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PBBM to PAF: Protect PH's territorial integrity, sovereign rights

Philippine News Agency

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
June 27, 2025, 1:29 pm

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to continue protecting the Philippines' territorial integrity and sovereign rights, as the country faces external threats.

Speaking before the PAF Air Education and Training Command (AETC) at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, Marcos reaffirmed his administration's continued support for its modernization efforts to provide the troops with best equipment, training, and facilities.

"Aniya, walang katumbas ang papel ng Philippine Air Force sa mga hamon ng seguridad na kinakaharap ng ating bansa (He said the role of the Philippine Air Force in the security challenges facing our country is unparalleled)," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing, citing Marcos' remarks during his camp visit.

"Binigyang-diin ng Pangulo ang kahalagahan ng suporta ng Puwersang Panghimpapawid sa buhay, lakas at pag-asa ng ating Philippine Navy at Philippine Army sa gitna ng laban (The President emphasized the importance of the Air Force's support in the life, strength, and hope of our Philippine Navy and Philippine Army in the midst of the fight)," she added.

Marcos stressed that with the AETC's help, soldiers have become very well trained and well equipped as they fulfill their mandate in protecting the nation.

Around 15,000 students have been trained by AETC from 2019 to 2025, according to government data.

Marcos urged the PAF personnel to be "faithful in [their] service, love their homeland, serve the people, and cherish the trust and respect of the Filipino people."

"Nagbitaw din ng mensahe at hamon ang Pangulo sa ating kasundaluhan. Binigyan ng direktiba ng Pangulo ang AETC na tiyakin ang pagtugon nito sa mga kursong kinakailangan ng ating Air Force na naaayon sa layunin ng AFP (The President also issued a message and challenge to our soldiers. The President directed AETC to ensure that it meets the courses required by our Air Force in line with the goals of the AFP)," Castro said.

"Nais din ng Pangulo na panatilihing mataas ang kalidad ng programa at siguruhin na natatapos ng bawat estudyante ang kanilang pagsasanay. Ang Philippine Air Force naman, palawigin pa ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa AETC upang masiguro ang mga kagamitan at iba pang pangangailangan ay matugunan (The President also wants to maintain the high quality of the program and ensure that each student completes their training. The Philippine Air Force, on the other hand, will further enhance its cooperation with the AETC to ensure that equipment and other needs are met)."

After delivering his speech, Marcos also received a "balispada" (balisong na espada) as a token of appreciation from the troops. (PNA)