AFP: Grounding of OV-10 planes won't affect operations

MANILA, Philippines - The grounding of the Air Force OV-10 units will not affect operations against lawless elements in Mindanao, the military stressed yesterday.

Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Miguel Okol said they can tap other air assets to provide air support for ground troops.

“We still have other air combat assets like the MG520, SF260TP Warriors and the AS211 Warriors,” Okol said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. also said the operations against armed groups would not be hampered by last Wednesday’s crash.

“Despite the grounding of the OV-10 due to the mishap yesterday (Nov. 9), the law enforcement operations will continue... There would be no problem in terms of close air support to ground troops,” Burgos said in a press briefing.

“We are thankful our two pilots are safe. There is no damage to property and no civilians were harmed.”

Burgos said the Air Force is now investigating the incident.

Two Air Force pilots were wounded after an OV-10 bomber plane crashed in Zamboanga City after coming from a test flight.

The two pilots, identified as Maj. David Trajano and Lt. Adonis Buscas, survived by bailing out seconds before the crash, which occurred at about 9:50 a.m.

The OV-10 fixed wing aircraft is being used in the military’s “all-out justice” campaign against lawless elements.

The plane was totally wrecked but did not cause damage to the nearby structures where it crashed. Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena has ordered a probe to determine the cause of the incident.

“We’re fast-tracking this investigation as soon as possible. I cannot speak for the board (that would conduct the probe) but the commanding general gave specific instructions to fast-track the investigation,” Okol said.

The Air Force grounded its OV-10 units effective Wednesday afternoon. There are about 12 OV-10 units in the Air Force inventory.

OV-10 planes were used when the military conducted an air strike on a lair of international terrorists in Indanan, Sulu last month.

The air strike last Oct. 30 resulted in the deaths of five suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits.

The air raid, which started at about 6:30 a.m., aimed at the lair of Abu Sayyaf leader Umbra Jumdail alias “Dr. Abu.” About 30 to 40 bandits are said to be staying in the camp.

Jumdail has been implicated in numerous bombings and abductions including the Sipadan kidnapping incident in 2000.

President Aquino, meanwhile, defended anew his decision not to wage an all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), reminding the soldiers that they should not be “war freaks.”

Aquino told the troops that their success would be measured by how they could keep the peace rather than winning wars.

“We cannot decide impulsively, the solution being suggested by the war freaks cannot apply,” Aquino said in a speech Wednesday during the turnover of command from outgoing Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz to Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Aquino added that perpetrating decades of war would only lead to the worsening of the country’s current situation.

Aquino said he was bent on pursuing justice for the soldiers being slain as he assured the public of government’s efforts to effect reforms and pursue programs beneficial to the people.

The President also asked for continued support and cooperation that would eventually result in winning peace in the country.

“Only the safety of our brothers in Mindanao at present and the welfare of the future generation of Filipinos are what we are thinking,” Aquino said.

The President said he would want children to be able to study without firefight in their villages and sleep soundly without the fear and nightmare brought by war.– With Aurea Calica