MANILA, Philippines – After the flag-raising ceremony led by President Benigno Aquino III for Rizal Day, newly acquired fighter jets of the Philippine Air Force flew by for the first time.
Aquino joined the public in watching a five-minute fly-by or high-speed pass of the PAF’s air assets which include 15 Marchetti SF 260 light military trainers, 10 Cessna T-41 Mescalero pilot training aircraft, eight Agusta Westland AW-109E attack helicopters and three Bell 412 utility helicopters intended for the commemoration of national hero Jose Rizal's 119th year of martyrdom.
READ: New jets, other air assets to fly-by Rizal Park
The PAF’s new supersonic FA-50 fighter jets conducted another high-speed pass while Aquino was greeting the audience after his arrival around 8 a.m.
Aquino led the flag-raising ceremony, received military honors and led the wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Rizal for the last time during his term. He was joined by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and other government officials in raising the national flag.
Photo by: Philippine Air Force/SSg Amable B Milay Jr.