PAF deploys attack helicopters, rescue aircraft for Asean summit

The Philippine Air Force has started to deploy various attack and rescue aircraft that will ensure the security of delegates attending the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Cebu City.

Maj. Augusto dela Peña, PAF spokesman, said that night-capable UH-1H and MG520 attack helicopters, as well as OV 10 Bronco light attack and C130 carrier planes were deployed within the area where the summit will be held, as part of the air and airport security task group’s preparations for the ASEAN Summit in December.

"We will utilize all available aircraft required to successfully secure all VIPs attending the summit," Dela Peña said.

He said the PAF’s 2nd Tactical Operations Wing has deployed personnel from units under its operation control to secure the area.

Dela Peña identified these units as the 205th Helicopter Wing, 15th Strike Wing, 710th Special Operations Wing and the 505th Search and Rescue Wing.

This is in addition to the 7th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) that was deployed to Cebu after undergoing joint military exercises with US troops last month.

The 7th MBLT, composed of about 500 troops, was deployed to Cebu to make the necessary security preparations. 

"We would like to see to it that the area is secured and assure our ASEAN neighbors that they are safe while they are staying in our country," Marine spokesman Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan said.

He said the preparations are meant to prevent and stave off any terrorist attack during the summit, which would be held starting Dec. 10.

Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said troops would be deployed to the ASEAN Summit even without threats of terrorist attacks.

"As of now, we don’t see any threat, but we want to be very thorough and ready for the security provisions for the ASEAN summit," Esperon said.

At least 17 heads of state of ASEAN member and other nations are expected to arrive in the country for the summit. — James Mananghaya