US-Phl relations fly high

Relations between the Philippines and the United States are flying high with the recent turnover of two Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft last Thursday at the Camp Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as guest of honor.

US Ambassador Sung Kim was joined by US Pacific Command Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Bryan Fenton for the presentation. The presentation was witnessed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, US Embassy officials as well as the top brass of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Aside from enhancing PAF’s counterterrorism capabilities, the Cessna 208B aircraft will help protect members of the Armed Forces who are actively engaged in counterterrorism operations in southern Philippines including Marawi. Equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and communications equipment, these aircraft will provide critical help in the AFP’s efforts against terrorist groups operating in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. 

As pointed out by Ambassador Kim, the aircraft are symbolic of the strong friendship and enduring nature of the partnership between two allies who will work together and fight together to overcome adversity. “Our commitment to the Philippines does not stop with the delivery of these planes,” the US diplomat stated.

Over the last five years, the US government has allocated more than P15 billion of grant funding to provide the AFP with up-to-date equipment and training. According to Secretary Lorenzana, the planes — which are the most modern that the PAF has so far — would serve as deterrents to extremist terrorists and other lawless elements. 

The AFP’s leading unit for air intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Group based out of Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City, will operate the two new C-208B planes.