Philippine Air Force ready to lift ‘grounding’ of FA-50 if there is an emergency
Manila — The Philippine Air Force said it is ready to allow the grounded FA-50 to fly in case a national emergency arises after an aircraft crashed last week.
Air Force spokesperson Colonel Ma Consuelo Castillo said that while the aircraft were on administrative grounding, these would have to be deployed “to address any national concern or national emergency.”
The FA-50s, which serve as the Air Force’s primary aircraft in territorial defense operations, were grounded after one of the aircraft crashed in Bukidnon while on a tactical flight to support ground troops fighting Communist rebels. The crash killed both pilots.
The Philippines acquired 12 FA-50s under the AFP modernization program for 18.9 billion from the Korea Aerospace Industries. They were delivered in batches from 2015 to 2017.
Armed Forces has a new deputy chief of staff
Manila — Armed Forces chief of staff, General Romeo Brawner has installed an air force general as the third-ranking officer in the military organization.
Major General Rommel Roldan was promoted to the next higher position as deputy chief of staff, replacing Marine Lieutenant General Jimmy Larida, who was elevated as vice chief of staff, the second-highest officer in the Armed Forces.
Roldan was formerly the head of the military’s personnel division (J-1) at the Armed Forces general headquarters.
The promotion means Roldan would get his third star and is in line to be the next Philippine Air Force commanding general.
Philippine Navy delivers supplies to BRP Sierra Madre
Puerto Princesa, Palawan —The Philippine Navy has delivered fresh supplies and deployed a new team aboard BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded transport vessel in Ayungin Shoal, for the fifth time without untoward incident.
Military spokesman, Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, said the navy’s supply vessels were not harassed by the Chinese Coast Guard, which were seen a few hundred miles from Ayungin.
Trinidad said the Philippines and China had agreed to de-escalate tension during the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) in July 2024.
A month earlier, Chinese Coast Guard teams attacked a Philippine Navy team that attempted to deliver supplies to BRP Sierra Madre. A soldier lost a finger during the incident seen on a video when the Chinese armed with knives and axes seized supplies and weapons from the Filipino soldiers.
Philippine, Japan holds naval drill in West Philippine Sea
Manila — Philippine and Japanese warships held maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea to strengthen cooperation and interoperability.
Manila sent its newest guided-missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal, to join destroyers JS Ariake and Hamagiri of the Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF). The maritime drills focused on maneuvering exercises and photo exercises.
The Armed Forces held several maritime cooperation activities (MCAs) and multilateral maritime cooperative activities (MMCAs) with other countries in the West Philippine Sea this year to enhance its capabilities in addressing security challenges.
Last February 21, the Navy held a similar MCA with France, deploying two warships, including BRP Jose Rizal, and several aircraft from the Philippine Air Force. France deployed five ships, including the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, and several aircraft during the MCA.
Philippines hosts top Army meeting with Australia, Japan, and the United States
Manila — Senior military leaders from the Philippines, the US, Japan, and Australia had “high-level discussions” at Fort Bonifacio to bolster defense cooperation.
Army spokesman Colonel Louie Dema-ala said that the meeting focused on enhancing interoperability and aligning military exercises. The discussions also emphasized the importance of information sharing and mutual trust as key pillars for effective multilateral cooperations.
Philippine Army vice commander Major General Leodevic Guinid, Philippine Marine Corps vice commander Brigadier General Vicente Blanco, Major General Scott Winter US Army Pacific, Colonel Christopher Winn of the US Marine Forces Pacific; Major General Norimichi Shirakawa of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force; and Brigadier General Dean Thompson of the Australian Army attended the CORE 4 Technical Working Group (TWG) Two-Star Level Meeting.
Dema-ala said the next CORE 4 meeting will be held in Hawaii in May.