed more than 400 personnel to Marawi.
“Indeed, the Philippines and our people are indebted to you because of the sacrifices you have made every single day,” he said.
He gave the assurance the government would continue to support the air force.
In fact, he said two C130s and 12 other aircraft have been added to the PAF since July last year.
“I enjoin our troops to continue performing their duties,” he added.