CLARK AIR BASE, Pampanga — President Rodrigo Duterte reaffirmed on Tuesday his commitment to the modernization of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), which he said would be vital in patrolling over the disputed South China Sea. “I assure you that we will build on our past gains to further strengthen the Philippine Air Force,” Duterte said his speech at the Haribon Hangar here during the 70th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force. Also present at the event were Vice President Leni Robredo, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, Armed Force chief chaplain Brig. “The Philippine Air Force plays a crucial role in preserving our national integrity in the face of challenges from within and from outside our borders,” he went on. “The Philippine Air Force is also playing a crucial role in our efforts to retake Marawi City from the clutches of the ISIS-inspired terrorists,” he said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 04, 2017 12:33 UTC