Army thanks MVP for helicopter donation

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 8, 2021): Army thanks MVP for helicopter donation (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office

The Philippine Army (PA) on Friday said a local conglomerate's donation of a Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm Bo 105 multi-purpose helicopter will greatly help in the development of its rotary aviation capabilities.

"The PA is grateful for Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan’s donation of the said helicopter that will serve as a catalyst for developing Army’s future rotary aviation and a springboard to improve the capacity of army aviation in supporting government agencies in the face of disasters and calamities in the country," PA spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement.

The helicopter was turned over to the PA’s Aviation “Hiraya” Regiment by the business tycoon through the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Foundation in a ceremony at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday.

"The PA is pushing for additional mission-essential equipment to develop the 'Hiraya' Regiment’s capability of supporting combined operations through the acquisition of Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters, Medium Lift Multi-purpose Helicopters, and Special Mission Aircraft. In addition to its acquisition projects, the Regiment offers training under the Aviator Qualification Course and the Rotary Wing Transition Course to develop the capabilities of its aviation personnel," Zagala said.

The Aviation “Hiraya” Regiment was activated on Oct. 2, 2019 and at present commanded by Col. Andre B. Santos.

The Regiment was expanded from Army Aviation Battalion and has been instrumental in the PA's aerial reconnaissance and maritime patrols over Northern Luzon, Eastern Mindanao, and Western Mindanao Command.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1126733