Air Force to beef up capabilities in Palawan

From InterAksyon (Mar 14): Air Force to beef up capabilities in Palawan

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines -- The Philippine Air Force will soon be upgrading its capabilities in the country’s western section.

Speaking at the 40th founding Anniversary of the 570th Composite Tactical Wing in Palawan Thursday, Air Force chief Lieutenant General Lauro Catalino dela Cruz said the upgrade will include the setting up of a radar system on Mt. Salakot, northwest of Puerto Princesa, by the end of the year, and the deployment of two of the eight new W-3A Sokol helicopters acquired from Poland.

Dela Cruz said he personally requested the choppers to be fitted for search and rescue and disaster response missions.

Aside from these, the Air Force chief said he will also request amphibious aircraft, together with the Philippine Navy, for the same purpose.

The upgrade is part of the Department of National Defense’s plan to set up a Center of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response in Palawan that will serve as the nerve center for nationwide disaster and response operations.

Two additional hangars will also be constructed at Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa to store relief supplies and accommodate additional air assets, including long-range patrol aircraft to be stationed there in the future.

Dela Cruz also promised to expedite the long overdue repair of Rancudo Airstrip on Pag-asa Island by early next year.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/57143/air-force-to-beef-up-capabilities-in-palawan