PAF men warned vs carrying guns in public places

Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Benjamin Defensor Jr. warned all Air Force personnel against carrying firearms in public places such as churches, moviehouses, showrooms, restaurants and nightclubs.

Defensor issued the warning in the wake of reports of shooting incidents allegedly involving Air Force personnel.

Known for his distinguished record in order and discipline, Defensor also warned all unit commanders that they will be held jointly accountable should their men be involved in serious cases of breach of moral conduct and other illegal activities.

"I will never condone any misconduct or wrongdoing that can tarnish the good image of the Command as protector of the country and the Filipino people," said Defensor, the chief architect of the PAF Modernization Program.

A multi-awarded and bemedalled officer from PMA Class 1969, Defensor is also the Armed Forces’ Outstanding Tactical Operations Commander, who was recently given a Presidential Award for Military Leadership for outstanding command of combat air operations in Mindanao.

The Tactical Operations Command (TOC), which Defensor headed before his recent appointment as PAF commanding general, controls all tactical air operations of the Armed Forces.

The TOC crushed the offensive of Mindanao insurgents and demonstrated the primordial role of air power in combat — to destroy the enemy’s capability to fight and wage war.

Within this context, Defensor unveiled his vision for the Air Force — "The future is in the skies!"

"Like the Olympic ideals, ‘swifter, stronger, higher’ is the way of the Tactical Operations Command in the future," Defensor said.

Meanwhile, the PAF Civilian Employees Association (PAFCEA) has amassed a total of P2.4 million in assets and financial resources.

This was revealed by PAFCEA president Odessa Apanay during the 6th Annual General Assembly of the association at the Villamor Air Base recently.

In a report to PAFCEA members, Apanay said a total of P390,000 in death benefits has also been paid, with the beneficiaries receiving P30,000 each.

"Moreover, the PAFCEA Cooperative grants character loans of P5,000 for each member at only one percent monthly interest," Apanay added.

PAFCEA also provides members with tuition-free dressmaking classes to enable them to generate extra income during their spare time.

The PAFCEA general assembly is an annual gathering aimed at updating the civilian employees on the current policies of the various PAF units.

Defensor was represented in the gathering by the PAF vice commander, Maj. Gen. Paulino Porquez Jr.