Air Force role in South cited

As skirmishes between military troops and renegades of outgoing Gov. Nur Misuari of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) continue, Air Force planes and personnel continue to be in the center of the operations, serving as "force multiplier" and providing strength and encouragement to ground troops to pursue and neutralize the enemies of the state.

Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Defensor Jr. lauded the gallantry of the airmen and soldiers fighting in Mindanao and expressed pride and satisfaction that PAF planes continue to hit targets with precision and are able to return to home base without a single scratch or damage.

"This is the result of several upgrades and innovations which we have been doing since last year. Fast-flying Marchetti turbo props, reconfigured for battle, were indeed a big addition to our arsenal," he said.