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Over 400 ‘unknown tracks’ seen in Ph air zone
By Nidz Godino
“We have increased our maritime domain awareness by regularly conducting maritime patrol missions and monitoring over 400 unknown tracks within Philippine air defense identification zone,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in speech at the 77th anniversary celebration of Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Pampanga more than 400 “unknown tracks” within Philippines’ air defense identification zone have been detected, crediting country’s enhanced maritime domain awareness for their detection.
Marcos did not elaborate on “unknown tracks,” although he pointed out that assets such as additional aircraft and advanced radar systems have improved country’s operational readiness as well as its operational reach.
Speaking during PAF anniversary, Marcos administration has been supporting efforts to boost military’s capabilities like acquiring additional air assets, enhancing cyber warfare communication systems and pursuing base development programs.
“Over the past year, we have made significant steps that complement and boost this administration’s vision for stronger, more capable Air Force, indeed, these assets contribute to agile Air Force capable of protecting our nation, our people and our resources; and dedicated to ensuring that we are ready to face challenges with advanced precision, speed and force,” FMJ said.
Marcos stressed stronger Air Force and armed forces would serve as “instrument for peace and for unity, catalyst for nation-building and vanguard of stability.”
He stressed that vigorous internal security operations resulted in surrender and neutralization of over 250 members of local insurgency groups.
“We have also heightened our international defense and security engagements by sustaining our talks with our foreign military counterparts and participating in multiple bilateral and multilateral military exercises, testament to our stern resolve to contribute to global peace and security,” Marcos said
Marcos also said Air Force personnel have been “exemplary” in their undertakings, especially in providing assistance to the needy and in conducting humanitarian and disaster response operations.
He thanked PAF for “gallantly embodying Filipinos’ enduring spirit of freedom.”
“As your commander-in-chief, I assure you of this administration’s support in prioritizing your welfare, ensuring that you are well attended to in terms of overall health and wellness so you may perform your duties effectively and safely ,let it be known that your unparalleled dedication and noble duty to our nation are hereby recognized,” commander-in-chief said.
During event, took place at the Basa Air Base, Marcos witnessed live capability demonstration of PAF’s territorial defense capabilities.
He also led awarding of PAF personnel who displayed outstanding performance. He was given brass eagle sculpture memento towards end of celebration.
Air Force was established on July 1, 1947 through Executive Order No. 94.
Speaker Martin Romualdez, who was with the President at the event, assured military leaders of support for AFP Modernization plan.
“We are committed to providing necessary legislative support to ensure modernization programs and welfare initiatives for our AFP are fully funded and effectively implemented,” he said in speech.
He said House stands firmly behind President’s vision for armed forces.
“We will continue to work on policies that enhance our defense capabilities, improve conditions of service for our soldiers and ensure Philippines remains safe and secure,” he said, assuring AFP that its programs are fully funded in the annual national budget.
Romualdez stressed that Marcos administration “has been steadfast in its commitment to enhancing our country’s defense capabilities.”
“We recognize that in this ever-evolving world, our security apparatus must be dynamic, robust and forward-looking…the administration has thus embarked on comprehensive modernization program aimed at upgrading our defense systems and ensuring that our armed forces are equipped with latest technology and resources necessary to meet challenges of modern battlefield,” he pointed out.
He pointed out that such commitment is supported by substantial budget allocations for advanced aircraft, cutting-edge radar systems and state-of-the-art equipment.
“Advancements are not merely for show; they are essential tools that enable our air force to execute its mandate with greater efficiency and effectiveness…they are testament to our unwavering resolve to safeguard our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Romualdez said.
He also said the President and Congress are also looking after welfare of members of armed forces.
“Recognizing immense sacrifices you make, the administration has implemented various programs aimed at improving your living conditions, providing comprehensive health care and ensuring that your families are well supported…these measures are in place to ensure that you can perform your duties with peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones are taken care of,” Romualdez said.
The House leader thanked Air Force personnel for their “dedication, bravery and unwavering commitment to duty that are pillars upon which our nation’s security stands.”
The Speaker also acknowledged PAF’s participation in humanitarian and disaster response operations.
“Your swift and efficient actions during calamities have saved countless lives and provided critical support to communities in distress…efforts highlight not only your versatility but also your deep commitment to serving Filipino people in their times of greatest need, rest assured, administration and Filipino people stand firmly behind you, ready to support and uplift you as you continue to protect and serve our country” Romualdez also said.
Meanwhile, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has urged government to exert greater effort to protect Filipino fishermen in West Philippine Sea (WPS) against Chinese aggression.
In statement dated June 30, IBP said Filipino fishermen have “legal right” to ply their trade within 200-mile Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and that government is “duty-bound to provide protection” to them.
“IBP stands with Filipino fishermen who are only exercising their right to livelihood inside our own EEZ… IBP also supports legitimate stand of Philippine government in asserting our country’s lawful and sovereign rights over Philippine EEZ in the WPS,” it said.
IBP noted both Philippines and China are signatories to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which in 1982 granted coastal states sovereign rights over their EEZ, extending up to 200 nautical miles from their baselines, which includes WPS.
The 2016 ruling of Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague invalidated China’s nine-dash line claim and reaffrmed Philippines’ maritime entitlements. –
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