PRRD to new PAF chief: ‘Continue Air Force’s advancement’

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the awarding of 500 housing units to the personnel of the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) at the Scout Ranger Ville in San Miguel, Bulacan on December 10, 2018. ALFRED FRIAS/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday urged new Philippine Air Force (PAF) Commanding General Rozzano Briguez to continue the reforms and modernization programs that will make the Air Force responsive to national security.Duterte made this challenge as Briguez officially took over as new PAF chief, replacing Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar during the Change of Command ceremony held at Villarmor Air Base in Pasay City.

“General Briguez, know that we will constantly face threats and challenges as we realize our aspiration for real change and lasting peace. I trust that you will continue the Air Force’s advancement through reforms and modernization programs that will transform the organization into one that is responsive to national security and development and a credible external defense force,” Duterte said in his speech.

The Commander-in-Chief also dared Briguez to engage all stakeholders and communities in fighting insurgency and terrorism.

Duterte asked the PAF troops to support the leadership of Briguez and “to continue performing your duties well as (we) intensify our focused military operations against the communist terrorists, alongside civil-military operations to encourage more members of the communist terrorist groups to surrender”.

“The Filipino people are truly grateful for your service and sacrifice, which have preserved the peace and defended the freedoms we enjoy today. I continue to ask for your unwavering support so that today, I can say that we have created a safer and more secure and truly (progressive) nation for our children,” he said.

The President thanked Kintanar for his “successful tour of duty” especially in his efforts to fight insurgency and terrorism.

Under Kintanar’s “able leadership”, Duterte said the PAF achieved thousands of flight hours and performed thousands of sorties as well as ferried almost 160,000 passengers and airlifted more than 160,000 pounds of cargo ”all in support of our territorial defense and security operations”.

Duterte also commended Kintanar for working with other units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other agencies which “resulted in the surrender (or) arrest of terrorists, the recovery of their firearms, the dismantling of a drug laboratory, the arrest of many drug personalities, and the recovery of millions worth of illegal drugs”.

“During his tenure, General Kintanar has proven his commitment to duty as highlighted by his valuable contributions in ensuring security during the rehabilitation of Marawi, as well as the humanitarian and relief assistance during typhoons, disasters throughout the year,” Duterte said.

“All these attest to the exemplary leadership of General Kintanar and the collaborative efforts of the valiant men and women of the Philippine Air Force,” he added.