PAF holds base defense drills

Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel conducted exercises yesterday under the Camp Defense Plan for Villamor Air Base and adjacent critical facilities, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Airmen from various units were deployed to the main gate of the Air Force headquarters bringing with them their high powered firearms, including 60mm mortars and sniper rifles.

PAF spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla said the drills were necessary to keep a high state of readiness to defend Villamor Air Base, the headquarters of the PAF.

Exercises involved personnel designated as the Ready Reserve Group and includes units from the Air Force’s 520th Air Base Wing, the 720th Special Operations Group and Headquarters Service Support Group.

The drills includes combat maneuvers, battle formations and familiarization firing of weapons at the Philippine Army Adventure Camp in Fort Bonifacio.

Meanwhile, a twin engine aircraft with 12 passengers on board swerved to the grassy portion of the Manila Domestic Airport runway while rolling on the taxiway delta en route to the terminal due to a hydraulic problem with the steering.

No injuries were reported.

The Domier aircaft, piloted by Capt. Alberto Pamplona, was towed immediately from the grassy portion of the runway to prevent delays.