31 YEARS OF 2ND AIRLIFT DIVISION: PAF chief assures support for May polls

CEBU, Philippines - The Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force yesterday assured full support in helping uphold clean and honest elections in May.

“To assist a clean and honest election is an obligation to every airman across the nation,” said Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena.

Rabena was in Cebu to attend the 31st founding anniversary of the 2nd Airlift Division of PAF at the Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City.

Rabena told The Freeman that a continued tactical air support for intensive security operations to the AFP, as well as upgrading the healthcare benefits and housing programs for PAF personnel are among his plans for the year.

Yesterday’s ceremony at the Air Base began at exactly 9:20 am upon Rabena’s arrival, which was followed immediately by the Manual of Arms, Presentation and Inspection of Troops, and awarding of outstanding personnel and civilians.

The celebration adopted the theme, “Keeping in step for 31 years of dedicated service and commitment to Visayas Peace and Progress.”

The outstanding personnel include 2Lt Jester C. Canoy as the Officer of the Year, SSg Eduardo S. Tingala as NCO of the year, A1C Benjie J. Abringe as Airman of the Year, and Junjielou P. Tayong as Civilian Employee of the Year.

Plaques of recognition were also given to Wing Commander 220th AW Col. Antonio Oliquiño, Wing Commander 205th THW B/Gen. Catalino de la Cruz, Wing Commander 560th ABW B/Gen. Edgardo Mendoza and Regional Director PNP RD-7 Col. Silvestre Primero.

A posthumous award was given to the late Paul John Kiener for his contribution in the construction of the air base.

Meanwhile, The Freeman Managing Editor Nimrod Quiñones was recognized for promoting the image of PAF. The other civilian awardees include retired Bgen. Rodante Joya, Jay Lee, Junard Chan, Capt. Jeram Sarmiento, Capt. Roy Taton, Capt. San Jay Alvarez, Maita Manglapus, Dr. Jose Natavio, Efren Belarmino, Atty. Ellias Espinosa, Joachim Shutte, Enrico Livelo, Jun Perocillo III and Hembler Mendoza.

Before the symbolic boodle fight with AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Victor Ibrado, a ground breaking activity was undertaken at the Kalipayan area, the proposed location of the PAF Billeting Facility.

Last year, the division accumulated 1852.4 flying hours or 2,028 sorties in air operations involving various types of missions, including relief operations on victims hit by different typhoons. Several civic-military operations were also undertaken, including Oplan Linis and medical and dental missions in different cities and towns in the Visayas. — Antoniette Parce/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)