PAF retires two aircraft squadrons

 From the Palawan News (Dec 31, 2024): PAF retires two aircraft squadrons (By Gerald Ticke)

The 15th Strike Wing of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) decommissioned two of its air assets on Saturday, December 28, ending an era for two of the Philippines’ fighter aircraft—the AH-1S Cobra Attack helicopter and the OV-10 Bronco fighter planes.

15th Strike Wing commander Brig. Gen. Juliano Llaneras led the decommissioning ceremony at the Four-Bay Hangar of Maj. Danilo Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point, Cavite City, with Air Combat Command chief Maj. Gen. Araus Robert Musico and Air Logistics Command chief Maj. Gen. Dennis Estrella serving as guests of honor, along with other active and retired air force pilots who flew the two aircraft.

The fleet of AH-1S Cobra helicopters had a brief service of only five years after it was acquired by the PAF in 2019 through a donation from King Abdullah II of Jordan and was primarily used to conduct internal security and counter-terrorism operations, which the 15th Strike Wing described as a “symbol of strength and resilience, playing a crucial part in defending peace and security in the Philippines.”

The OV-10 Bronco, a twin-turboprop multi-role aircraft, was in service for more than 30 years starting in 1991. The planes played a key role in providing close air support missions in counterinsurgency operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines against the New People’s Army, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.



“The service of the Bronco and Cobra is marked by countless missions and operations; this firmly stands as a testament to the dedication and bravery of the pilots and crew who flew and maintained them,” the 15th Strike Wing said in a statement.

“As they end their era in the skies of the Philippine Air Force, we positively move forward, building on the lessons learned and the successes achieved during the distinguished careers of these reputable platforms. They will remain symbols of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s defense,” it added.

https://palawan-news.com/paf-retires-two-aircraft-squadrons/#google_vignette

Soldier wounded in clash with alleged rebels in Leyte

From Sun Star (Dec 31, 2024): Soldier wounded in clash with alleged rebels in Leyte (By Ronald O. Reyes)

A SOLDIER from the 93rd Infantry Battalion was rushed to a nearby hospital after he was injured in a firefight between government troops and alleged remnants of the New People's Army (NPA) in Barangay Canhandugan, Jaro, Leyte on Monday, December 30, 2024.

Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Saclot, the battalion commanding officer, said they were in the area after receiving information from the residents about the presence of unidentified armed individuals in their farmlands, which resulted in the encounter.

The five-minute clash resulted in the seizure of one .45 caliber pistol, three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), ammunition, and other war material, Saclot said in a statement.

The casualties from the rebels’ side have yet to be determined while hot pursuit and clearing operations were underway.

According to the Army report, the wounded soldier is already in a stable condition.

“I also urge all Leyteños to continue denying any form of support to terrorist groups to advance our collective goal of freeing our communities from fear, intimidation, and exploitation,” added Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade.

He lauded troops of the 93rd Infantry Battalion “for their swift response to the residents' concerns.”

Vestuir also urged the rebels “to return to the folds of the law and avail themselves of the government's services, such as the Amnesty Program, which offers forgiveness and a chance to start anew.”

Meanwhile, the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) said it is closely monitoring the recent encounter in Jaro, Leyte.

“The LPPO extends its full support to the Philippine Army and commends its valor as partner in the maintenance of public safety and security,” said Colonel Dionisio DC Apas Jr, provincial director,

“The Office urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Any information regarding this incident or the identities of the communist terrorist groups involved will make an impactful significance. Thus, community cooperation is crucial,” the Leyte police official added. (Ronald Reyes/SunStar Philippines)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/tacloban/soldier-wounded-in-clash-with-alleged-rebels-in-leyte#google_vignette