- Published: 19 December 2013
Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City—In
solidarity with the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda, the Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP) came up with a frugal celebration for
its 78th Founding Anniversary that will also showcase the institution’s
legacy as protector of the people and state.
Following the theme, “Tagumpay noon,
Bayanihan ngayon, Karangalan nating lahat bukas,” the two-day
celebration highlights the AFP’s role in Philippine history; its defense
of sovereignty; high standards of competency and professionalism; and
its accomplishment of non-traditional roles.
AFP Honors Zamboanga City Mayor Climaco-Salazar
Among the seven recipients of AFP
Command Plaque is Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar,
cited for her invaluable support to the AFP particularly in the
successful defense of Zamboanga City last September against hundreds of
rogue Moro National Liberation Front members.
Last September 9, some 400 members of
the rogue Misuari Faction of the MNLF arrived in Zamboanga City
particularly in Mariki, Sta. Barbara, and Sta. Catalina and attempted to
occupy the City Hall, raise their flag, and manifest their
independence.
The AFP conducted containment and rescue
operations with the help from Mayor Climaco to block the movement of
said group and rescue hostages that are being used as human shields. By
September 26, our precise military operations resulted in the
neutralization of a total of 314 RMEs (141 killed, 117
captured/apprehended, and 56 surrendered).
PNoy inspects three Augusta helicopters
A simultaneous flag-raising ceremony
will then be conducted tomorrow, December 20 to open the 78th
Anniversary Program that will be attended by AFP Commander in Chief and
President Benigno S Aquino III.
Among the many highlights of the AFP Day
Celebration are the three newly acquired Augusta Westland 109 Power
Helicopters for the Philippine Navy. These will be used in various naval
operations including economic zone protection, surface surveillance,
search and rescue and maritime security operations.
It has maritime air
surveillance/downlink capability and could support marines and special
operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, maritime
interdiction and aeromedical evacuation, among others.
Costing a total of P1.35-billion, the
new AW-109 helicopters shall be ready to be equipped for territorial
defense missions and humanitarian assistance in preparation for future
external defense functions of the AFP. Two more of these aircraft is
expected to be delivered in 2014 for a contract price of
P850.91-million.
President Aquino is set to inspect the
three helicopters, along with a new Sikorsky Air Ambulance, and other
equipment on display during the anniversary program to be held at the
AFP Grandstand here.
AFP Websites
Links:
PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
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