Illustrated History of The Philippine Air Force

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE
PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE

Copyright © 2015 Philippine Air Force
All rights reserved. No part of this publication

may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form or by any
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permission requests, write to the publisher,
addressed “Attention: Director, Office of
Special Studies,” at the address below.
Headquarters Philippine Air Force

Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base
Pasay City 1309
Philippines
[email protected]
[email protected]
Printed in the Republic of the Philippines
ISBN 978-621-95215-0-5
Editorial Board John S. Estiller raphic Artists

G
Editor and Design Sgt. Danilo Z. Tuazon Jr.
Lt. Gen. Jeffrey F. Delgado AFP Sgt. Ray Jayson J. Jardeleza
Historian
Brig. Gen. Galileo Gerard R. Kintanar Jr. AFP Brian Joseph D. Santos
Lt. Col. Francis Karem E. Neri PAF
Col. Augusto D. Dela Pena (MNSA) PAF Rino Abesamis Francisco
Administration
Col. Enrico B. Canaya PAF (GSC) SSg. Felipe S. Cadag
Cpt. Christer Lawrence S. Abastar PAF
Lt. Col. Ferdinand G. Encomienda PAF Photo Manager SSg. Marjorie B. Manuel
Sgt. Jaqueline N. Abiad
Research Sgt. Michael S. Diaz
Editorial Staff 1Lt. Nic-Klyde L. Bajade PAF A1C Michael D. Gaitero
Lorelie P. Doria A2C Stephen Edward D. Usi
Lt. Col. Thad Rufino P. Candelario PAF (GSC) Aiko R. Shimizu
Project Manager A2C Elvie B. Tampoy
Jade T. Buenavides A2C Mon Laurence E. Lamadrid
Jan Emil N. Langomez Edgar A. Buenavides
Lt. Col. Alvin V. Infante PAF (GSC)
Assistant Project Manager
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2 ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE
5 Foreword
7 Introduction
9 Birth of Philippine Military Aviation: 1920s
25 From Air Corps to Air Force: 1935 - 1954

Contents
77 A Leading Air Force in the Region: 1955 - 1971
147 An Air Force for Internal Security: 1972 - 1999
239 21st Century Air Force for Territorial Defense

and Disaster Response
299 Towards the Greater Challenges

This book follows the previous works on the history of the Philippine
Air Force including the Flight of the Future; 50th Anniversary: Pictorial
History of the Philippine Air Force; and the Philippine Air Force Story.
The book in turn was envisioned to consider a fuller and richer account
of the Air Force’s past campaigns and operations, its various aircraft,
and the heroes and leaders through its images.
Indeed, there is a need for a new historical account of the service

considering the last history book was written in the 1990’s. Much has
happened to the nation since then, with the Air Force contributing
everything in any conceivable way for the good of the Filipino people
and nation. These and other events must be recorded for posterity, for
celebrating the victories and exploits, and to remember the airmen.
Foreword
But while previous histories on the Philippine Air Force were intended
for an internal audience, this book is being published with the
various stakeholders and Filipino people in mind. It presents its
accomplishments throughout the past, the present, and even the future
challenges.
The Philippine Air Force today is tasked with the two greatest
national security problems to the nation – territorial defense and
disaster response, of which it is the most organically right and proper
instrument for the government. Let the lessons of history then guide
the Filipino people and our leaders on the importance of air power and
its contributions to the service of the nation, today and in the future.
Rest assured the men and women of the Philippine Air Force shall
continue in striving to successfully undertake its ever expanding
missions in protecting the people, country, and the government,
whether it has the abundance of past resources or the limited means of
today.
Lieutenant General Jeffrey F. Delgado AFP

Commanding General
Philippine Air Force
Flying machines adorned with the distinctive diamond the challenge of terrorism added to its burdens. Recently
with wings, the men and women of the Philippine Air however, it has again began the process to reclaim its
Force have the unique honor of belonging to one of position as the protector of Philippine skies. Through
the oldest air forces in this part of the world. For 68 all these changes in its national defense duties, the one
years, they have stood guard as this Republic’s first constant in the Air Force mission is utilizing its speed,
line of defense, keeping much of our skies inviolate. At range and flexibility to save lives, provide immediate
the same time, they had also been at the forefront of assistance and help rebuild communities from the
saving lives and bringing aid and comfort during times ravages of nature.
of calamities. Furthermore, unlike many air forces solely
designed for war, the PAF played a vital role in helping to The history of the PAF however is not complete if it
bring peace and progress throughout the archipelago. fails to acknowledge those that came before it in
creating a Filipino military aviation arm, beginning with
The Philippine Air Force transformed from a Philippine the Philippine National Guard Aviation Section, the
Army air arm into an independent and co-equal branch Constabulary Air Corps and finally the Army Air Corps.
of service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 1947.
The rationale for this change was in recognition of the
critical importance of air power and the need that it be
commanded by professional airmen. This was a lesson
Their history begins from the second decade of the 20th
Century and goes up to the end of the Second World War.
These organizations and their members not only gave
the Air Force its first heroes like Villamor, Kare and Basa,
Introduction
hammered home in the last global conflict, especially but also provided the very foundation of its raison d’ etre.
in the Philippines. Indeed many of the early leaders of It is through their struggles and achievements that this
the PAF experienced firsthand what it was like to fight country has an independent Air Force.
against an enemy with control of the air in the early dark
days of the Second World War. Later they saw the critical Above all and at the center of this account are the men
contribution to final victory of superior air power during and women who wear the Air Force Blue. They embody
the liberation campaign of 1944 to 1945. the truism that while their organization is a child of
technology, its most important element and one that
The story of the Air Force is intertwined with the history will determine victory is the human factor, from the
of the country it serves. It first saw action in the highest leader to the lowest-ranking airman. They came
counterinsurgency campaigns of the Government from from different parts of the country. Some were born in
the late 1940s to the mid-1950s. From then on until the privilege, most in humble circumstances. What unites
early 1970s, it developed into one of the most capable each and every one is a shared tradition of love of flying,
territorial defense forces in the region until two major service and country.
internal conflicts in the form of a renewed communist
insurgency and a secessionist rebellion in Mindanao This then is the story in words and images of the men
turned its attention inward. If these were not enough, and women of the Philippine Air Force, their forefathers
the need to assist in spurring national development and in flight, machines, trials and ultimately, their triumphs.
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Bi r t h of Ph i l i p p i n e M i l i t a r y Av i at i o n : 1 9 2 0 s
CHAPTER 1
Created as part of the country’s preparation for possible participation in the First World War, the Philippine National Guard
(PNG) later established an Aviation Section that will provide the nucleus of the first Filipino military aviation organization.
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The birth and development of Philippine military Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company as its Far in aviation and a few weeks later, on July
aviation was shaped by the political, social Eastern representatives. Matters were helped with 7, 1920, the Council of State approved the
technological and military climates of the second the availability of surplus military aircraft that could establishment of the Philippine Air Service
decade of the 20th Century. During the First World be used for flight training. Stevenot and Croft later (PAS) which would train pilots as well as operate
War, the desire of the Philippines to provide a established the Curtiss School of Aviation at Camp airmail and passenger flights between Manila
contribution to the Allied war effort and society’s Claudio, a former Philippine National Guard training and the southern ports such as Cebu, Iloilo
fascination with aviation all combined to spur the ground along the shores of Tambo, Paranaque, and Zamboanga. Finally on December 29,
initial Filipino effort to develop a military aviation arm. named after the first Filipino soldier killed in the 1920, Governor Harrison awarded wings to
recent conflict. the 25 military students who completed the
While World War I broke out initially in Europe in course including several who would later figure
1914, the fighting later spread to several parts of the Major Stevenot convinced the US Governor prominently in our military aviation history such
globe. By 1917, one of its most critical developments General in the Philippines Francis Burton Harrison as Porfirio Zablan, Basilio Fernando and Juan
was the issue of United States’ participation in the of his proposal to train Filipinos as military pilots Calvo.
conflict on the side of the Entente Powers made up in his school. Afterwards, the Philippine Militia
of the United Kingdom, France and Russia before its Commission drew plans to create the Philippine What would have been a promising and happy
collapse later in the year. Air Service. After a rigid physical screening, start for the PAS soon turned into bad news the
33 military students qualified for flight training following year. In April 1921, cuts were made into
As a U.S. colony, the Philippines initiated military together with 10 civilian students who paid its budget even as the rationale for its creation
preparedness efforts that culminated in the for their training. Several of the successful was questioned. More ominously, the newly-
formation of the Philippine National Guard. A candidates came from the ranks of the Philippine elected Republican Administration in the United
component of that unit was the Aviation Section, National Guard Aviation Section. States sent Leonard Wood that same year to
which was organized in 1917 and conducted some the Philippines to replace Harrison as Governor
ground training. The war ended in 1918 before its The Curtiss School of Aviation opened its training General. Wood, who would later advocate the
members were able to undergo flight training. course in November 1919 and the curriculum was creation of a Filipino military force, ironically was
patterned after that in the U.S. Navy which Stevenot not at all enthusiastic with the PAS. When the
The initial attempt to form a Filipino military believed was best suited to the archipelagic nature question of further appropriations for the unit
aviation unit would have ended then and there had of the country. Students were taught map reading, was bought before him, Wood instead ordered its
it not been for the efforts of the Aviation Section’s air navigation, meteorology, telegraphy, aircraft abolition.
commander, Major Joseph Stevenot. A former engine, structure and servicing. They also learned
ship electrician who came to Manila in 1909 and engine mechanics. They were required to be In one stroke, Leonard Wood stopped the Filipinos
stayed since, Stevenot joined the U.S. Army during proficient in both land-based aircraft and seaplanes progress in aviation. The pilots and mechanics
the outbreak of the First World War and was sent such as the Curtiss JN-4 Jenny trainers and HS- soon left the service and competed for the few
to the United States for flight training. He qualified 1L/2L Seagull flying boats. aviation jobs available or turned to other trades
as a fighter pilot during the war but instead such as Stevenot who later founded what would
of seeing action in Europe, was appointed to On the morning of April 26, 1920, Cadet Leoncio eventually become the Philippine Long Distance
command the Philippine National Guard Aviation Malinao, a 25 year old Cebuano made history when Company.
Section. he became the first Filipino military aviator to fly solo
in a Jenny aircraft. As more aviation students at the The short life of the PAS came to an end on
After the war, Stevenot retained his interest in Curtiss School soloed, Croft and Stevenot decided December 19, 1921 when Wood turned over
aviation and seeing its potential for the Filipinos, to show their skills in an aerial demonstration to top the aircraft, spare parts, equipment and the
convinced his flight instructor, Alfred J. Croft to government officials and the Philippine public on hangars at Camp Claudio to the US Army
come to the Philippines and join him in a venture June 21, 1920 at Camp Claudio. Air Service. It would take another 15 years
to train pilots and sell airplanes in the islands. before a Filipino military aviation arm would be
The two Americans secured a franchise from the The successful exhibition stirred much interest resurrected.
ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 11

30
Philippine
National Guard
The birth of a Philippine military aviation organization can be credited to American Governor General Francis Burton Harrison, center with members
of his cabinet, when he approved the Militia Act in 1917 that created the Philippine National Guard for possible service in World War I.
30
Soldiers of Philippine National Guard undergoing basic rifle and bolo drills. Members of its Aviation
Section were only able to finish ground training when the First World War ended in 1918.

30
Major Joseph Stevenot (above) has a strong claim
to being the father of Philippine military aviation.
A Manila resident since 1909, he joined the U.S.
Army when World War I broke out and successfully
completed flight training. Instead of being sent
to the fighting in Europe, he returned to the
Philippines as the commander of the Philippine
National Guard Aviation Section. After the war, he
successfully convinced Governor General Harrison
to continue the training of Filipino military pilots.
Stevenot partnered with his instructor pilot in the

U.S., Alfred J. Croft (left) to secure a franchise from
the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company to create
the first flying school in the country in November
1919, the Curtiss School of Aviation.
30
First Military
Training
An advertisement for the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company (above). Stevenot and Croft were able to secure a franchise from the company to open
a flying school in the Philippines. The site selected was Camp Claudio located along the shores of Paranaque and named after the first Filipino soldier
to die in World War I. A former training ground of the Philippine National Guard, this became the training area for the members of the PAS.

30
The end of the First World War was an opportune moment for the PAS as
surplus aircraft such as the JN-4 Jenny became available for training.
30
Along with the Jenny biplanes, the HS-1L Seagull hydroplanes became the primary training
aircraft for the service. Camp Claudio served as the ideal site for training as its location
beside the Paranaque coast provided for both land and sea plane operations.

30
Among PAS student pilots were: (from left) Lt. Porfirio Zablan, Alfredo Carmelo and Lt. Basilio Fernando. Carmelo,
who had flying experience in Germany prior to the First World War, became the first student to solo while Zablan and
Fernando would become two of the greats of Philippine military aviation. The initial Class consisted of 33 military
students, several of whom came from the Philippine National Guard, and 10 civilians who paid for their training.
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Air Service students together with aircraft maintenance crew at the Curtiss School of Aviation.
The PAS training curriculum required students to learn aircraft maintenance.

30
On April 26, 1920, Lieutenant Leoncio Malinao, a 25-year old Cebuano, made history
when he became the first Filipino military pilot to fly solo in a JN-4 Jenny.
30
Philippine
air service
The first Philippine military pilot training class during their graduation on December 29,
1920. A total of 25 graduates were awarded their wings by Governor Harrison.

30
(From left) Member of the Militia Commission M.P. Lueterio, Alfred Croft and Director of Posts Jose Topacio preparing to fly to Cavite for an inspection
and mail run. While the PAS was established primarily as a military aviation unit, it had the additional task of flying mail and passengers.
30
The promising start of the Philippine Air Service was
abruptly cut short when Leonard Wood replaced
Harrison as Governor General in 1921. Most likely
skeptical of the country’s technical and financial
capacity to support an indigenous aviation arm, he
ordered the dissolution of the PAS and turned over its
equipment and facilities to the U.S. Army Air Service
in December of that same year.

30
30
Fr om A i r C o r p s t o Ai r Fo r c e : 1 9 3 5 - 1 9 5 4
CHAPTER 2
The country’s national defense leadership: (from left) Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon, Military Adviser General
Douglas MacArthur and Philippine Army Chief of Staff Major General Paulino Santos. The defense plan devised by MacArthur
and his Military Mission called for an air force consisting of 250 bombers and 100 fighters as the country’s first line of defense.
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The life of an air force is inevitably tied up to the nation’s PAAC faced was the lack of modern aircraft, especially those
interests it serves and the citizens who join its ranks. This is used for combat. A combination of limited funds and the lack
certainly the case of the Philippine Air Force whose beginnings of modern aircraft the inventory of its patron, the U.S. Army Air
were rooted in the requirement of national defense and Corps, forced the PAAC to make do with obsolete ones handed
whose struggle as an independent military arm was forged in down by the Americans as they themselves reequipped with
the fires of war. newer types.
By the 1930s, the question of the future of the Philippines as Even as the PAAC was coping with its birth pains, the
a state for Filipinos was decided with the country undergoing international situation was sliding towards war. In Europe,
a 10-year Commonwealth status beginning in 1935 the German invasion of Poland started what will become the
before being granted independence by the United States. Second World War while in Asia and the Pacific, the Japanese
Recognizing the critical importance of creating a national Empire embarked on a policy of aggression, invading China
armed force to prepare for that future, Commonwealth as early as 1937, and bringing it on a collision course with
President Manuel L. Quezon sought the assistance of an the United States and other Western powers. After Japan’s
American military mission led by former U.S. Army Chief of takeover of French Indochina (now Vietnam) in July 1941,
Staff General Douglas MacArthur for this purpose. MacArthur U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt ordered the Philippine Army
and his mission came up with a plan to create a Philippine inducted into the United States Armed Forces in the Far East
Army whose Air Corps would be the first line of defense. (USAFFE) with the PAAC among the first units on August 15,
1941. As war clouds loomed darker, the Filipino aviation arm
On January 11, 1936, the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) mustered a total of 1,359 personnel, including 142 pilots
was established having as its nucleus the Philippine equipped with more than 70 aircraft.
Constabulary Air Corps (PCAC) and its commander, U.S. Army
Air Corps Lieutenant William Lee. The PAAC’s headquarters A few hours after the Japanese attack on the U.S. Pacific
and training grounds were established at Zablan Field in Fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 8, 1941, the war in the
Camp Murphy, named after PAS pilot Porfirio Zablan. Philippines opened with devastating Japanese air strikes
at Clark and Iba Fields that destroyed half of America’s air
Like any newly established air arm, the first few years of strength in the country. Fortunately, the PAAC was largely
the PAAC were spent on recruiting pilots and maintenance spared from this destruction. Two days later, the PAAC
personnel, creating an organization, establishing bases and had its baptism of fire when the 6th Pursuit Squadron
support systems, and acquiring aircraft. The first pilot and defended Zablan Field against an enemy air attack where
technician trainees were sent to the United States for training. its commander Captain Jesus Villamor was credited with
After finishing their courses, they returned to the Philippines shooting down a Japanese medium bomber. On December
and became instructors in the PAAC Flying School, which 10, Batangas Field was attacked but Villamor again led his
graduated its first class in 1936. Related to this, the Air squadron in disrupting the raid although this time Lieutenant
Corps’ organizational development was focused to support Cesar Basa was shot down and killed. Japanese control of the
training with the 1st School and 2nd Service Squadrons as air thereafter limited the PAAC to reconnaissance flights until
its first units established. As more trained personnel became it was ordered to destroy its aircraft and withdraw to Bataan
available, the PAAC expanded its organization to include on December 23.
pursuit (fighter), bombardment, attack, photo and observation
squadrons. The Bataan-Corregidor Campaign saw the men of the Air
Corps organized into a provisional infantry regiment under
This also brought a corresponding increase in the number of Major Pelagio Cruz, earning them the nickname the “flying
bases acquired with the establishment of air bases at Cebu infantry.” They distinguished themselves in ground combat
(Lahug Field), Cabanatuan (Maniquis Field) and Batangas against Japanese amphibious landings at Quinauan-Aglaloma
City (Batangas Field). Perhaps the biggest challenge that the Point in the southern coast of Bataan from late January

30
to early February 1942. Even then, the PAAC was still for fighter operations at Floridablanca, Pampanga
capable of mounting air operations when Villamor flew which were subsequently renamed Fernando
a reconnaissance mission to locate Japanese artillery and Basa Air Bases respectively in honor of PAAC
batteries at Cavite. Unfortunately the PAAC was caught heroes.
up in the surrender of Bataan on April 9 and its men later
endured the Death March and imprisonment at Camp The PAF never had the luxury of a peaceful
O’Donnell, Tarlac. Nevertheless, the spirit of resistance development for it was immediately employed in
remained undaunted among many Air Corps personnel the campaign against the Hukbong Bayan Laban
who after their escape or release from prison joined and sa mga Hapon (Hukbalahap), a communist-led
fought in the guerilla movement during the Japanese guerilla group during the war that later fought
Occupation. against the Philippine Government from 1946 to
1955. The first few years of what would become
The American return to the Philippines in 1944-45 known as the Anti-Dissident Campaign saw limited
marked the resurrection of the Philippine Army Air success for the Air Force. The tide turned however
Corps. Pilots who returned to Allied control were sent when Ramon Magsaysay became the Secretary
to the United States to resume flight training. In April of National Defense in November 1950. Under
1945, the PAAC was reorganized under U.S. Army Air his innovative and inspiring leadership as well
Force Colonel John P. Ryan and shortly after, its flying as reforms, government fortunes transformed
units were activated. By September, a few weeks almost overnight. The PAF became a key
after World War II ended, the first flying squadron, a element of his strategy, not only being employed
C-47 unit was organized. The following year, the PAAC for tactical support of the Army, but also for
underwent expansion as more units were raised, independent operations within the framework
pilots completed training and equipment arrived of a coordinated Right Hand-Left Hand Strategy.
under the U.S. Military Assistance Program such as The Air Force provided a force multiplier through
the P-51 Mustang fighter, L-4 and L-5 Liaison aircraft air strikes, and also enabled the Army to conduct
and more C-47 transports. Air Corps pilots were sustained operations through aerial resupply
also instrumental in the restoration of the Philippine and psychological warfare operations, which
Airlines. undermined the morale of insurgents. By 1955,
the insurgency was defeated.
The lessons of the Second World War affirmed in the
minds of Filipino leaders, civilian and military, the Aside from its participation in the anti-dissidence
decisive contribution of air power to victory. This was campaign, the Air Force also provided a long reach
particularly clear to the PAAC leaders who saw its to the AFP in its 1954 campaign in Mindanao
effects first-hand in that conflict. What was equally against Hadji Kamlon and his followers at Sulu. It
clear in their minds was that the effectiveness of was also active in supporting national development
air power as the first line of defense can only be efforts through civic action, assistance to the
maximized through an independent air force. Thus agricultural sector and support to law enforcement.
on July 1, 1947, by virtue of an Executive Order by
President Manuel Roxas, the PAAC was re-designated Despite all the hardships and setbacks, the 20-
the Philippine Air Force under Major Pelagio A. Cruz year struggle to create a permanent Filipino air
and became an independent branch of service of the force, followed by becoming independent military
Armed Forces of the Philippines with its headquarters service and finally to successfully pass the
at Nichols Air Base, Pasay City. It was also able to test of war can be considered as true defense
acquire air bases for training at Lipa, Batangas and transformation. This set the stage to create a
modern external defense force.
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Established on January 2, 1935, the Philippine Constabulary Air Corps (PCAC) became the nucleus
of the Philippine Army Air Corps when the military aviation arm was formed a year later.

30
the
Philippine
Army Air
Corps
U.S. Army Air Corps Lieutenant William Lee (right), the

commander of the PC Air Corps, was appointed as the first
commander of the PAAC. The headquarters and first training area
of the new unit, Zablan Field (opposite page), was located at Camp
Murphy (present day Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo). The Field
was named in honor of one of the first Filipino military aviators,
Constabulary Air Corps Major Porfirio Zablan who died in a
training accident in the U.S. on June 17, 1935.
30
30
PAAC personnel inside a hangar at Zablan Field.
30
Lieutenant Jesus Villamor, in the center, with
PAAC pilot trainees at Chanute Field, Illinois in
1937 (top). The first PAAC pilots were trained
in the U.S. and upon return to the Philippines
became instructor pilots themselves. They were
also given the term “Pensionados” as their training
was funded by the Philippine Government.
The training provided by the United States to

PAAC personnel was not limited to officers
undergoing pilot training: Filipino enlisted
personnel who finished the aircraft mechanics
course at Chanute Field on June 18, 1936 with
their American classmates (bottom).

30
Pilot trainees in front of a PT-13 Stearman biplane trainer aircraft. The first class
consisting of military officers and aviation cadets was organized in 1936.
30
Four PT-13 Stearman aircraft lined up outside the Zablan Field Hangar. The PAAC was the
first to adopt the diamond markings that were painted on the rudders of these aircraft.

30
A non-commissioned officer
technician instructs pilot trainees
on the operations of the propeller of
a PT-13 aircraft (left). The DODO
armband connotes a pilot trainee and
this became enshrined in Philippine
military aviation vocabulary ever since.
Maintenance crewmen service the

PT-13 biplanes prior to a training flight
(far left). A plot trainee prepares to
taxi before take-off while his instructor
pilot seated in the rear cockpit gives
instructions (top left).
30
A training flight over Burnham Park in Baguio City.

30
The ritual of “dunking” a pilot trainee in water follows his successful solo flight.
30
One of the trainees of the PAAC was then a little
known lieutenant colonel on MacArthur’s Military
Mission, Dwight David Eisenhower (in white
suit). He was able to secure a private pilot’s license
and identification card (right) from the Philippine
Commonwealth Bureau of Aeronautics. Eisenhower
would go on to become world famous as a 5-Star
General and Supreme Allied Commander in Europe
during World War II and later the 34th President of
the United States.

30
The first few years of the Air Corps were spent in creating a
pool of trained pilots and technical support personnel (top).
By 1941 however, war clouds were gathering that led to the
PAAC being called into active service as part of the United
States Armed Forces in the Far East on August 15 of that
year. USAFFE Commander General Douglas MacArthur
personally presided over the activation of the PAAC (left).
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The threat of war accelerated
training and readiness
preparations in the PAAC.

30
30
A lineup of P-26 Peashooter fighters with an older PAAC B-3A Keystone biplane bomber and
a U.S. Army Air Corps P-35 fighter in the background at Nichols Field (above). PAAC
instructor pilot, seated at the rear cockpit, and his student prior to a training sortie (opposite
page). Their expressions belie the anxiety brought by darkening war clouds in the Pacific.

30
When the 6th Pursuit (Fighter) Squadron was equipped with the
Boeing P-26 fighter, popularly known as the “Peashooter,” in July
1941, it was already obsolete by that time. It was given to the
Filipinos by the U.S. Army Air Corps, which was then equipping
with more modern types. But it was a shot in the arm of the
defense capabilities of the Philippine Army Air Corps.
30
Members of the 6th Pursuit Squadron being given a pre-flight briefing by their commander Captain Villamor, center, during the last days of peace.

30
30
World
War II
Two vees (3-plane formation) of P-26 fighters on a training
mission with two lines of Stearman biplanes in the foreground
in late 1941 (opposite page). On the eve of the Pacific War, the
PAAC had a strength 1,359 personnel including 142 pilots,
and equipped with more than 70 aircraft based at Zablan,
Batangas, Maniquis (Cabanatuan) and Lahug (Cebu) Fields.
PAAC pilots wearing helmets as protection in case of bombing

(top). The Second World War in the Philippines started on
December 8, 1941 with the destruction of American air power
at Clark Field (bottom) by the Japanese Naval Air Force based
at Formosa (Taiwan). Fortunately, the Japanese preoccupation
with Clark spared the PAAC planes and installations from
destruction.

30
30
On December 10, 1941, the 6th Fighter Squadron became involved in the
largest air battle for the PAAC at that time when the Japanese attacked military
installations in Manila. Despite flying the antiquated P-26, Jesus Villamor
managed to shoot down a Japanese G3M “Nell” medium bomber (opposite
page). Villamor was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by General
MacArthur for his aerial achievements (above). He went on to fly a successful
reconnaissance sortie to locate Japanese artillery positions at Cavite during
the Bataan Campaign. Later after being evacuated to Australia, he would lead
an intelligence mission back to the Japanese-occupied Philippines in 1943.

30
During the December 10, 1941 Japanese raid on Zablan Field, Lieutenant
Jose Kare barely escaped with his life when a Japanese fighter strafed and
destroyed his P-26. Thirteen days later, he repaid the enemy by shooting down
a Mitsubishi Zero fighter over Ragay Gulf in Southern Luzon. What was most
impressive about Kare’s victory is that while flying a totally outclassed fighter,
his kill was the best carrier-borne fighter in the world at that time.
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30
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On December 12, 1941, the Air Corps fighter base at Batangas Field was raided
by more than 50 Japanese aircraft. While the Filipino fighters successfully
disrupted the aerial assault, one of their ranks, Lieutenant Cesar Basa became
the first PAAC pilot to die in combat. Basa was shot down by Zero fighters and
machine-gunned in his parachute after bailing out of his stricken P-26.

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The destruction of Allied air power
and the successful Japanese landing at
Lingayen on December 22, 1941 led
to orders to the PAAC to destroy its
equipment, and join the withdrawal
to the Bataan Peninsula where it was
re-organized as a provisional infantry
regiment. During the Battle of the Points
from January to February 1942, two
future Air Force Commanding Generals,
Pedro Molina (left) and Eustacio Orobia
(right) distinguished themselves in the
ground fighting.
PAAC enlisted personnel also

distinguished themselves in the Battle
of the Points at Quinauan (see map)
including:
Sgt. Lino Alcasid, whose marksmanship

killed numerous attacking Japanese.
PFC Benjamin Mercado, who threw

back several Japanese grenades, earning
the nickname “My Ball”.
PFC Vicente Tumaneng, who continued

to fire his machine gun despite being
wounded until he lost consciousness
from blood loss.
PFC Wilson Estrada, who stood his

ground despite wounds during fierce
Japanese infantry attacks.
TSgt. Jose Maravillas, a machine gunner

who repulsed the Japanese.
30
The POST-WAR
period On September 1, 1945, the first PAAC air unit since the pre-war period was
activated: the 1st Troop Carrier Squadron equipped with the C-47 Dakota
transport, better known in Philippine aviation as the “Gooney Bird.”

30
Late 1945 saw a historic first in Philippine aviation history with the appointment of During this period, Nielson Field (located in the present Commercial Business District
Lieutenant Colonel Edwin D. Andrews as the first Filipino commander of the Philippine of Makati) served as the site of Headquarters of the Philippine Army Air Corps. The
Army Air Corps. He would lead the Air Corps in its resurrection as an effective air arm. first commercial airport in Manila, it became the Headquarters Fighter Command of the
Tragically, he died in a C-47 plane crash at Lanao province on May 19, 1947, just a few USAFFE Air Force on the eve of World War II. During the Japanese occupation, it was
months before the realization of his dream of an independent air force. turned into a fighter strip.
30
The liberation of the Philippines accelerated plans to
resurrect the PAAC, which was formally reestablished in
May 1945. Pilots and student officers from the pre-war
Air Corps were ordered to the United States for training
(top). One thing that the Second World War changed was
the resources and equipment for training the PAAC in the
US were more plentiful (bottom). They were also able to
train in a normal peacetime environment as the continental
United States was spared from the war’s destruction.

30
A far cry from the 1930s, the Filipino
pilots in the U.S. were given the
opportunity to train in the top two
U.S. Army Air Force fighters in
World War II: the P-51 Mustang (top)
and the P-47 Thunderbolt (bottom).
30
One of the PAAC pilot-trainees in the US after the war, Captain Napoleon de Leon sits in the cockpit of the famed
Lockheed P-38 Lightning twin-engined fighter. De Leon’s diplomas (right) from the US Army Air Force Training
Command attest to his skills as he qualified to fly single-engine aircraft, in particular the P-47 fighter.

30
Military Executive Officer in the 6th Pursuit Squadron, Lt.
Godofredo Juliano participated in the unit’s most
vicious air combat with Japanese Zero fighters during
Manlunas still contributed to the defense of the PAAC base
by directing anti-aircraft machinegun fire. Tragically, he
was killed by bomb shrapnel while manning a machinegun
World War II. During the December 10, 1941 attack position. Lt. Manlunas displayed bravery and initiative
Aviators from
on the squadron’s base at Zablan Air Field, he flew an on the ground while his comrades in the air engaged the
aircraft to safety. He later joined the Allied Intelligence Japanese air armada.
Bureau as an air warning officer in Negros. In
November 1944, his information led to the destruction In June 1941, Lt. Napoleon De Leon became
our Greatest
of a squadron of Zero fighters by American bombers. Commander of the 8th Air Base Squadron at Camp Tinio,
After the war, he flew P-51 Mustangs, and became one Nueva Ecija. During the Battle of Bataan, he was promoted
of the first pilots who flew the T-33 trainer jets. Lt. to Captain for gallantry in action during ground operations
Juliano also trained in the USAF fighter school, and against the Japanese at the Aglaloma sector from January
later became commander of the 5th Fighter Wing and 23 to February 13, 1942. He later worked with the Allied
Generation
1st Air Division where he developed the Philippine Air Intelligence Bureau, and was attached to the 7th Military
Force’s air defense system. District. After the war he underwent refresher and
transition in the U.S. Upon his return to the Philippines,
On December 12, 1941 during the Japanese bombing of he commanded the Headquarters Squadron, Air Corps,
the PAAC base at Batangas, the plane of Lt. Salvador Philippine Army. On June 2, 1946 he died when the C-47
Manlunas was destroyed on the ground. But Lt. he was piloting crashed at Barrio Pawak, Legaspi, Albay.
LIEUTENANT Godofredo Juliano LIEUTENANT Salvador Manlunas CAPTAIN Napoleon De Leon
30
LIEUTENANT Geronimo AClan LIEUTENANT ALBERTO ARANZASO LIEUTENANT Felix T. Pestaña
During the December 10, 1941 Japanese attack on Zablan Field, chance of survival. The American recounted that Lt. Aranzaso
Lt. Geronimo Aclan was able to take off amidst the strafing, diverted his attention and drowned himself in a deliberate effort
and made a head-on attack on two Zeros. After failing to obtain to spare the American officer of the “burden”.
hits, he tried to ram his targets. He later escaped the fall of Bataan
and became an intelligence operative. After the Leyte landings, Lt. Felix T. Pestaña fought in World War II against the
he went back to Allied military control and was sent to the United Japanese invaders and survived the Death March. After being
States for a refresher course in flying. After World War II, Aclan freed, he was sent back to the United States to undergo refresher
became a Bureau of Aeronautics Administrator involved in the flying training and joined the Filipino Air Squadron being
construction of Cebu Airport in the late 1940s. formed. After World War II, he was among the pioneer airmen
who revitalized the country’s air arm, flying T-6 Texan trainers
A member of Villamor’s famous 6th Pursuit Squadron, Lt. and P-51 Mustang fighters. He was also one of the four pioneer
Alberto Aranzaso flew in its first combat mission against pilots trained in the Lockheed T-33 jet. Later, he became the
Japanese Zero fighters on December 10, 1941. The Philippine Philippines’ Military Attache to the United Nations Command in
Army Air Corps P-26 Peashooters were outclassed by the Zero’s South Korea, Deputy Chief of Staff of Military Planning Office,
speed and agility, but due to the Filipino’s airmanship and sheer Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) in Bangkok,
luck, none of them were shot down. After the fall of Corregidor Thailand. He also became the Commander of the 1st Air Division,
in 1942, Lt. Aranzaso escaped the Japanese together with an Vice Commander of the PAF and finally the Deputy Chief of Staff,
American officer and Filipino Scout. Unfortunately, their boat Armed Forces of the Philippines. As a senior commander he
was discovered, and destroyed by the Japanese forcing them to oversaw the modernization of the PAF’s Air Defense Capabilities
cling to the debris for 24 hours. Lt. Aranzaso was wounded and through the establishment of a radar surveillance network and the
apparently realized that he was liability to the American officer’s acquisition of the Northrop F-5A/B interceptor-fighter.

30
The Independent
Air Force
On July 1, 1947, the dream of an independent military aviation arm was finally realized when the PAAC was re-designated
as the Philippine Air Force by an executive order from President Manuel Roxas, seen boarding a PAF presidential C-47
aircraft (opposite page). Its first commander was Major Pelagio Cruz, seated center, with his staff (above). Cruz would later
become the first AFP Chief of Staff from the Air Force.
30
30
The PAF headquarters was located at an extension of the original Nichols Field built by the US Army Air Force in 1945.
Since the area was a bone of contention between the Air Force and the builders of the Manila International Airport, it took
the intervention of then head of the Civil Aeronautics Administration, Jesus Villamor to award the area to the PAF. The
facility was turned over by the US Air Force to the PAF in January 1948 and a year later it was renamed Nichols Air Base
(NAB). Subsequently, Nichols would be renamed Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in 1982.
30
Basa Air Base was one of the first PAF air bases and its dedicated facility for
fighter operations. Starting out as a pre-war fighter strip, it was greatly expanded
by the Japanese during their occupation and was renamed Floridablanca Air Base
by the Americans after the liberation. When the Philippine Air Force took over
the facility in 1947, it was renamed in honor of World War II hero fighter pilot,
Lieutenant Cesar Basa.

30
As the need to train pilots became the paramount mission of the early PAF, the aircraft
it acquired were trainer types (insets). It was only later that fighter aircraft such the
P-51 were acquired. The first air base used by the PAF was Lipa Air Base (below and
opposite page), originally built by the Japanese during World War II. After the war, it
housed the first flying unit of the reconstituted PAAC, the 1st Troop Carrier Squadron.
Shortly after the establishment of the Philippine Air Force, a decision was made to
make Lipa its main training facility. In 1949, the air base was renamed Fernando Air
Base in honor of one of the pioneer Filipino military pilots, Major Basilio Fernando.
30
30
The huk
Insurgency
Early Air Force plans to create a modern arm capable of defending its
territory from external aggression had to be put on hold due to the
challenge posed by the communist-led Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon
(“Hukbalahap” or simply, “Huks”) insurgency, primarily in Central
Luzon (top). Originally a wartime guerilla group, most of its members
refused to disarm after the war and instead mounted a rebellion against
the government from 1945 to 1955.
Motorized Philippine Army troops on the hunt for Huk rebels (middle).
While the bulk of operations against the insurgents were mounted on
the ground, the Army and Air Force were eventually able to conduct
effective mutually supporting joint operations.
The most effective and versatile aircraft used in the Anti-Dissident

Campaign is the Stinson L-5 Liaison aircraft (bottom). Aside from
intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance flights, it was used as a
light “bomber” dropping grenades or small bombs. Equipped with a
loudspeaker, the L-5 became a platform for delivering the government’s
message as well as for psychological warfare operations. It was also
used as a supply aircraft that enabled army units to operate for extended
periods in Huk territory, thus giving the insurgents no respite.
30
P-51 Mustang fighters being armed for air strikes
against the Huks. Bombing runs during the early
years of the Anti-Dissident Campaign were curtailed
after these resulted to indiscriminate targeting. They
were resumed under Magsaysay after improvements
in training, intelligence and communications were
effected, leading to more accurate engagements.
PAF armorers express their sentiments toward Huk
leader Luis Taruc through the graffiti on the bomb
they were loading (right).

30
30
The turning point in the struggle against the Huks came in
late 1950 when Ramon Magsaysay became the Secretary
of National Defense. Magsaysay devised and successfully
implemented a coordinated grand strategy integrating
military and non-military means to defeat the Huks and
bring back public trust to the government. He also in
effect became the actual commander of the AFP. The
Philippines’ greatest military strategist, Magsaysay also
had the best understanding of the role of air power. Under
his leadership, the PAF came into its own as an arm that
can effectively operate at all levels of war.

30
P-51 fighter on patrol over “Huklandia,” an area comprising almost
the whole of Central Luzon (above). The use of fighters was part of
sophisticated air-ground operations where army troops maneuver
to force Huks to retreat to open but remote areas where they are
vulnerable to air strikes while preventing collateral damage. A P-51
Mustang strike in the Arayat area during Operation Four Roses in
April 1952 (opposite page). This operation marked the first effective
joint operation between the PAF and army ground forces, with air
support available within 20 minutes.
30
P-51

30
The campaign against the Huks also saw the
introduction of helicopters such as the H-13
Sioux (top) in PAF service. Despite performance
limitations, their ability to take-off and land in
terrain not accessible to fixed-wing aircraft made
these light helicopters valuable for air surveillance,
casualty evacuation and transport.
In 1954, the Air Force was also actively involved

in operations against Hadji Kamlon and his
followers in Sulu where it established the Sulu Air
Task Group (SATAG). The distance of the area of
operations from PAF bases as well as its geographic
makeup led to the employment of long-range
fighters and amphibious aircraft such as this PBY-5
Catalina (bottom), without which the Air Force
would have been hard-pressed to fulfill its missions.
30
Ramon Magsaysay, who was elected
President of the Philippines in 1954,
awards the Silver Star to PAF Captain
Edilberto Bernales for his exploits
in the Anti-Dissidence Campaign.
Magsaysay and the Air Force share
many common qualities that led to
the success of the government: keen
understanding of the war they are
fighting, high level of professional
competence, innovativeness in
methods, and a single-minded
determination to adopt what is
now known as the “whole of nation
approach.”

30
30
A L e adi n g A i r For c e i n t h e Re g i o n : 1 9 5 5 - 1 9 7 1
CHAPTER 3
The first PAF Fighter Weapons Team formed to compete in the prestigious “Flying Brothers” Conference Meet in 1959, composed of: (from left) Captain Leonardo
“Narding” Banzon (Team Leader), Captain Jose “Pepot“ Gonzalez, Captain Ernesto “Ernie” Bueno, Captain Angel Okol, and Captain Isidro “Tikboy” Agunod.
30
As instruments of national policy and expressions of propeller-driven fighter was retired from service and the next
national pride, air forces are often judged on how capable year, the PAF was able to acquire the all-weather, day and
they are in protecting their airspace against external threats. night F-86D interceptor which provided increased capabilities.
With the creation of a global community, their ability to Complementing the jet acquisition was the activation of radar
employ air power outside their borders in the cause of sites, and aircraft control and warning squadrons, to provide
peace also becomes a positive measure of their strength as detection and command and control for its fighters. This put
well as that of their country. The Philippine Air Force from the PAF in the position as one the most advanced air forces
the mid-1950s to the late 1970s can be said to have lived in the Asia-Pacific at par even with most NATO countries.
up to these mandates, making it one of the most capable in
the Asia-Pacific region. The strength and capability of the Philippine Air Force during
this period put it in the center of the public eye that saw it as
The development of the Philippine Air Force during this a symbol of the country’s strength. Perhaps the most visible
period was largely shaped by the security environment expression of the nation’s acclaim for the PAF was the Blue
in the region. This was the era of the Cold War between Diamonds Aerial Precision Aerobatic Team whose members
the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet consisted of the elite of the 5th Fighter Wing. Established
Union, where direct conflict was being avoided due to fears by Lieutenant Jose Gonzales in 1953 and making its first
of escalation to nuclear war. Instead, war was pursued performance flying P-51s during the November Aviation Week
through proxies fighting either one of the superpowers or celebration, the team was initially called the Blue Diamond
its allies or both. The 1951 RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty as its original members numbered four, corresponding
(MDT) and the 1954 Manila Pact that established the South to the points of a diamond. By 1957, its performance
East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) were designed not became a regular fixture of Philippine Aviation Week and
only for the defense of the Philippines but also to create a PAF Anniversary celebrations. It was also the year when the
U.S.-led anti-communist front in Asia. As a result, it became Blue Diamond exchanged its mounts from Mustangs to F-86
American policy to build up the capability of allied armed jets and gradually increased the number of members. The
forces. highlight of its performance was during the 1960 Aviation
Week where it performed a 16-plane formation, the largest
Even in the midst of the campaign against the Huks in the in the history of the Team. This was also the time that it was
early 1950s, the PAF was already laying the groundwork rechristened as the Blue Diamonds in recognition of the fact
for a modern territorial defense force. It adopted a Wing of the increase in numbers.
organization for its flying and support units on September
22, 1952 with the activation of the 5th Fighter Wing, 205th By the 1960s, rapid advances in aircraft technology had
Composite Wing, 100th Training Wing and 410th Materiel relegated the F-86 to the role of a second-line aircraft as
Wing. Equally important, its leaders were already planning current requirements called for supersonic jets. The PAF
to introduce an integrated air defense system whose key achieved this capability when the F-5 Freedom Fighter, with a
elements would be jet fighter aircraft, radars and command speed of Mach 1.4, entered service in 1965. In 1968, even
and control headquarters. Matters were facilitated by the the Blue Diamonds were re-equipped with F-5s. To ensure
materiel, training and logistics assistance provided by the that the new fighters and other capabilities were employed,
United States by virtue of its defense agreements with the the country’s air defense was reorganized. The Air Defense
Philippines and by its policy of alliance building in this era of Division was established on September 1, 1961, and was
the Cold War. later renamed the 1st Air Defense Division on February
2, 1966. The Division has the primary responsibility of
In 1955, the Philippine Air Force entered the jet age with the defending the Philippines from air attack, and had tactical
arrival of four T-33 jet trainers. Two years later, it received control over the air defense elements of the 5th Fighter Wing,
its first jet fighters, the F-86 Sabrejet that won fame in air warning components of the 580th Air Control and Warning
the air war over Korea a few years before. By 1959, the Wing and the PAF Task Group at Clark Air Base.

30
One of the main reasons that the PAF was one of the leading air forces in the
region during this period was its active conduct of exercises, not only with
the other Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, but also with its
allies under the RP-US MDT and the 1954 Manila Pact. For example, Exercise
Sumilang was a joint exercise simulating the defense of the Philippines by
the AFP only. Aside from this, combined air-to-air, air-naval and air-ground
exercises were regularly conducted with the American military. Likewise, the
PAF was able to showcase its skills and equipment in exercises with other
SEATO members in events such as the “Flying Brothers.”
The 1950s and 1960s was also a time when the PAF was actively employed
in overseas operations. During the Korean War, an Air-Ground Liaison Team
was deployed as part of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK),
where its task was to coordinate air support from the US Air Force. In 1963,
the Air Force flew a medical team and relief goods to Bali, Indonesia in the
aftermath of a volcanic eruption. That same year, in response to a call from
the United Nations, a fighter unit which became the 9th Tactical Fighter
“Limbas” Squadron was sent to the African country of Congo, where its
members flew F-86 Sabrejets to help monitor a ceasefire between warring
factions. When the AFP sent the Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) to
South Vietnam from the mid to the late 1960s, Air Force personnel joined
the contingent in civic action operations to help improve the lives of the
South Vietnamese. As head of the Air Section of PHILCAG V Headquarters in
1966, Colonel Isidro Agunod distinguished himself by acting as a forward air
controller in the defense of their camp.
As impressive as the accomplishments of the Philippine Air Force in building

up its capability to defend the country by air and fulfilling its international
commitments, it should not be forgotten that it played a major role in
humanitarian assistance and national development. PAF aircraft were
instrumental in transporting people and goods during calamities. The Air
Force also assisted the agriculture sector through aerial pesticide spraying
and cloud seeding to generate rains in areas hit by drought. Government
law enforcement efforts in terms of border protection, anti-smuggling
and environmental protection benefitted from PAF aerial surveillance and
reconnaissance. Lastly, the Air Force mapped the route for what would
become the North and South Luzon Expressways.
At the end of the 1960s, the PAF was confident that the future would even be
brighter as far as its standing as one of the best air forces in the region. Little
did it know that in a few years time, it would face new threats and challenges
that would effect a fundamental transformation of the organization and whose
impact lives on up to the present.
Major General Pedro Q. Molina,

Commanding General of the
Philippine Air Force (1957-1962)
30
30
The Rise
of The
Philippine
Air Force
30
By the mid-1950s, the Philippine Air
Force had built up its strength to an
impressive degree with an integrated
air defense system consisting of fighter
aircraft and radars.

30
The Making of a
Philippine Air Force Pilot
(Left-right, from top) Oath-Taking, First haircuts

for student pilots, Barracks Inspection, Academics,
Sunday Service and Off-Duty.
30
(Left-right, from top) Primary training pre-flight briefing, Instructor pilot supervises cockpit
check, Basic training pre-flight briefing, Flying in formation, Graduation Invitation with the
Commander-in-Chief as Guest of Honor, and Pinning of wings during the Wing Hop.

30
30
The development of the Nichols Air Base was accelerated from one that saw heavy damage in 1945 (above), to a facility
in the midst of a construction boom during the 1950s (opposite page), as the Air Force expanded its organization and
increased its capabilities with the renovation of runways, building of new hangars, and other structures.

30
To expand the operational reach of the Air Force throughout the
country, the establishment of air bases outside Luzon were initiated.
President Magsaysay saw the need for a military and commercial
air facility located in the Central Philippines. A site was found
in Mactan Island (due to security and safety issues caused by the
proximity of the old PAAC Field at Lahug to Cebu City), and Mactan
Air Base was completed in 1961. Subsequently, it was renamed
Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base in honor of the PAF Commanding
General who perished with President Magsaysay in the March 17,
1957 plane crash at Mount Manunggal, Cebu.
30
In 1956, the PAF decided to relocate
its air base from the World War II-era
airfield in Moret Field because this
was prone to flooding. It found an
alternative location at Barrio Sta. Maria
that became the site of the Zamboanga
Air Base. Ten years later, it was
renamed Edwin Andrews Air Base in
honor of the first Filipino Chief of the
Philippine Army Air Corps.

30
While the aircraft and the pilots are the ones who always capture the public eye, the ability to
have adequate strength in the air always depends on well-trained support personnel. A constant
characteristic of a first class air force is a high quality support system in men and equipment.
30
30
Helping to accelerate the process of Air Force development are the defense ties between the Philippines
and its primary ally, the United States. This translated to American training assistance and
opportunities to study at U.S. Air Force educational institutions for PAF personnel.
30
The 1950s was the time that the Philippine Air Force laid the foundations for a modern military aviation arm even
in the midst of operational commitments at home and abroad. One of its most important accomplishments is the
modernization of training with the arrival of new trainer aircraft including the T-28 (top) and the T-34 (bottom).

30
This massive P-51 formation epitomizes
the strength and vitality of the Philippine
Air Force during its first decade even as it
welcomes the technology revolution with
the coming of the jets to its service.
30
One distinctive characteristic of Philippine aviation in the 1950s and 60s is a strong air power consciousness among the
public. The strength of the PAF was in full exhibition during Independence Day and Aviation Week celebrations.

30
The PAF In
the Jet Age
Pelagio Cruz’s (shown in the cockpit
of a F-86 Sabrejet) contributions to
Philippine military history included
being the commander of the PAAC
Provisional Infantry Regiment at
Bataan in World War II; the first PAF
Commanding General (and the first
appointed to the same post a second
time); the one who took the Air Force
to the jet age in 1955; the first to hold
another major service command
position as Chief of the Philippine
Constabulary; and, the first Air Force
Commanding General to become AFP
Chief of Staff.
30
1955 was a watershed year for the Philippine Air Force as it entered the ranks of a
select few air arms in the Asia-Pacific with the introduction of the Lockheed T-33
Jet. Originally, one of the first jet fighters developed, the U.S.-made aircraft was
relegated to training duties by the mid-1950s after seeing action in the Korean War.

30
Commanding General Pelagio Cruz,
center, is flanked by the first jet pilots in the
Philippine Air Force, namely: (from left)
Jose Rancudo, Godofredo Juliano, Felix
Pestaña and Jose Gil. Sent to Japan for
familiarization training, they completed
the course two weeks ahead of pilots from a
number of SEATO countries, and flew the
T-33s back to the Philippines in July 1955.
98
In 1957, the Air Force received one of the most advanced jet combat aircraft of the time, the F-86F Sabrejet of Korean War fame.
The receipt of the F-86 during this period put the PAF at par with most of the leading US Pacific allies and NATO air forces.

30
A year later, the PAF acquired the F-86D all-weather fighter. With its distinctive nose radome housing an on-board radar that differentiated it from other
Sabrejet models, the F-86 “Sabre Dog” provided the Philippine Air Force with a day and night capability to intercept intruders to the national airspace.
100
The Blue
Diamonds

30
The most striking expression of the expertise and capability
of the Air Force was the Blue Diamonds Aerial Precision
Aerobatic Team. Started in 1953 by Lieutenant Jose Gonzales,
it soon became a regular fixture of Aviation Week celebrations.
102
With the arrival of the F-86 Sabrejets,
the members of the PAF aviation elite
would go from strength to strength with
increasing numbers of Blue Diamond aircraft
participating.

30
This diagram (inset left) shows the sequences of aerial maneuvers the Blue Diamonds
were required to perform attesting to the excellence in the flying skills of its members.
One maneuver, the “burst” (inset right) is captured in the photo.
104
The 1960 Aviation Week saw the largest
number of Blue Diamond aircraft
participating with a 16-plane diamond
formation pass.

30
With the Zambales range serving as
a backdrop Blue Diamond pilots, and
their crews pose with a lineup of their
F-86 Sabrejets.
106
In 1967, another passing of the torch happened when the Blue Diamonds
exchanged their F-86 mounts for the Mach 1.4 F-5 Freedom Fighter.

30
Military
Exercises
108
Combined air-naval exercises between the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy and the U.S. Navy circa 1950s. The scale of the exercises
can be seen from the numbers and types of ships participating including aircraft carriers and heavy cruisers. The PAF’s participation
affirms the critical importance of control of the air to ensure successful defense of an archipelago such as the Philippines.

30
Part of the PAF-PN-USN exercises was
Operation Blue Gill, an anti-submarine warfare
exercise pitting air and surface naval forces
against submarines. Air forces provide the
capability to detect and attack submarines
before they get in range of surface ships.
110
Joint Army-Air Force airborne training. Aircraft provided
ground forces with a unique capability to land and operate
behind enemy lines in a concept called vertical envelopment.

30
The true strength of the Philippine Air Force in the 1950s and the 1960s lies in its readiness to perform its mission. Its skills are honed to
razor-sharpness as a result of various training exercises, not only with the other branches of the AFP, but also with foreign armed forces.
One prime example is the Flying Brothers Competition participated in by fighter pilots from all the SEATO member countries.
112
For all the camaraderie brought about by the friendly competition, the “Flying Brothers” is a serious test of air-to-air and
air-to-ground combat skills, where participants know that in the real thing, there are no points for second-best.

30
Joint exercises such as the Exercise Sumilang between the Army and Air Force in the 1950s and 60s
were a regular part of PAF training. The Air Force contribution to these maneuvers included close air
support to ground forces, and airmobile operations. These ensured that the AFP Major Services can
operate effectively and smoothly while complementing each other’s unique capabilities.
114
The
CompletE
Air Force
While the fighters became the darlings of the
public, PAF capability development emphasized
a balanced approach that enabled it to meet, not
only defense challenges, but also those of nation
building and humanitarian assistance through
the acquisition of transports, helicopters and
special mission aircraft.
By the late 1950s, the decision was made to

acquire an aircraft for the use of the President of
the Philippines. The choice became the Fokker
F-27 and testament to its excellent design is
the fact that it is still used as a VIP aircraft at
present.

30
116
Through the decades, the Philippine Air Force’s contribution
to the country was not limited to national defense. It also
served as a valuable life saver and quick provider of situational
awareness and aid during times of calamities and other
emergencies by virtue of its speed of response, range and
ability to reach areas not accessible to land or sea vehicles.

30
Victim of a vehicular accident in Tarlac being
loaded to a PAF helicopter for evacuation. The
wide open spaces of the countryside in the 1950s
makes such evacuations by air possible.
118
An HU-16 “Albatross” amphibian aircraft provided for Search and Rescue,
and air transport to locations accessible by sea (left).
A UH-34 Choctaw helicopter piloted by First Lieutenant Delio Osena

(right) bringing in the First Lady Eva Macapagal in February 1965 to her
visit to the villages of indigenous people of Sierra Madre ranges. Three
main groups, the Igorots, Ilongots and Dumagats welcomed her party.

30
One of the unique roles of the PAF is its participation
in national development efforts of the government.
The missions performed by the Air Force range
from assistance to agriculture to support to law
enforcement efforts: A L-5 aircraft is modified with
sprayers for pesticides (top); and an anti-smuggling
patrol in the southern waters of the country (bottom).
120
An early example of what is now known as public-private partnership: PAF H-13 helicopter landing on the grounds of a Manila
university as part of an air evacuation simulation exercise (left). The development of the first Philippine-made
helicopter was a joint collaboration between FEATI University and the Air Force (right).

30
Aerial shot of Luneta area taken during a photogrammetry mission
(left). Colonel Patrocinio Lapus compares map details with the
actual landmarks on a navigation mission (right). Photogrammetry
is not only a key tool in aerial navigation, but was also used for urban
planning and in the construction of roadways such as the North
and South Diversion Roads (present day North and South Luzon
Expressways).
122
Air Force athletes brought honor to the Service with their successes in national sports competition.
In turn, they did the country proud as representatives in the 1962 Asian Games.

30
The korean war
The first international military commitment

of the Philippines was the sending of the
Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea
(PEFTOK) in response to a United Nation’s
call to stop communist aggression. It
was also the first conflict where Filipinos
experienced winter fighting.
124
The PAF contribution was an air-ground liaison team that coordinated air support from the U.S. Air Force to Philippine Army ground forces.
PAF Lieutenant, and presidential son, Tomas “Tommy” Quirino in the cockpit of an L-4 Liaison aircraft during the Korean War.
This was a period when even the children of the rich and powerful served the country as part of the armed forces.

30
Philippine Air Force piloted L-4 aircraft flies over the Korean landscape on the lookout for North Korean and Chinese Communist forces. These pilots
not only provided early warning of enemy concentrations and troop movements to the PEFTOK, but also targets for American air and artillery strikes.
126
The Commander of the U.S.
2nd Infantry Division awards
Lieutenant Ernesto Bueno who was
one of the forward air controllers
of the PEFTOK 10th and 14th
Battalion Combat Teams. During
the Korean War, the PAF Air-
Ground Liaison Team together with
the rest of the PEFTOK operated
as part of American divisions.
Bueno eventually became the PAF
Vice Commanding General, and
at same time its 1st Air Division
Commander.

30
Bali
Disaster
Response
mission
128
When Mount Agung at Bali, Indonesia
erupted in March 1963, the Philippines
quickly extended humanitarian
assistance by sending a Department
of Health Medical Team and relief
goods. The Philippine Air Force not
only flew the DOH personnel and aid,
but also mobilized its Paramedic Team
to join the mission. The DOH-PAF
humanitarian effort lasted for 22 days.

30
The U.N.
Congo
Mission
130
In response to a call by the United
Nations, the country sent a PAF
contingent to the war-torn African state
of Congo in 1963. Built around the 9th
Tactical Fighter “Limbas” Squadron, its
mission was to monitor the ceasefire
between warring parties.

30
Kamina Air Base flight line with personnel and aircraft from the various national contingents that made up the U.N.
Air Force in Congo. Based at Kamina, the PAF Contingent shared the facility with air units from Sweden and Iran.
132
Equipped with F-86
Sabrejets adorned with the
French initials for the United
Nations Organization, the
PAF Contingent regularly
conducted air patrols from
January to June 1963.

30
Lieutenant Colonel Jose Rancudo rendering honors to U.N.
Air Force Chief General Christian Kaldager (left). Rancudo’s
designation as Post Commander of Kamina Air Base was the highest
position given to a Filipino airman during the Congo Mission.
The Philippine Contingent was headed by Colonel Horacio Farolan

and its main operating arm was the 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron
commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Rancudo, in sunglasses (right).
134
Sgt. Antonio C. Tamayo (second from the right) had the distinction of
being one of the few Filipino soldiers to serve in two U.N. mandated
missions in two separate decades. He served as a Philippine Army
member of the PEFTOK during the Korean War. He transferred to
the Air Force in the late 1950s and became part of the Philippine
Contingent to Congo in 1963.
The PAF Congo Contingent shortly before its return to the Philippines (top).
Welcome ceremonies during the return of the PAF Contingent (above).

30
The Vietnam Mission
From 1964 to 1969, the AFP sent the Philippine Contingent (PHILCON)
and later the Philippine Civic Action Group to Vietnam (PHILCAG) to
assist security and nation-building efforts in South Vietnam.
136
Lieutenant Colonel Isidro Agunod headed the air section that arranged for effective air support to
PHILCAG operations in the country. The U.S. Army OH-6 Loach helicopter was the type flown by
Agunod during his tour of duty.

30
As the Chief, Air Section of Headquarters PHILCAG-V,
Lieutenant Colonel Isidro Agunod received the Gold Cross
Medal when he took control of a Hughes scout helicopter from
the American pilot-in-command wounded by Vietcong fire
and continued directing artillery fire against the enemy. This
and other accomplishments in Vietnam were part of Agunod’s
impressive resume such as being a pioneer member of the
Blue Diamonds, top gun in the late 1950s to early 1960s Flying
Brothers Gunnery Competition between SEATO member
air forces and a flight commander in the Philippine Congo
Mission. He also gained a reputation as one of the outstanding
minds of the PAF. Agunod Hall at Villamor Air Base is named
in recognition of his intellectual qualities and contributions to
advancing PAF professional military education.
The PHILCAG camp

in Tay Ninh, South
Vietnam. One of the
strengths brought by
Philippine contingent
is their extensive local
counterinsurgency
experience, which they
were able to put to good
use in assisting the South
Vietnamese government
and people.
138
Among the PAF Nurse Corps officers who volunteered
for duty to South Vietnam were Lieutenant Purugganan
(above) with Philcag officers as part of the civic action
team, and Lieutenant Rachel D. Delfin (left).

30
pinnacle
of an
Air Force
In 1965, the Philippine Air Force entered

the supersonic age with the arrival of the
F-5 Freedom Fighter. No less than the
Commander-in-Chief, President Diosdado
Macapagal led the welcome ceremonies.
140
30
142
The introduction of the F-5 to the
Air Force proceeded smoothly and
within a few years it was integrated
with nation-wide radar network.
Fighters and radars became part of the
1st Air Division, responsible for the
air defense of the Philippines.

30
6th Fighter Squadron pilots Captains L. Abadia (left) and R. Mateo (second from left) brief Commanding General Juan B. Guevara (fourth from left) at Mactan Air Base.
144
Symbol of one of the leading Air Forces in the Asia-Pacific Region: A pair of F-5s escorting Air Force One circa late 1960s.
30
146
A n A i r For c e for I n t e r n a l S e c u r i t y : 1 9 7 2 - 1 9 9 9
CHAPTER 4
Air mobility provided by these helicopters gave the AFP a key advantage that the rebels could not neutralize. Air power was one of the
primary force multipliers employed by the AFP in countering Muslim secessionists and communist rebels from the 1970s onward.
148
From the time it was created, the Philippine Air Force with the primary mission of air support to surface forces.
has been primarily seen as a military arm protecting The establishment of Composite Air Support Forces (the
the country from external aggression. However, when forerunners of the Tactical Operations Groups) made up
the challenges come from within our borders, its roles, normally of helicopters and light attack aircraft temporarily
missions, organization and capabilities underwent detached from their mother units and supporting ground
changes to respond to the demands of internal security. forces with air strikes and air mobility reflected this
This has been the predominant story of the PAF from pattern.Their operations provided a template for Air Force
1972 onward when it faced the challenges of a new missions in internal security operations: utility aircraft
communist insurgency and a separatist rebellion in the will first conduct intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance
Southern Philippines. flights; attack aircraft then conduct air strikes either as
preparatory bombardment, close air support, interdiction
The late 1960s gave rise to two movements that will or attacks against targets of opportunity; helicopters
subsequently affect the country’s politics and national then are employed for airmobile assaults, ferrying
security: a new Maoist-inspired communist insurgency reinforcements, supplies and casualties; and Air Force and
by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s ground components participate in civil-military operations
Army (CPP-NPA) led by Jose Maria Sison and Bernabe after the fighting.
Buscayno, respectively, and a Muslim separatist
rebellion initiated by the Moro National Liberation The immediate challenge facing the AFP was the CPP-
Front (MNLF) headed by Nur Misuari. The stage was NPA. In June 1972, Air Force jet fighters bombed and
set for an internal crisis in the following decade whose strafed a fishing vessel MV Karagatan in the process of
culminating point came with the declaration of Martial landing arms from China to the NPA off Digoyo Point,
Law on September 21, 1972, and the establishment Palanan, Isabela, leaving it sinking in shallow waters.
of a dictatorship by President Marcos. The Armed This was followed by air operations in support of ground
Forces of the Philippines became his main instrument units in the Cagayan Valley, Sierra Madre and up to
in implementing Martial Law and became involved in Quezon in the following years. When communist forces
almost all aspects of national life until 1986, while became active at Bicol from 1973 to 1974, Composite Air
fighting two major internal conflicts at the same time. Support Force (CASF), Task Force Bicol was activated to
provide air support to government operations, especially
The refocusing of AFP attention to internal security reconnaissance. Three years later, Task Force LeySam
gave rise to a massive Air Force reorganization. One was formed as the Air Force contribution to combat
of the pioneer PAF units, the 205th Composite Wing, the growing communist presence in Leyte and Samar
became an airlift wing by the early 1970s, while the Provinces. By the early 1980s, Air Force operations
acquisition of large transports like the C-123 and against the CPP-NPA extended to Mindanao.
later the C-130 led to the establishment of the 220th
Heavy Airlift Wing in 1973. Nine years later as a result A bigger threat however was the full-scale secessionist
of increased acquisition of helicopters, the 205th rebellion launched by the MNLF in October 1972 that
became a helicopter wing while the 220th removed spread like wildfire in a large part of Mindanao. Two
the Heavy from its name as it took control of all fixed- months later, the PAF conducted the largest single
wing transports. Also in 1973, the 15th Strike Wing operation in its history when it committed 60 aircraft in
was activated as an air combat arm for the counter- support of Marines at Sibalu Hill, Jolo. When the MNLF
insurgency war. launched multiple attacks at Cotabato in 1973, a massive
airlift of men and materiel was conducted to stabilize the
At the operational level, the trend towards air power situation and build up forces for a counteroffensive at
application in so-called small wars led to the PAF’s Central Mindanao. A year later, a 420-man Air Force-Army
transformation as a predominantly tactical air force detachment led by PAF Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto Ravina

30
prevented the fall of Jolo to a greatly superior MNLF force election against the slain senator’s widow, Corazon
until reinforcements arrived. The PAF then provided a “Cory” C. Aquino in February 1986. The results in
key force multiplier that enabled government forces to favor of Marcos were widely condemned as a result
overcome numerous well-armed enemies in the battles of massive fraud and triggered protests in different
to clear Cotabato, Davao, Zamboanga, Jolo and Basilan parts of the country. Then on February 20, Defense
throughout the 1970s. At the beginning of the 1980s, the Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and AFP Vice-Chief of Staff
MNLF was greatly weakened and its leader Nur Misuari Lieutenant General Fidel V. Ramos withdrew their
was forced into exile. support from Marcos. Jaime Cardinal Sin called on the
people to converge at Camps Aguinaldo and Crame to
The requirements of two major internal conflicts, help the two, thus triggering the EDSA or People Power
reluctance of our major ally to provide weapons to an Revolution. On the 24th, the 15th Strike Wing defected
authoritarian regime and the cost of procuring military to the People Power forces followed by other AFP units.
equipment from alternative sources led the government to Marcos seeing the writing on the wall, fled the country
initiate the Self Reliance Defense Program (SRDP) in the the next day and Corazon Aquino became President,
early 1970s. The PAF Self Reliance Defense Group (SRDG) marking the return of democracy after 14 years.
pursued a wide range of projects under the Program
such as modifying aircraft to provide better performance, The aftermath of EDSA did not bring a hoped for
or take on additional roles, developing gliders and normalization as the alliance that brought down Marcos
locally producing weapons and air munitions. One of its fragmented. Clashes within the new government
most unusual projects is the Pugo (Quail), a hovercraft between left and right wing elements deepened and
designed to perform various roles related to humanitarian led to resignations of key officials. The communist
assistance and disaster response. Its most ambitious insurgency grew and neared its peak while the Cory
project however is the Super Pinto, a subsonic jet Administration called back from exile Nur Misuari of
envisioned for local production that came complete with the MNLF to renew peace negotiations. These were
a working prototype, one airframe, patents, engineering interpreted by the rightists predominantly the Reform
drawings, flight test data and exclusive manufacturing the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), as a betrayal of
rights. Unfortunately, the Department of National Defense what it fought for. As a result, it attempted a series
disapproved the project, raising questions about its of coups that resulted in much bloodshed and pitted
marketability. Even as the PAF SRDG was reorganized members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines against
as the Air Force Research and Development Center, PAF each other.
self-reliance efforts ultimately would be hampered by
funding constraints and the lack of a techno-scientific and In the early morning of August 28, 1987, rebel soldiers
industrial capacity. seized the first two floors of the Headquarters,
Philippine Air Force building and controlled the
With the coming of the 1980s, discontent against the aircraft parking ramp at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air
Marcos Dictatorship was growing, fueled by the lack of Base. Fortunately, the Commanding General, Major
freedom, cronyism, human rights violations, poor economy General Antonio Sotelo and the Commander of the
and the growing communist insurgency. Matters came 205th Helicopter Wing, Brigadier General Loven S.
to a head when exiled opposition leader Senator Benigno Abadia were able to escape and secured most of the
Aquino Jr. was gunned down at the Manila International air assets on the side of the government. These were
Airport (MIA) on August 21, 1983, while being escorted used to support AFP efforts to recapture the General
Nur Misuari (top) and Jose Maria Sison (bottom) from his aircraft by members of the Aviation Security Headquarters, AFP at Camp Aguinaldo. Two years later,
led two challenges that predominantly shaped Command, an act Marcos was held responsible for by an even bloodier coup attempt was made and part of
the Philippine security landscape from the 1970s many people. A combination of mass demonstrations and the 15th Strike Wing that joined the rebels bombed
onward: a new communist insurgency and a international pressure forced him to agree to a presidential Malacañan Palace. However, 5th Fighter Wing F-5s
Muslim secessionist rebellion.
150
successfully neutralized rebel air power when they
strafed Sangley Air Base but the strike leader, Major
Danilo Atienza perished in the attempt. While the 1989
Coup was a failure like those before it, the cost to the
Air Force was severe, not only materially but morally as
its members found themselves fighting against each
other.
If the situation in the country during the first half of

the previous decade was grim, that of the early 1990s
was cause for much optimism especially as the first
democratic transition of power since the pre-Martial
Law days transpired with the election of Fidel V. Ramos
to the presidency. The communist insurgency imploded
due to strategic errors and effective military operations.
Peace talks with rightist rebels were successfully
concluded as well as that with the MNLF. With the
abrogation of the RP-US Military Bases Agreement in
September 1991, the PAF took over Wallace Air Station,
Camp O’Donnell and Clark Air Base from the Americans
shortly after.
For the Air Force, the 1990s was also a time of

major changes. New equipment were introduced
such as the S-211 jet trainer, MD-520MG Attack
Helicopter, OV-10 Bronco Attack Aircraft, SF-260TP
and the Bell 412 helicopters. More importantly, the
AFP Modernization Law was promulgated in 1995
and with it the recognition of the need to modernize
among others the Air Force with up to date multi-role
President Marcos waving to a crowd as he alights from a UH-1 Helicopter. He declared Martial Law on
combat aircraft, radars, command and control and
September 21, 1972 and established a dictatorship on the pretext of internal disorder and violence such as
support equipment. Another profound change was the
the communist insurgency. During the Martial Law period, the Philippine Air Force and the rest of the AFP
acceptance of the first female pilots in the Service,
not only became the primary instrument of his rule, but also became engaged in two simultaneous internal
bringing a new source of strength. With the coming
conflicts.
of a new century however, the situation abruptly
changed. Administration priorities postponed the
implementation of the Modernization Program. The
CPP-NPA slowly rebuilt its ranks and the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) emerged take over the banner
of secessionism even as a peace agreement between
the Government and the MNLF was forged. As if these
were not enough, a home-grown terrorist group, the
Abu Sayyaf was born.
For the Air Force and the country, the coming millennia
would be an interesting one.

30
Counterinsurgency
air force
After its introduction to service in 1969, it

did not take long for the UH-1 helicopter
to stake its claim as the ideal aircraft
for counterinsurgency, serving as an air
transport, air ambulance, gunship and
even as an Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance (ISR) platform.
152
By the early 1970s, one of the PAF’s pioneer units, the 205th Composite Wing became an airlift wing utilizing helicopters and light fixed-wing
transports. In 1982, it would be completely re-equipped with helicopters and was re-designated the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing.

30
The air support requirements of the
counterinsurgency war led to the
activation of the 15th Strike Wing in
1973 equipped first with fixed-wing
aircraft such as the North American
T-28D (top) and Marchetti SF-260W
“Warrior” (middle), both of which were
originally trainers but re-configured for
combat and later, the Sikorsky AUH-76
attack helicopter (bottom).
154
In 1971, the United States turned over Sangley Point, off the coast of Cavite to the Philippines. While primarily a naval base, Sangley
possessed a runway and flight facilities. The Air Force took over this area and it became the home of the 15th Strike Wing.

30
A flight of T-28D attack aircraft performing engine run-up
prior to an air strike. While it started its career as a trainer,
the aircraft‘s size and load carrying capacity made it an
ideal attack aircraft in the counterinsurgency campaigns
against the NPA and MNLF.
156
One of the important changes to the Air
Force was the establishment of the 220th
Heavy Airlift Wing in 1974 with the
introduction into service of the C-123K
Provider (top) and later the C-130
Hercules (bottom). In 1982, lighter fixed-
wing transports were transferred to the
Wing leading to the removal of the word
“Heavy” to its appellation.

30
Early years of
CounterInsurgency
The growth of the CPP-NPA at

Luzon made it the immediate
target of government operations.
In June 1972, a fishing vessel called
the MV Karagatan was spotted
off Digoyo Point, Palanan, Isabela
trying to land arms from China
to the communist rebels. Strafing
attacks left the vessel sinking in
shallow waters.
158
PAF Commanding General Jose Rancudo
(center wearing jacket) inspects the shoreline
where the MV Karagatan landed (top). He will
lead the Air Force to its biggest and most intense
combat operations against the CPP-NPA and
later the MNLF.
Distinguishable by its more bulbous nose, the

RT-33 (bottom) is the reconnaissance version
of the venerable T-33 Shooting Star/T-bird jet
trainer. Two were delivered to the PAF in 1970
and were used for ISR and strike operations.

30
UH-1H landing ground troops on a mission
to pursue rebels (top). As the PAF recognized
that helicopters are the most versatile platforms
in counterinsurgency, the make up of the
organization and its capabilities began to change to
accommodate increasing numbers of the type.
President Marcos awarding a medal to a member

of the PAF Security Wing (bottom). In the early
1980s, the Air Force expanded its participation
in counterinsurgency by creating this unit which
conducted ground operations initially in Pampanga.
From this auspicious beginnings, the unit eventually
developed into the 710th Special Operations Wing.
160
Air Force helicopters patrol the
mountains of northern Luzon. The
early years of the campaign against
the CPP-NPA saw much action in this
area, which the insurgents considered
their “Yenan” in reference to the
1930s-era sanctuary area of the Chinese
Communists forces led by Mao Tse
Tung. They never reckoned however,
that the PAF’s ability to deliver fire and
maneuver combat forces by air would
negate terrain restrictions.

30
MBB BO-105C helicopter modified as a gunship in a rocket strike against NPA rebels during Operation Sunrise in the Leyte-Samar (LEYSAM)
area in the late 1970s. With the thick canopies of trees, accurate strikes against the rebels were often challenging propositions. Nevetheless,
attacks by PAF aircraft resulted in the destruction of the rebels’ ammunition and supply depot at Mt. Sohoton.
162
Battle of
Sibalu hill
Two months after the outbreak of the

secessionist uprising, the Air Force conducted
the largest military operation in its history in
support of Philippine Marines beleaguered by
the MNLF in December 1972 at Sibalu Hill,
Jolo. Around 60 aircraft were committed to
the battle that led to the successful extrication
of the Marines. The diagram shows the flight
pattern of aircraft during the operation.

30
Majority of the attack missions in support of the beleaguered Marines
at Sibalu Hill were conducted by the F-86F Sabrejets. When loaded
with bombs, the F-86 could barely reach Jolo from its base in Mactan.
Despite this limitation and clouds obscuring the hill, the Sabrejets
provided continuous bombing, rocket attacks and strafing that
prevented the friendly forces from being overrun by the MNLF.
164
The other half of the Air Force 1-2 punch at Sibalu: while fighter aircraft
pounded MNLF troop concentrations, Huey helicopters provided an
aerial lifeline of ammunition and supplies that helped the Marine repel
successive assaults. They also became veritable lifesavers they were used
to evacuate friendly casualties, often under enemy fire. Without the
helicopters and the other PAF aircraft, the Marines would have been
overrun as no other support was easily available.

30
Battle of jolo
From January to February 1974, the city of Jolo was the scene of severe fighting as MNLF rebels tried to overrun the city
and its garrison. One of the saviors of the city is an AC-47 gunship, a converted C-47 transport with banks of .50 caliber
machine guns along the fuselage. A crew prepares the machine guns to fire on hostile secessionist concentrations.
166
The operation at Jolo also saw the baptism of fire of the F-5 Freedom Fighter. The PAF’s premier
jet fighter found itself along with other aircraft committed to stem the MNLF tide.

30
During the January 1974 fighting,
the 9th Tactical “Limbas” Squadron
Commander Lieutenant Colonel
Antonio Bautista ejected from his F-86
Sabrejet after it was damaged by rebel
fire during an air strike. Unfortunately,
he landed in the MNLF area and was
killed as he fought it out with the rebels.
Bautista was posthumously awarded
the second highest award in the AFP,
the Distinguished Conduct Star and
the PAF’s main air base at Palawan was
named in his honor.
168
Another F-86 pilot, 2nd Lieutenant Raymond C. Elum was killed in action while attacking
a rebel supply depot at Bayug, Jolo. After delivering his rockets and strafing the target he
made a radio transmission declaring an emergency and that his aircraft was on fire. Shortly
after, he crashed along a road three kilometers from the town of Bilaan. Heavy enemy fire
prevented AFP teams from quickly recovering his body. Elum’s failure to eject gave rise to
speculation that he was hit by ground fire and died shortly before he crashed.

30
defense of jolo
Hero of the Jolo Siege: SATAG

Commander Lieutenant Colonel
Ernesto Ravina provided the all-
important leadership that enabled
the joint PAF-PA unit to defeat the
MNLF offensive.
170
In February 1974, a MNLF force
numbering between 1,000 to
1,500 men attempted to capture
the whole of Jolo City. The only
thing that stood in their way
was a joint Army-Air Force
unit under the Sulu Air Task
Group (SATAG) at Jolo Airport.
The heavily outnumbered
unit mounted an epic defense
that repulsed the attack and
prevented the complete
occupation of the city.

30
As SATAG headquarters was beyond the range of air bases, the AFP improvised by
using a Philippine Navy Landing Ship Tank (LST) as a landing platform (left). This
enabled the helicopters to reach and support Ravina and his hard-pressed men. The
ferocity of the fighting in Jolo can be seen in the crashed helicopter shot down by
the MILF with Ravina in the foreground (right).
172
PAF Commanding General, Major General Jose Rancudo is welcomed by Lieutenant
Colonel Ravina during his visit to SATAG after the battle (left). Ravina’s qualities were
even recognized by the Army contingent who agreed to be placed under his control
during the fighting.
Despite their ordeal, Lieutenant Colonel Ravina and his men (right) show the look of
unyielding determination that reflected their defense against heavy odds. The bent barrel
due to heat of a captured FALN assault rifle propped on the jeep was also a grim reminder
of the intense and prolonged combat they underwent.

30
Weary but victorious Air Force warriors: SATAG troops taking a well-
deserved rest in their foxholes (above). While ground combat was not
their usual cup of tea, they proved as good as their Army brothers-in-
arms during the Jolo battle. They fought with only one magazine per
rifle every day during the initial phase of the fighting.
174
For their intrepid defense of SATAG, Major Felicisimo Ocampo Jr. (left) and
139 other airmen were bestowed with various awards. Without reinforcements,
they did not complain and fought to the finish. Another awardee is one of
Ravina’s “frail” soldiers, A2C Ethilwaldo E Dolojan (middle) who stubbornly
stood his ground fighting the rebels at Notre Dame University with a .30
caliber machinegun.

30
After the Battle of Jolo, Lieutenant Colonel Ravina admitted he would never again judge a man by his appearance, as many of whom he called his
“Macho” soldiers displayed hesitation in combat while those with smaller build showed bravery and much greater determination to fight.
176
A few days after the siege of SATAG, the
government launched a counter-offensive to retake
the city of Jolo. MNLF rebels took human shields
and burned a large part of the city to cover their
escape. The destruction around the Jolo Mosque
became an allegory to the fighting in Mindanao.

30
other Operations
Against the mnlf
178
The most sustained and ferocious campaign during the secessionist war in the
1970s was fought in Central Mindanao, especially in Cotabato Province. T-28D
crews discussing details of an upcoming mission to support operations at Jolo in
pursuit of MNLF rebels before take-off (opposite page). The Armed Forces of the
Philippines was fortunate when the T-28D was introduced to service and became
part of the PAF’s aerial arsenal as this coincided with some of the heaviest
fighting between government and insurgent forces. The Mindanao Campaign
also saw the swan song for the F-86 Sabrejet (above). The PAF’s first true jet
fighter ended its career as a strike platform.

30
1976
Mindanao
Earthquake
Even during Martial Law Era, one

constant in the mission of the Air
Force is humanitarian assistance
and disaster relief. Among the most
notable operations of this kind was in
the aftermath of the August 16, 1976
Mindanao Earthquake and Tsunami
where the PAF provided damage
assessment, ferried relief goods,
evacuated victims and mobilized
rescue personnel and aircraft.
180
The shattered building provides
a mute witness to the power and
devastation of the 1976 Earthquake
(top). PAF aeromedical personnel
alighting from a transport with an
injured young girl (bottom). The
earthquake and tsunami claimed the
lives of 8,000 persons while injuring
10,000 more.

30
Fixed wing transports
and helicopters played a
complementary role in
delivering aid to the victims of
the earthquake. The transport
of large volumes of relief from
other parts of the country to
Mindanao were performed by
the former. The helicopters
then delivered these to
stricken areas, especially
those inaccessible to land
transportation.
182
Saving lives by air evacuation is the most important contribution of the Air Force during
the 1976 Earthquake (top left). UH-1H helicopter with pontoons enabled it to land on
water, which was the only way to access many affected areas (top right). In the aftermath
of the calamity in Mindanao, the PAF Task Force Bayanihan utilized Nomad (above left)
and C-123 (above) aircraft to transport 20 medical teams, 1,684 relief personnel and
1,257,657 lbs of relief goods to the hardest hit communities.

30
Assistance
to National
Development
Drought is an ever present

challenge to agriculture in
tropical countries. Cloud
seeding to induce rain is a
particularly valuable PAF role
to the agricultural sector.
184
While the AFP suffered from a largely
negative perception as it expanded its role in
many areas of national life during the Martial
Law era, there were cases of benefits to the
population such as the mail runs by PAF
aircraft (top) to areas that cannot be accessed
by the commercial airlines.
One of the most unusual episodes in the

history of the Air Force during this period was
its successful negotiation for the surrender
and subsequent repatriation of the longest
hiding Japanese soldier-straggler Hiroo
Onoda in the Philippines on 1974 (bottom).
Commanding General Rancudo inspects
Onoda’s sword while Onoda still in his World
War II uniform salutes.

30
External
Defense
UH-1H helicopters over Basa Air

Base with F-8 Crusader, F-5 and
T-33 fighters on the ramp. In the
Martial Law era, the PAF began to
assume the character of a tactical air
force primarily employed for ground
support. Even in the midst of two
major internal conflicts, it battled
limited resources to fulfill its primary
mandate of external defense.
186
In 1975, an airstrip was constructed at the Pag-asa Island to support oil exploration activities off Palawan and help
strengthen the Philippines’ presence in the area. The airstrip would later be named in honor of Major General Rancudo.

30
The Philippine Air Force’s finest: (from left) Major
Loven Abadia, Captain Delos Santos, Lieutenant
Edilberto Yap, Lieutenant De Guzman, Lieutenant
Carmelito Nemeño, Lieutenant Paul Durano, with
their U.S. Air Force counterpart (kneeling) during
the 1975 SEATO Exercise.
188
A close-formation flight of PAF F-5s passes an allied destroyer as part of the 1975 SEATO Exercises. Composed of the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, the U.S., Great
Britain, France and Pakistan, the South-East Asian Treaty Organization (SEATO) was similar to NATO, organized to counter communist aggression in Asia. The
SEATO maneuvers have a resonance in the present as they were held as part of the Alliance’s defensive preparations against aggression by a regional hegemon.

30
The most visible expression of PAF external defense in the Martial Law Era was the
acquisition of 24 F-8 Crusader jet fighters in 1978 from the U.S. With performance
superior to the F-5, the Crusader won fame in the Vietnam War as that conflict’s
”MiG-Killer.” However, the expense and difficulties of maintaining the aircraft
limited its service with the Air Force only up to 1992.
190
A regular occurrence during the 1980s: F-8
Crusader on patrol over our western frontier (top).
The importance of this area can be seen in the
deployment to Palawan of the PAF’s best fighters.
Commanding General, Lieutenant General Vicente

Piccio (bottom) talking to F-8 pilots before their
take-off for air defense patrols in Palawan.

30
defense The need to meet the requirements of two internal
conflicts as well as territorial defense, the reluctance
self-reliance
of its major ally to provide newer arms and the
growing cost of imported weapons led to the
establishment of the AFP Self Reliance Defense
Program (SRDP). The Air Force Self Reliance
Defense Group (SRDG) spearheaded PAF efforts to
locally produce weapons and other air equipment.
192
What would have been the high point of the Air Force Self
Reliance Defense Program, the Cali is a subsonic jet designed
primarily as a trainer but with potential for other roles. The
Air Force was set to begin local production in 1976, but
questions by the Department of National Defense (DND) on
its sales potential to foreign markets cancelled the project.

30
PAF research and development efforts resulted in the locally manufactured napalm bombs (top left), the conversion of C-47s into gunships
(top right), and the production of concrete bombs (bottom left). One of the most unusual PAF SRDP project is the Pugo (Quail) hovercraft
(bottom right). This was prompted by the need to improve Air Force capability for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
194
The EDSA Revolt
One of the most infamous events in the nation’s history was the assassination
of Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. in 1983. The event will be forever be connected
to the Philippine Air Force, if only it occurred under its watch.

30
As the 1970s gave way to a new decade, opposition to Marcos’
authoritarian rule grew. The assassination of returning Senator
Benigno S. Aquino Jr. on August 21, 1983 at the Manila
International Airport while under the custody of the Aviation
Security Command (AVSECOM) fanned the flames of opposition
leading to a snap election in 1986 between his widow, Cory, and
Marcos. The bitterly contested results led to the February 1986
EDSA Revolt.
196
The first three days of the uprising was a stand-off but one of its most dramatic moments came in the morning of February 24 with the arrival of helicopters from the 15th Strike Wing. The
initial atmosphere of tension among the EDSA People Power forces as the aircraft neared turned to relief and euphoria when they learned that the 15th Strike Wing had joined their side.

30
The friendly helicopters became objects of admiration for the civilians who saw the first significant reinforcements to the defenders of Camps Aguinaldo and Crame. The defection of Colonel
Antonio Sotelo, speaking on the telephone between General Fidel V. Ramos and Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, and the 15th Strike Wing marked the turning point of the EDSA Revolt as
the rebels were able to gain command of the air. Not surprisingly, their action was shortly followed by mass defections from other AFP units leading Marcos to see the writing on the wall and
flee the country with his family on February 25.
198
The EDSA revolution also saw the assumption of Corazon “Cory” Aquino as President, marking the restoration of democracy to the country.
The military leadership associated with the Marcos regime was quickly replaced with General Fidel V. Ramos (seated) appointed as the
new Chief of Staff and Major General Ramon Farolan (standing beside Cory) as the Commanding General, Philippine Air Force.

30
Defending
Democracy
200
The restoration of democracy brought new challenges to the country this time from the right-wing
forces represented by the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM). On August 28, 1987, as part
of a series of attacks on key government installations, they were able to take control of all the gates of
the Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base (opposite page) and seized the first two floors of the Headquarters,
Philippine Air Force Building (left). The Commanding General, Major General Antonio Sotelo (right)
was trapped in the HPAF’s third floor but fortunately, 205th Helicopter Wing Commander Brigadier
General Loven Abadia, deployed a rescue team that enabled him to escape to friendly forces.

30
Abadia together with his pilots were able fly the UH-1 helicopters from the rebel-controlled parking ramp of Villamor Air Base to safety
(top). Later he would lead missions (bottom) to support the Government counter-offensive to recapture the GHQ at Camp Aguinaldo
against RAM forces.
202
Two years later, on December 2, 1989,
RAM again tried to seize power. This
time, it learned its lessons well on the
value of air power and was able to get its
own “air force” from renegade elements in
the 15th Strike Wing. The rebel aircraft
then bombed Malacañan Palace. The SFP
painted on the T-28D aircraft stands for
“Soldier of the Filipino People.”

30
With the need to neutralize the threat posed by RAM-SFP aircraft
being paramount, the Air Force dispatched three F-5 fighters under
the command of Major Danilo Atienza to bomb and strafe Sangley
Air Base. The attack was successful but Major Atienza lost his life
when his aircraft crashed while strafing the rebel aircraft. He would be
posthumously awarded the AFP’s highest decoration for bravery, the
Medal of Valor, and Sangley Air Base would be renamed in his honor.
204
The result of the attacks by Atienza
and the two other fighter pilots: shell-
riddled and destroyed RAM rebel T-28D
Trojans. The neutralization of RAM/
SFP-controlled aircraft and subsequent
control of the air by the Government
was one of the factors for the failure of
the 1989 Coup attempt.

30
Despite eventually winning control of the air against the
RAM-SFP, forces, it was not a one-sided success for the
Government as rebel ground fire hit a door gunner in a
PAF UH-1 helicopter (above). Nevertheless, the loss of
their air component rendered the rebels’ armor vulnerable
to government counterstrikes leading to their destruction.
206
DEFEATING THE npa
UH-1H landing Special Action

Force troops during operations
against NPA rebels in Pangasinan.
Even as the government was
contending with RAM, the CPP-
NPA had greatly increased its
strength and presence throughout
the country, achieving its highest
strength in armed personnel in
1988. Large scale campaigns were
conducted in many parts of the
country, especially at the Southern
Tagalog, Marag Valley, and Bicol
Region in Luzon and Compostela
Valley in Mindanao.

30
Air power and special forces
synergy: PAF helicopters and
the Scout Rangers produced
the most effective counter
insurgency team during the
height of communist activities
(top and opposite page).
Colonel Marcelo C. Blando,

extreme right, commanding
officer of the Army’s First Scout
Ranger Regiment (FSRR),
confers with his subordinate
commanders prior to mounting
an airmobile operation (right).
208
30
Air mobility provided by the Air Force gave
two key advantages to the AFP that cannot be
matched by the insurgents: the ability to ferry
troops and supplies over long distances by fixed
wing transports (top) and quick access to remote
locations via helicopter (left).
210
A Huey door gunner on the lookout for rebel troops on the
ground (top). Accompanying the UH-1H is an AUH-76
attack helicopter. Eyes for the ground forces: a returning
Huey communicating the results of its surveillance sortie
to Philippine Army troops (bottom). The scale of this
operation may be surmised from the fact that armored
personnel carriers and aircraft were used.

30
Commander of the 4th Composite
Air Support Force (CASF) Major Raul
Veloso supervises the loading of rockets
on an AUH-76 helicopter gunship (top
left). Captain Marcelino Garbo directs
operations from a Huey (top right) against
communist rebels in the NPA stronghold
at Mt. Banahaw. Another view of the
Sikorsky helicopter being rearmed with
rockets (left). This attack helicopter is
often paired with the UH-1H for air assault
missions, the former softening the target
with air strikes before the latter landing
ground troops to eliminate enemy forces
and capture their strongholds.
212
Philippine Constabulary Colonel Reynaldo Wycoco, seated, briefing Air Force Captain Bienvenido C. Latag, standing right, on plans to airlift
constabulary troops to Quezon in pursuit of 150 NPA rebels (left). A door gunner on a troop-carrying UH-1H scans the terrain for possible
targets (right). The effectiveness of air support in these operations largely depends on the understanding of the capabilities and limitations of
airpower.

30
Scout Rangers inspect a boat that ran aground at Lamon Bay in Quezon province. The vessel was attacked
by two helicopters as part of operations in Patnanogan Island where three insurgents were killed.
214
The PAF Commanding General, Major General Leopoldo Acot Jr., awards Lieutenant Hubert Yulo was killed in operations
the Gold Cross to Lieutenant Benjamin Baquiano, a UH-1 helicopter against rebel soldiers during the Alexander Noble
pilot, for heroism during troop insertion operations in Misamis Oriental Uprising in October 1990 (above). Lt. Yulo flew
Province (top). The same medal was awarded to another helicopter pilot, his first combat mission in an T-28D against a
Lieutenant Joseph C. Espiritu by the Vice Commanding General, Brigadier rebel Sikorsky AUH-76 gunship on October 4,
General Rogelio Estacio, this time for a hostage rescue operation in Lanao 1990. The 23-year old pilot’s aircraft lost power
against the MNLF (above). and he died when he ejected too late.

30
marag valley
Campaign
One of the most ferocious operations

fought by the AFP in the early 1990s was
the Marag Valley Campaign in Northern
Luzon. Located in the Cagayan Valley,
this heavily forested region bounded by
mountains was a major area for large-
scale operations of the New People’s
Army. The strength of the NPA required
the deployment of an army division and
significant air support.
216
The difficulty of fighting the NPA in Marag Valley can be attributed not only to
the strength of the rebels but also to the terrain that lent itself to defense. In such
a situation, army ground forces turned to the PAF to provide them with extra
firepower, mobility and the wherwithal to fight and overcome the communist
forces in the area. Two of the most important aircraft used by the Air Force at
Marag are the OV-10 attack aircraft, of the type shown above, and the UH-1H
here on a resupply mission while under enemy fire.

30
COUNTER-TERRORISM
The early 1990s saw the rise of the most notorious

terrorist group in Philippine history, the Abu
Sayyaf. It first gained notoriety with the massacre
of Christian residents in Jolo, then followed up
with the abduction of Father Cirilo Nacorda in
1994. The AFP then launched a massive operation
spearheaded by the Philippine Marines with PAF
strike and airmobile assets.
218
The need to conduct operations in rugged terrain
and heavily forested areas posed severe challenges for
Philippine Marines during their operations against
the ASG. Fortunately, they could call on the Air Force
to facilitate their offensive. During the operations to
rescue Father Nacorda, UH-1H airlifted assault troops
(right) and reinforcements to the battlefront (top right)
and then evacuated casualties (above and top).

30
As the AFP offensive progressed towards
the ASG stronghold, it began to encounter
increasing resistance. The PAF became the
“eyes’ of the Marine forces as its helicopter on
a reconnaissance flight identified this terrorist
camp at Sampitnit, Isabela, Basilan. The aircraft
then guided the Marines in overunning the camp.
220
One of the most sacred military traditions is to leave no man behind on the battlefield, dead or alive. The Air Force and the
Marines lived up to this tradition as a UH-1H crew awaits the bodies of Marines killed during the capture of the ASG camp.

30
1990 Luzon
Earthquake
On July 16, 1990, a powerful earthquake hit Luzon with
Baguio City bearing the brunt of the loss of lives and the
damage. Despite the limited space offered by Loakan
Airport, PAF C-130 aircraft landed to bring humanitarian
aid while evacuating residents to safer areas.
222
The greatest loss of life during the July 16, 1990 Earthquake occurred in the destruction of the Hyatt Terraces Hotel, Baguio. Two
injured survivors from the hotel were evacuated to Villamor Air Base by UH-1H helicopters (above left). The mountainous regions
of Northern Luzon were also hard hit by the earthquake that isolated them from land communications. Air Force flights enabled
Nueva Vizcayanos to have food and other supplies until roads were repaired (top left). In effect, the PAF became their only lifeline
in the immediate aftermath of the calamity (above right).

30
Mt. Pinatubo
Eruption
224
When Mt. Pinatubo erupted on June 13, 1991 (opposite page), Air Force pilots flying T-41Ds with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS) officials as passengers flew
through the thick ash and other debris to measure the sulfuric levels in specific areas (left). They also provided information on the areas affected by the ash fall and lahar mudflows (top right).
These flights involved great danger to men and machines. Later PAF UH-1H helicopters conducted search and rescue operations to residents of communities devastated by Pinatubo (bottom
right).
30
The days and months following the Pinatubo Eruption reaffirmed
the critical importance of the Air Force as the key first and sustained
responder to the government HADR effort. It was the only agency
that was able to provide initial damage assessment on the scale of the
destruction, as well as early warning on the course and direction of the
lahar flows. Later, it provided a comprehensive picture of the extent of
devastation of what became one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions
in history.
226
30
PAF Capability
Development
Even as it emerged from the

difficult challenges of the
late 1980s, the beginning of
the following decade saw the
country enjoying a period
of stability and economic
growth. The election of Fidel
V. Ramos as President in 1992
saw peace negotiations with the
rightist rebels and the MNLF
successfully concluded.
228
The end of an era was marked with the abrogation of the RP-US
Military Bases Agreement by the Philippine Senate in 1991. As a
result, several military facilities occupied by the U.S. forces were
turned over to the Philippine Air Force such as Clark Air Base
(left), Wallace Air Station (above) and Camp O’Donnell.

30
The 1990s also brought new
aircraft for the PAF like the MD-
520MG attack helicopter (right),
OV-10 Bronco (top opposite
page) and the S-211 jet trainer
(bottom opposite page).
230
30
1993 marked a first in the
history of Philippine military
aviation with the graduation
of the first PAF women pilots.
Lt. Maxima Emma Oximoso,
standing in the cockpit, with
Lt. Sharon Gernale in an S-211
trainer aircraft.
232
(Top) The accomplishments of the first female
military aviators paved the way for gender
equality as an increasing number of women
joined the ranks of the PAF. Aviation Cadets
Rona Catunao, center, and Emily Kalalo, behind,
were among the first five female Aviation Cadets
who completed flight training as part of the
Philippine Air Force Flying School Class of
1995B. (Bottom) Members of Philippine Military
Academy Class 1997 who later joined the Air
Force were Cadets Aireen Somera, second from
left, and Ma. Consuelo Nunag, second from right.

30
A lineup of F-5 fighters at the Basa Air Base. By the 1990s, the Freedom
Fighter was already long overtaken in capabilities by newer generation
fighters, but their cost on the one hand and the preoccupation with the
communist and separatists insurgencies on the other left the government
with no funds for the acquisition of modern combat aircraft.
234
Air Force Commander Major General Gerardo Protacio, second from left, with AFP Chief of Staff, General Rodolfo Biazon, left,
most, presents a copy of the 10-Year PAF Modernization Plan to Senator Santanina Rasul and Representative Vicente Paterno.
The plan became the blueprint to acquire new equipment in response to the need to have an adequate home-grown territorial
defense capability after the removal of the U.S. military bases. Recognizing the need to modernize capabilities that had degraded
since the 1970s, Congress enacted the AFP Modernization Act in 1995. The Air Force Program called for a modern integrated
air defense system composed of up-to-date multi-role fighters, radars, surface-to-air missiles systems, command and control and
communications systems, support facilities and attendant doctrines.

30
WEST
Philippine
Sea defense
An S-211 pilot on patrol over the

West Philippine Sea. Since 1993, the
Philippine Air Force has regularly
deployed these jet trainers for
maritime patrol in the area.
236
The S-211 trainer jet proved to be the ideal patrol aircraft
for the WPS (top). Faster than propeller-driven types, it was
significantly less expensive to use and had a longer loiter
time than the F-5 fighter jet. In their missions, PAF patrols
had frequent encounters with foreign naval vessels armed
with air defense systems.
The S-211 was complemented by other PAF aircraft that

possessed the range to reach the counrty’s territorial
boundaries such as the OV-10 Bronco attack aircraft
(middle) and the N-22 Nomad transport (bottom). Together
with the air and naval units of the Philippine Navy assigned
to the Western Command, they regularly perform maritime
patrol missions and project the country’s interest in the area.

30
238
2 1 s t Ce n t u r y Ai r Fo r c e fo r
Te r r i t or i al D e f e n s e a n d Di s a s t e r Re s p o n s e
CHAPTER 5
A familiar sight over the West Philippine Sea in the 21st Century: PAF OV-10 aircraft on an aerial maritime patrol.
240
With the advent of a new century, the Philippine Air Force Together with the Philippine Navy, the PAF stepped up its
found itself together with the whole Armed Forces of the maritime surveillance patrols over the area. S-211s and OV-
Philippines in a new anti-secessionist campaign against 10s mounted regular sorties, sometimes complemented by
the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), albeit in the old F-27 transports. These aircraft brought valuable information
battlegrounds of Central Mindanao. From April to July on the extent of foreign improvements to facilities and
2000, the PAF 530th Composite Tactical Wing provided air expansion, the presence of naval ships and even reports of
support to the ground offensive against the MILF that was military aircraft. In 2014, PAF aircraft provided information
capped with the capture of Camp Abu Bakr. of the construction of artificial islands in the WPS. For their
part, C-130 Hercules and N-22 Nomads flew supplies to the
A year later, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on Pag-asa Island.
the United States prompted it to declare a global war on
terror, leading to renewed cooperation with the Philippines While the new administration was able to forge an agreement
in counter-terrorism. This led to U.S. aid to the Philippine with the MILF, operations against threats to peace in
Air Force for additional helicopters, as well as night flying Mindanao continue. In 2011, military operations against
terror groups in the Zamboanga Peninsula were aided by
training and equipment. The rest of the decade saw the
intense close air support that greatly helped the advance
PAF active in conducting air operations against the Abu
of ground forces. Then in September 2013, MNLF forces
Sayyaf terrorists and its regional partner, Jemaah Islamiya, affiliated with its former head and ex-Autonomous Region
as well as renegade elements of the former Moro National for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Nur Misuari
Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic attempted to seize Zamboanga City. The Air Force quickly
Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Another related development airlifted reinforcements, equipment and relief assistance
was the expansion of the Air Force’s 710th Special to the residents, then conducted air strikes against rebel
Operations Wing whose Combat Groups were deployed in concentrations. It also conducted air surveillance on
the Southern Tagalog region against the CPP-NPA. enemy movements while providing security to Zamboanga
International Airport until the crisis subsided.
The administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino
III that assumed power in 2010 marked a major change The 21st Century spawned some of the deadliest and
in national security policy by putting greater emphasis most destructive calamities that hit the country, a normal
on territorial defense. The need to rebuild a respectable occurrence for an archipelago located in the Ring of Fire and
capability to protect the Philippines’ maritime and other the Pacific typhoon belt. The names Milenyo, Ondoy, Frank,
strategic interests became one of his priorities, especially Glenda and most especially Yolanda have become part of
in the light of the absence of a fighter capability with the the national and international lexicons for powerful typhoons.
retirement of the F-5 in 2005. As if these were not enough, the country also has to contend
with volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and landslides. These
The renewed interest in territorial defense could not disasters have caused great loss of lives and destruction of
have come at a more critical moment. The claimant property. Fortunately, the Air Force have consistently provided
nations started to again flex their muscles in the West immediate assistance to save lives and support long term
Philippine Sea, including developments in the Reed Bank rehabilitation of the affected communities. Likewise, the high
and Scarborough Shoal since 2011. More ominously, likelihood of similar occurrences led the Air Force to devote
the harassment of Filipino fishermen became a regular more resources and training for Humanitarian Assistance and
occurrence as they were driven away from their traditional Disaster Response operations and capability development.
fishing grounds. Likewise, Philippine vessels were
intercepted and harassed, especially those transporting The Air Force has also answered the call of the international
supplies to areas held by the Philippines. community to help bring peace and humanitarian assistance

30
to strife-torn and disaster-stricken areas in other
parts of the world. In 2008, an Air Force C-130
flew a medical team and relief assistance to
Myanmar in the aftermath of Cyclone Nagris.
As part of a joint AFP Peacekeeping Operations
(PKO) Contingents, Air Force personnel were
likewise deployed to Haiti, Liberia, Sudan, the
Ivory Coast, the Indo-Pakistan Border and
the Golan Heights. In 2011, Liberia became
the deployment area for the Air Force PKO
Contingent.
The wide range of operational responsibilities

of the Philippine Air Force and the age
of its current equipment has made force
modernization to meet current and future
challenges a critical imperative. In 2012,
the Philippine Congress amended the AFP
Modernization Act by extending its period of
implementation by another 15 years. More
importantly, President Benigno Aquino III
allocated a substantial increase in funds to
acquire modern equipment. As a result, the
Air Force is starting to receive new aircraft
such as lead-in fighter/surface attack aircraft,
attack helicopters and transports. These are
complemented by earlier and current PAF
efforts such as utility helicopter and trainer
aircraft acquisitions, and comprehensive
master development plans for bases to enable
these to meet future requirements.
On a final much happier note, the PAF came

out in full force to ensure the ease of travel,
protection and safety of His Holiness Pope
Francis during his visit to the Philippines in
January 2015.
An old warhorse in a new century: Despite

being in the PAF service since 1969, the UH-
1H is still a much versatile platform in the 21st
Century.
242
The 2013 Supertyphoon Yolanda has brought to the fore the growing challenge brought about by extreme weather phenomena which
the PAF has to address. Yolanda was the strongest of a series of typhoons that have become a regular occurrence to the country.

30
Abu Bakr
Campaign
President Joseph Estrada reviewing

PAF troops at Colonel Jesus Villamor
Air Base. Two years after his election
in 1998, he would order the AFP to
launch a military campaign to stop the
encroachments of the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front in Central Mindanao.
244
Despite the 1996 peace agreement between the government and the MILF,
the problem of secessionism remained with the rise of the MILF leadership of
Hashim Salamat. Wounded soldiers (top) were loaded to a MD-520 helicopter
during one of the early clashes between the government and MILF in 1997.
While this type of evacuation was not allowed given the small size of the
helicopter, its pilots willingly took the risk in their determination to evacuate
their brothers-in-arms to safety.
A few years later, the rebel group’s establishment of camps in Central Mindanao
and attacks on surrounding areas, especially the town of Kauswagan in Lanao
del Norte led to an AFP campaign from April to July 2000. The objective is to
capture Camp Abu Bakr and its satellites (top right). C-130s transported men and
equipment to reinforce government forces preparing for the 2000 counteroffensive
against the MILF (middle). An aerial view of a captured MILF camp barring the way
to Camp Abu Bakr. The fall of the satellite camps surrounding Abu Bakr opened the
road to a direct assault against the MILF’s main headquarters (right).

30
Lithe and lethal: Despite its small size, the MD-520MG has become a weapon of choice in the counterinsurgency from the 1990s. Armed with a combination of machine guns and
rockets, the helicopter has proven itself to be an effective and efficient tool for combat missions in support of surface forces. At the same time, its agility and size confers a high
degree of survivability. The MD-520 would provide the lion’s share of close air support and interdiction missions in the campaigns in Mindanao from 2000 up to the present.
246
Ground forces move through a town devastated by the fighting: The process of reconstruction and
rehabilitation followed with the PAF and the rest of the AFP fully participating in the effort.

30
The Abu Bakr Campaign saw the last operational
deployment of the F-5 Freedom fighter (top).
The icon of PAF air defense spent its last years
conducting air support operations. For their
part, 5th Fighter Wing S-211s flew escort to
ships carrying ammunition to the Central
Mindanao battlefront (bottom). The length and
intensity of the fighting between the AFP and
the MILF made replenishment of ammunition
and stocks critical to successfully sustain the
government operation.
248
Among the PAF attack aircraft, the OV-10 Bronco (above) has the largest armament carrying capacity. It was
the only one capable of carrying the largest ordnance in the AFP inventory at that time, the 750-lb bomb.

30
Three air warriors during the Abu Bakr Campaign: Lieutenants Shiellah
Grace Vicente, shown here as a major and Grace Baloyo (middle) were among
the first female combat pilots of the 15th Strike Wing who fought during
the Abu Bakr Campaign. Vicente flew a MD-520MG attack helicopter in
support of her husband’s Scout Ranger unit against the MILF. For her part,
Baloyo flew an OV-10 Bronco. Sadly she perished in 2001 when she crashed
after steering her damaged aircraft away from populated areas rather than
ejecting. Captain Antonio Mandawe (right) was an MD-520MG attack
helicopter pilot and exceptional Forward Air Controller during the AFP’s
2000 Offensive against Camp Abu Bakr. He guided various PAF warplanes
including OV-10s, F-5A/Bs and attack helicopters against the MILF.
250
President Estrada with soldiers of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion a few days after the capture of Camp Abu Bakr
(top). A Bell 412 of the 250th PAW provided airlift for the President during his visit to the Camp (bottom).

30
Global
Counterterrorism
The ascendancy to the Presidency of Vice President Gloria-

Macapagal Arroyo in 2001 later coincided with the 9/11 terror
attacks in the U.S. Subsequently, defense cooperation between
the two countries intensified under the Global War on Terror.
252
Defense cooperation between
the Philippines and the U.S. were
conducted at several levels. For
the PAF, these involved capability
acquisitions like the President of the
United States (POTUS) provided
aircraft (top) and counterterrorism
training (middle and bottom).

30
Even as the government was fighting against the MILF, the Abu Sayyaf Group perpetrated several terror
actions that culminated in the abduction of 21 Filipino and foreign hostages at Dos Palmas Resort, Palawan
and their transfer to Basilan in 2001. Included among the hostages were spouses Martin and Gracia
Burnham (top right). During the subsequent AFP rescue attempt, Martin was killed and Gracia was
wounded. Air Force helicopters were reliably on hand to fly her to safety.
254
First Lieutenant Gaudencio Lauron (right) led a
flight of UH-1H Hueys in saving Gracia Burnham,
the sole surviving American hostage and later
recovered the bodies of her husband Martin
Burnham and one Filipina hostage Ediborah Yap
from Abu Sayyaf bandits in June 2002.
Elsewhere in the country during the same period,

First Lieutenant Moreno B. Servito (far right)
was posthumously awarded with the Gold Cross
Medal for gallantry in action while leading a
combat patrol team of the 730th Combat Group,
710th Special Operations Wing, during an armed
encounter against 40 communist insurgents at
Sitio Comba, Brgy Puting Kahoy, Lian, Batangas
on February 22, 2005.

30
Lightning
Sword
The .
256
Aside from the MILF and the Abu Sayyaf, the government has to
contend with lawless elements like bandits and organized crime
groups in the South. In 2008, OV-10 Broncos (opposite page), MD-
520MG attack helicopters (top right) and SF-260s (right) operated
as part of Operation Lightning Sword against a breakaway faction
of the MILF led by Umbra Kato and Commander Bravo after they
perpetrated terror attacks and the massacre of civilians. A SF-260
firing a rocket at an identified enemy stronghold (above).

30
Lightning Sword saw the combat debut of the S-211 jet trainer. As the PAF found itself with no jet combat aircraft with the retirement
of the F-5 in 2005, the Air Defense Wing conducted tests to install armaments to the S-211. The effort paid off in 2008 and came just
in time as the operations against the MILF breakaway faction required air strikes on enemy troop concentrations and strongholds. It
also realized the potential of the S-211 as a combat platform that can be employed where adversaries have little or no air defenses.
258
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,
Secretary of National Defense Gilbert
Teodoro and AFP Chief of Staff General
Alexander Yano presided over the
awards of Bronze Crosses to the PAF
aviators (top). Pilots of the 15th Strike
Wing who were awarded for their part
in Operation Lightning Sword with PAF
Vice Commander, Major General Rene
Badilla (bottom).

30
Zamboanga
Assault
On September 9, 2013, MNLF rebels loyal to Nur

Misuari (top) attempted to seize the Zamboanga
City Hall. Failing in the effort, they occupied parts
of the city and gathered hostages among the civilian
population while battling government forces (middle
and bottom respectively). The stage was set for a
month-long crisis where the Air Force became
a critical force multiplier and at the same time a
provider of humanitarian assistance.
260
Once Zamboanga was put into a state of siege, the Air Force quickly flew reinforcements and equipment such as these Army Light Reaction Company troops (top left) and Simba armored
vehicles (top right). One of the challenges that the PAF had to surmount during the crisis was the close proximity of the fighting to the Edwin Andrews Air Base (bottom left). Fortunately,
the PAF ground forces were able to secure the surrounding area, preventing the MNLF-Misuari rebels from interfering with flight operations. Civilian hostages used as human shields by
rebels (bottom right): Aerial surveillance not only gave the government situational awareness on existing conditions but also provided critical intelligence to forces on the ground.

30
262
Arguably the combat aircraft best suited for Zamboanga’s
restrictive environment is the MD-520MG attack helicopter
(above). Its ability to fly low and hover enabled it to carry
out controlled and more precise attacks on the rebels, thereby
minimizing collateral damage. Two SF-260 TP attack aircraft on
patrol over Zamboanga during the assault (opposite page). Aside
from conducting selective close air support for ground troops in
view of the urban terrain and the use of human shields by their
adversaries, these were also instrumental in preventing rebel
reinforcements from arriving to the city by sea.

30
When the tide of battle turned against the MNLF-Misuari forces, they resorted to burning several
parts of the city in a vain attempt to stop the AFP, and in the process committing another atrocity.
264
One of the outstanding Air Force
heroes during the Zamboanga Siege
was First Lieutenant Aarjaye G.
Escote. A previous awardee of three
Bronze Cross Medals for risking his
life in helping put out forest fires, he
gained a fourth as pilot in the defense
of Edwin Andrews Air Base during the
Zamboanga Assault.
The versatility of airpower was much evident in Zamboanga as the Air Force was able to
simultaneously perform warfighting and humanitarian operations. Its damage assessment
flights enabled the authorities to determine the rehabilitation needs of those affected by the
fighting (top left). The PAF was also able to help ease the plight of civilian refugees by airlifting
food and other essentials, while evacuating those who were sick and injured (left). One of the
unique and notable Air Force contributions in restoring peace was the transport of Muslims
on their pilgrimage to Mecca (top). When they were unable to find commercial air transport
due to the closure of Zamboanga Airport, the PAF stepped in and made available a C-130 that
ferried these pilgrims to areas where they can get connecting flights to their final destination.

30
U.N.
PEACEKeeping
Missions
266
The spirit of the Congo Mission is alive and well in today’s
Philippine Air Force whose personnel have answered the
call of fulfilling the country’s international commitments
to the United Nations. The new millennia saw Air Force
personnel doing their part to bring peace in various
strife-torn areas around the world such as East Timor,
Haiti, Sudan, the Ivory Coast Iraq, the Golan Heights (top
right and right) and the Indo-Pakistan Border (above).
Furthermore, a complete PAF contingent was deployed to
the African country of Liberia (opposite page).

30
THE PAPAL VISIT
268
A view of the massive crowd that welcomed Pope Francis taken from the air by a PAF helicopter (opposite page). UH-1H and the PZL Sokol helicopters were deployed as aerial security (top left). The
Air Force was very active during the January 15-20, 2015 visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines. Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base not only became the landing site for the Papal aircraft, but also as
the secure venue for shows welcoming His Holiness. Air Force personnel also provided local area security in coordination with other defense and law enforcement agencies. PAF helicopters likewise
provided support to the His Eminence’s entourage during the January 18 Papal visit to Tacloban.
30
Humanitarian
assistance
disaster response
In February 2006, heavy rains caused a

massive landslide that buried parts of
the town of St. Bernard in Guinsaugon,
Southern Leyte. The Philippine Air Force
was the first to respond in providing
damage assessment, rescue teams and
relief to what would eventually become a
multinational HADR effort, and earning
the praise of Governor of Southern Leyte,
Rosette Yniguez-Lerias.
270
Bohol Earthquake
On October 15, 2013, barely had the country recovered from the crisis
brought about by the Zamboanga Assault of September when the Central
Visayas was hit by a powerful earthquake. The worst hit area was Bohol
Province that saw extensive casualties and damage to property and
infrastructure, including historic buildings. Fortunately, the airports
remained open which facilitated the PAF to fly in food, medicine and
other relief supplies to the island province. The Bohol Humanitarian
Mission again reaffirmed the importance of airpower to provide
immediate assistance, especially in an archipelagic country.

30
2013 Mayon
Eruption
As it is located in the Ring of Fire, volcanic eruptions are

a fact of life in the Philippines. One of the most beautiful
volcano in the world, Mayon Volcano is also the most active
in the Philippines. In 2013, Mayon suddenly erupted,
tragically claiming the lives of five people, including foreign
mountaineers, and injuring seven others. Shortly, the Tactical
Operations Group 5 in the area rapidly deployed helicopters
for search and rescue and recovery in this type of disaster.
These aircraft likewise provided situational awareness
on lahar flows that resulted in timely warning for local
authorities and communities.
272
Search and Rescue
The PAF has always been known as a first responder during typhoons. But its contributions in HADR is also evident in other natural and man-made calamities such as fires, regardless of
location. One of the specialized equipment that enabled Air Force effective response in aerial firefighting is the Bambi Bucket, a water container that can be deployed with a helicopter to
extinguish fire. The Bambi Bucket was successfully employed during the Albay Forest Fire in 2014 (left), the Superferry 14 Fire in 2004 (top right), and the Pasay City Fire (bottom right).

30
YOLANDA
274
With the overwhelming devastation brought by Yolanda to the Leyte Province on November 8, 2013, the Air Force rushed its full assistance
to the people, supporting the arrival of the government disaster response and international contributions. Once the weather permitted,
PAF aircraft such as this C-130 immediately flew relief to the area, thus providing a lifeline that saved countless lives.

30
UH-1H helicopter delivering relief to a coastal community. Without airpower, suffering would have been prolonged for
those isolated by Yolanda. For the people, the Air Force helicopter was the only hope and link to the government.
276
Sacks of relief packages delivered by a C-130 transport (top left). As the super typhoon deprived Tacloban of the necessities for survival, the slack was taken by the PAF. No less than the
Commanding General of the Air Force at the time of Yolanda, Lieutenant General Lauro Catalino G. Dela Cruz (bottom left) orchestrated the myriad of operations and activities by the
PAF to include ensuring relief assistance rapidly and continuously reach Tacloban and transporting the injured to the nearest medical facility (top right). Yolanda saw an unprecedented
aerial humanitarian assistance operation as the international community established an air bridge of help for the Philippines (bottom right). Their assistance was in a way, also returning
a favor for the Philippine Air Force’s generous help in sending aid by air to neighbors and other countries struck by calamities throughout the years such as in Bali, Indonesia in 1963 and
in Myanmar in 2008 after Cyclone Nagris.

30
By air to safety: Residents of Tacloban were able to avail of air transport that enabled them to reach safer areas (top left). First priority for
transport and immediate medical care were those most in need (top right and bottom right). The Air Force assistance did not stop with
transport. Once they landed at Villamor Air Base (bottom left), food, medicine and other assistance were immediately provided.
278
Remember,
I am with you always,
to the end of age.
Matthew 28:10

30
The Yolanda relief operation was one of the finest moments of
the men and women of the Philippine Air Force. Helicopter
pilot Major Joseph S. Bandola (right) was awarded the Bronze
Cross Medal for acts of heroism involving risk of life in helping
typhoon victims. He was also awarded for supporting various
relief and rehabilitation operations for victims of the Bohol
earthquake in October 2013. Another Bronze Cross awardee
during Yolanda was the Commander of Tactical Operation
Group 8 himself, Lieutenant Colonel Fermin M. Carangan (far
right) after he saved a young boy from drowning.
One of the early challenges that the PAF had to surmount to

effectively conduct air operations at Tacloban was the total
destruction of the Tactical Operations Group 8 facilities
(above) at the Daniel Z. Romuladez Airport. The Air Force
leadership made a critical decision to prioritize their return
to operational status, especially the airport’s control tower
(middle right). This paid off later as the tower became the
nerve center for all aerial disaster response operations for
the province. Meanwhile, the lack of facilities did not deter
helicopter crews from conducting operations (bottom right).
280
International security experts have identified natural disasters
as the prime national security threat in the world.

30
Yolanda’s devastation prompted the unprecedented mobilization of an international effort to airlift HADR personnel and equipment, as well as other forms of material assistance to help the people of
Leyte. A total of 165 aircraft from 29 countries, the United Nations, other institutes and international organizations provided an air bridge of relief to the Philippines from all over the world.
282
The largest international contingent in the Post-Yolanda aerial
HADR effort belonged to the United States. Its full range of air
capabilities can be seen from carrier planes (top left) to long-range
strategic transports (above) and helicopters (below). Most impressive
of all is the V-22 Osprey (left), a tilt-rotor that combines the best
features of a conventional plane and a helicopter. This enabled it to
transport substantial amounts of aid over a long distance and land
these almost everywhere.

30
Re-tooling
The Force
Even as the PAF simultaneously assumes operational responsibilities in external defense, internal security and humanitarian
assistance, it never fails to lose sight of preparing for its future modernization. Among the initiatives it is taking is the
conversion of PAF ground units into air defense units. The 760th Combat Group will be converted to a ground-based air
defense unit and is planned to be re-equipped with surface to air systems.
284
The first complete restoration of a C-130B done solely
by the PAF in 2013. Future air force development and
modernization would require among others, a robust
self-reliant capability for maintenance and support.

30
Instructor pilots of the Air Education and Training Command in 2014: In the final analysis, the greatest strength
of the Air Force are the men and women who fill its ranks, imbued with love service and country.
286
The PAF already started utilizing night vision devices for flight
operations in the early 2000s, beginning with the 205th Tactical
Helicopter Wing. This provides the Air Force with the ability to operate
during day or night. The PAF has also upgraded its combat training
facilities with the renovation of the Crow Valley Gunnery Range (left),
providing a significant enabler for PAF warfighters.

30
Defending PHILIPPINE
Maritime TERRITORY
A S-211 jet on a maritime patrol sortie. By the early 2000s, increasing training requirements for the 5th Fighter Wing reduced the
conduct of jet patrols over the WPS. This also put in stark terms the lack of fighters and maritime patrol aircraft in the PAF inventory.
288
By the 21st Century, responsibility for
Air Force patrols were increasingly
taken over by the OV-10 Bronco. While
it was used mostly as an attack aircraft
in the counterinsurgency campaigns
of the AFP, flying ISR missions over
the WPS enabled the Bronco to live
up to its original design purpose as an
observation aircraft.

30
The
290
Aerial resupply by C-130 provided
a critical lifeline to the Pag-asa
Island. This capability also attests
to the asymmetric advantage
conferred by airpower as it can
avoid surface obstacles. (Opposite
page) Photograph of a reef taken by
a Fokker F-27 transport (inset). The
use of the F-27 highlighted the need
for the PAF to acquire a dedicated
platform for maritime patrol.

30
Even as the country
entered a new century, the
Philippine Air Force still
has to make do with air
defense radars that were
built in the 1960s.
292
RP-US
balikatan
exercise
One of the strongest affirmations of the Philippines’

alliance with the United States is the annual
Balikatan Exercises. Originating in the 1950’s to
operationalize the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty,
Balikatan has become the primary vehicle to enhance
interoperability between allies. At the same time, it
exposes PAF participants to the latest trends in air
operations. Through the years, various aircraft have
participated including: PAF C-130 (top), USAF A-10
(bottom), PAF S-211 trainer jets (next page top and
bottom), USMC AV-8B (next page top), and USMC
F/A-18 fighters (next page bottom).

30
294
Two S-211 trainers on the flanks of a U.S. Marine Corps F-18 fighter during a combined air sortie as part of the RP-US Balikatan
Exercise. This is in stark contrast to similar exercises from the 1950s up to the 1990s when the PAF still had a significant fighter
capability. This also highlights the need for more modern fighters for the PAF for the conduct of the air defense mission.

30
end of
an era:
THE F-5
Freedom
Fighter
296
When the F-5 fighter was retired in 2005, the system was a second generation fighter
at a time when 5th generation fighters (F-22 and F-35) were already being introduced
while 4th generation aircraft were standard in most air forces in the region. Since the
last decade, the Philippine Air Force was devoid of a dedicated fighter aircraft, the
very measurement of an air force in the conduct of its primary mandate.

30
298
Towards the Greater Challenges
Since their establishment, air forces in real difficult considering that that it has to address
and popular terms have become associated both challenges in a resource and financially
with innovation and technology. This is not constrained environment.
surprising considering that the very invention
that opened a new arena in military affairs Thrice in its history, the Air Force tried to
is the quintessential child of technology: the address the need for transformational force
aircraft. It is the harnessing of this invention modernization. The first was in the mid-1950s
that transformed our world, and the first that transformed a World War Two-era force
that challenged the inclusivity of countries into a modern air arm comparable to the best
and peoples. In military terms, air forces regional counterparts. The second was 10 years
are the youngest of the Services, whose later when it entered the supersonic age. Both
existence in time is measured in barely more of these were successful because the security
than a century compared to the millennia of environment was benign, the Philippines major
armies and navies. Yet no other organization ally was committed to build up and support the
has contributed to revolutionary changes country’s military capabilities and weapons
in warfare, defense and security as the costs were not prohibitive during that period.
aviation arm. At the same time, the rapidity
of changes brought by airpower technology The third attempt was in the 1990s when the
has made it imperative that air forces be AFP Modernization Program (AFPMP) Program
at its forefront lest they become obsolete was enacted. While the necessity was without
overnight. question, given that the country’s external
defense capability was eroded by two decades
One thread of the history of the Philippine of counterinsurgency on the one hand and the
Air Force is the contending forces between end of direct protective military umbrella of
the present and the future. The present the United States on the other, the AFPMP was
is represented by the conduct of active interrupted. The economic downturn in the late
operations that have been a fact of life for 1990s followed by a preoccupation with internal
55 of the 68 years of the existence of the security during the first decade of the 21st
PAF. The future is represented by efforts to Century redirected capability upgrades to that
modernize the Service to enable it not only mission.
to perform its mandate but also to keep
up with the projected challenges in the The present however is a different story.
future. The case of the PAF is even more Since his assumption to office in 2010, the
Commander-in-Chief, President Aquino, has shown
a keen determination to effect modernization
having recognized that the country’s security
challenges at present and in the foreseeable future
requires a retooling of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines. The legal basis has already been laid
with the amendment of the AFP Modernization Act
in 2012, extending its period of implementation
by another 15 years. More importantly, President
Aquino III has allocated a substantial increase in
funds to acquire modern equipment for the AFP.
The Philippine Air Force is currently in the midst

of a modernization effort that will introduce new
aircraft in its inventory. It has acquired the C-295
Medium Transport from Spain which would provide
a shot in the arm of its air mobility. It is also
acquiring the sleek AW-109 Attack Helicopter. The
most important modernization program in the near
term however is the acquisition of the supersonic
FA-50 Lead-in Fighter Trainer/Surface Attack
Aircraft that would not only bridge current training
gaps on modern fighter operations and future
combat capability requirements but also provide a
light combat aircraft with corresponding supersonic
performance. Likewise the Air Force is working to
acquire a set of capabilities that would enable it to
rebuild its air defense capabilities such as radars
and simulators.
A decade ago, the Philippine Air Force crafted its

vision of a professional and competent Air Force
responsive to national security and development.
With hard work, determination and support from
the whole nation, the prospects are bright that this
vision would finally be achieved.
300
Leaders of the
Philippine Air Force
The Early Leaders
1. Capt. Joseph Stevenot, Commander, Philippine National Guard Aviation Section 13. Maj. Gen. Samuel O. Sarmiento (28 Mar 1976- 01 Oct 1981)
2. Capt. Joseph Stevenot, Philippine Air Service (July 7, 1920-April 1921) 14. Brig. Gen. Petronio M. Lapeña (01 Oct 1981- 05 April 1982)
3. US Army Air Corps Lt. William Lee, Philippine Constabulary Air Corps (Jan 2, 1935) 15. Maj. Gen. Vicente M. Piccio Jr. (05 April 1982-24 Feb 1986)
4. US Army Air Corps Lt. William Lee, Philippine Army Air Corps (Jan 11, 1936) 16. Maj. Gen. Ramon J. Farolan (24 Feb 1986- 30 Sep 1986)
5. US Army Air Force Col. John P. Ryan (April 1945-late 1945) 17. Maj. Gen. Antonio E. Sotelo (30 Sep 1986- 06 April 1988)
6. Lt. Col. Edwin D. Andrews, Philippine Army Air Corps (late 1945-1947) 18. Maj. Gen. Jose L. De Leon Jr. (06 April 1988- 25 Feb 1990)
7. Maj. Pelagio A. Cruz, Philippine Army Air Corps (1947) 19. Maj. Gen. Gerardo C. Protacio (25 Feb 1990- 18 April 1991)
20. Lt. Gen. Loven C. Abadia (18 April 1991- 07 Aug 1992)
21. Lt. Gen. Leopoldo S. Acot (07 Aug 1992- 13 Dec 1993)
The Commanding Generals 22. Lt. Gen. Nicasio P. Rodriguez Jr. (13 Dec 1993- 26 Dec 1995)
1. Brig. Gen. Pelagio A. Cruz (May 19, 1947-Mar. 16, 1957; Nov. 1953-Dec. 12, 1956) 23. Lt. Gen. Arnulfo G. Acedera Jr. (26 Dec 1995- 30 Nov 1996)
2. Col. Estacio D. Orobia (Mar. 16, 1951-June 2, 1952) 24. Lt. Gen. William K. Hotchkiss III (30 Nov 1996- 08 Jan 1999)
3. Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen (June 2, 1952-Nov. 7, 1953; Dec. 12, 1956-Mar. 17, 1957) 25. Lt. Gen. Willie C. Florendo (08 Jan 1999- 10 Oct 2000)
4. Brig. Gen. Pedro Q. Molina (Mar. 17, 1957-July 17, 1962) 26. Lt. Gen. Benjamin S. Defensor Jr. (10 Oct 2000- 12 Sep 2002)
5. Brig. Gen. Jonas A. Victoria (July 17, 1962-June 11, 1964) 27. Lt. Gen. Nestor R. Santillan (12 Sep 2002- 14 May 2004)
6. Brig. Gen. Augusto L. Jurado (June 11, 1964-June 2, 1965) 28. Maj. Gen. Arcadio L. Seron (Acting CG, PAF 14 May 2004- 10 July 2004)
7. Maj. Gen. Victor H. Dizon (June 2, 1965-Dec. 29, 1965) 29. Lt. Gen. Jose L. Reyes (July 7, 2004 - Feb. 2, 2007)
8. Brig. Gen. Jose B. Ramos (Dec. 29, 1965-Aug. 15, 1967) 30. Lt. Gen. Horacio S. Tolentino (Feb. 2, 2007- Jan. 4, 2008)
9. Brig. Gen. Emmanuel S. Casabar (Aug. 15, 1967-May 27, 1968) 31. Lt. Gen. Pedrito S. Cadungog (Jan. 4, 2008 - Jan 9, 2009)
10. Brig. Gen. Juan B. Guevarra (May 27, 1968-Sept. 8, 1968) 32. Lt. Gen. Oscar H. Rabena (Jan 9, 2009 - Jan. 9, 2012)
11. Brig. Gen. Jesus Z. Singson (Sept. 8, 1968-Jan. 15, 1972) 33. Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino G. Dela Cruz (Jan. 10, 2012 - April 25, 2014)
12. Maj. Gen. Jose L. Rancudo (Jan. 15, 1972-Mar. 28, 1976) 34. Lt. Gen. Jeffrey F. Delgado (April 25, 2014 - present)

30
Acknowledgements
Office of the Chief Historical Affairs, PAF ◆ Philippine National Library ◆ PAF Public Information Office
◆ Technical Sergeant Reynaldo C. Bruna ◆ Staff Sergeant Abdulmanan H. Mohammad ◆ Manila Bulletin
◆ Philippine Daily Inquirer ◆ Minerva Generalao ◆ Family of General “Flotz” Aquino ◆ Family of General
Jose L. De Leon ◆ 5th Fighter Wing Historical Records ◆ Lieutenant Colonel Francis Karem E. Neri PAF
◆ Time Inc. ◆ Monina Allarye Mercado ◆ Family of General Felix T. Pestana ◆ Family of Major Napoleon
de Leon ◆ Family of General Angel L. Mapua ◆ PAFACOC Alumni Association Inc. ◆ 15th Strike Wing
Archives ◆ Mr. Albert Anido ◆ AFP Museum and Historical Records ◆ Major Jomer Hashim M. Hussein
PAF ◆ General Loven Abadia AFP ◆ U.S. Pacific Command ◆ Colonel Ariston Gonzales PAF ◆ Lieutenant
Colonel Randy Pascua PAF ◆ Philippine Star ◆ John Chua ◆ Guardian of the Philippine Skies ◆ Lieutenant
Colonel Alvin Infante PAF ◆ Family of Major Elefante ◆ pinoykolektor.blogspot ◆ Lieutenant Colonel
Ferdinand G. Encomienda PAF ◆ Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Infante ◆ Major Al Herbert Reyes PAF ◆
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. Archog PAF ◆ General Nemensio Sigaya PAF ◆ Family of General Ernesto
Bueno ◆ Family of General Angel C. Okol, Jr. ◆ Mack Milay ◆ 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing Archives ◆
Family of General Antonio Sotelo ◆ Captain Christer Lawrence Abastar PAF ◆ timawa.net ◆ Philippine
Military Academy ◆ pacificwrecks.com ◆ Magsaysay Foundation ◆ Lieutenant Colonel Roman M. Dioso
PAF ◆ Lieutenant Colonel Ferdinand P. Romano PAF ◆ Jed Dizon ◆ HPAF Records ◆ General Arnold A.
Mancita AFP ◆ General Roger Ascunsion PAF ◆ Family of Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Bautista ◆ Family
of General Salvador Manlunas ◆ Family of General Godofredo Juliano ◆ Family of General Armando A.
Garcia ◆ Family of Captain Geronimo Aclan ◆ Edward Go ◆ Colonel Delio Osena PAF ◆ Captain Erwin
Evangelista PAF ◆ Captain Barney Charles Guevarra PAF ◆ Major Christopher Pablo PAF ◆ Royal Navy
Photo ◆ UAE Embassy ◆ Japanese Embassy ◆ Republic of Korea Air Force ◆ Australian Embassy ◆ Royal
New Zealand Air Force ◆ Italian Embassy ◆ Avia Camouflage Profiles Archive ◆ The ACIG Journal / Tom
Cooper ◆ Major Lilian Victoria de la Cruz-Busto PAF
302
Picture Credits
COVER Ascunsion, PAF; 152, 153: Manila Bulletin; 154: Family of Gen. “Flotz” Aquino; 155: Philippine National Library; 156:
Page 4: LIFE; 5: PAF, PIO; 6: Philippine National Library Mr. Alberto Anido; 157: PAF, PIO; 158, 159 top: Manila Bulletin; 159 bottom: Gen. Nemesio Sigaya, PAF; 160-162:
Manila Bulletin; 163: PAF, OCHA; 164: Family of Gen. “Flotz” Aquino; 165: Gen. Loven Abadia, AFP; 166, 167: PAF,
OCHA; 168: Family of LTC Antonio Bautista; 169 left: Gen. Nemesio Sigaya, PAF; 169 right: PAF Aviation Cadet
CHAPTER 1 and Officer Candidate Alumni Association; 170-177: PAF, OCHA; 178: Manila Bulletin; 179: Family of Gen. “Flotz”
Page 9: PAF, OCHA; 10: Philippine National Library; 12: A guide book on the Philippine question, Teodoro M. Kalaw, Aquino; 180: G. Pararas-Carayannis posted in http://www.drgeorgepc.com/Tsunami1976Phillipines.html ; 181-183 left
1919 13: PAF, OCHA; 14 left: Family of Gen. “Flotz” Aquino; 14 right: PAF, OCHA; 15: Philippine National Library; top: PAF, OCHA; 183 left bottom: Family of Gen. “Flotz” Aquino; 183 right-185 top: PAF, OCHA; 185 bottom: Reuters;
16-18: PAF, OCHA; 19: Family of Gen. “Flotz” Aquino 20,21: PAF, OCHA; 22: Family of Gen. “Flotz” Aquino; 23: PAF 186: Manila Bulletin; 187: HPAF Records; 188, 189: Gen. Loven Abadia, AFP; 190: Manila Bulletin; 191 top: 5th
OCHA; 24: Avia Camouflage Profiles Archive Fighter Wing Historical Records; 191 bottom, 192: Manila Bulletin; 193, 194: PAF, OCHA; 195: Manila Bulletin; 196
left: People Power An Eyewitness History Book by Monina Allarye Mercado; 196 right: Manila Bulletin; 197 top left:
Family of Gen. Antonio Sotelo; 197 top right and bottom left and right, 198 top left and bottom right: People Power An
CHAPTER 2 Eyewitness History Book by Monina Allarye Mercado; 198 top right: Family of Gen. Antonio Sotelo; 198 left bottom:
Page 25: Family of Gen. “Flotz” Aquino; 26, 29, 30: PAF OCHA; 31: AFP Museum and Historical Records; 32: PAF, OCHA; 199: Manila Bulletin; 200, 201: PAF, OCHA; 202 top: PAF, OCHA; 202 bottom: Gen. Loven Abadia, AFP;
Philippine National Library; 33-35 top and bottom left: PAF, OCHA; 35 bottom right: Philippine National Library; 203 top: 15th Strike Wings Archives; 203 bottom: AFP Museum Historical Records; 204; 5th Fighter Wings Historical
36, 37: PAF, OCHA; 38: Family of Maj. Elefante; 39: Philippine National Library; 40 top: PAF, OCHA ; 40 bottom: Records; 205 top: AFP Museum and Historical Records; 205 bottom, 206 left: PAF, OCHA; 206 right top: timawa.net;
Jed Dizon ; 41, 42: LIFE; 43-46: PAF, OCHA; 47-50: LIFE; 51-53: PAF, OCHA; 54 top left: Family of Gen. Felix T. 206 right center and bottom: Philippine Daily Inquirer; 207-215: Manila Bulletin; 215 right: PAF, OCHA; 216-223:
Faustania; 54 top right: PAF, PIO; 54 bottom: Atlas of World War II by John Keegan; 55, 56 left: PAF, OCHA; 56 right Philippine Daily Inquirer; 224: E.W. Wolfe; 225 left: PAF, PIO; 225 right-227: Philippine Daily Inquirer; 228: Manila
top:pinoykolektor.blogspot.com; 56 right bottom: timawa.net; 57 top: Family of Major Napoleon De leon; 57 bottom: Bulletin; 229: PAF, PIO; 230, 231: Manila Bulletin; 232: PAF, PIO; 233 top: Capt. Barney Charles Guevarra, PAF; 233
Family of Gen. Felix T. Faustania; 58, 59: Family of Maj. Napoleon De Leon; 60, left: Family of Gen. Godofredo Juliano; bottom: Philippine Military Academy; 234: Family of Gen. Armando A. Garcia; 235: Manila Bulletin; 236: LTC Francis
60 center: Family of Gen. Salvador Manlunas; 60 right: Family of Maj. Napoleon De Leon; 61, left: Family of Captain Karem Neri, PAF; 237 top: LTC Francis Karem Neri, PAF; 237 center: Capt. Erwin Evangelista, PAF; 237 bottom,238:
Geronimo Aclan; 61 center: PAF, OCHA; 61 right: Family of Gen. Felix T. Pestaña; 62: Guardian of the Philippine Skies; Col. Ariston Gonzales, PAF
63: PMAR Foundation; 64: PAF, OCHA; 65: pacificwrecks.com; 66: Guardian of the Philippine Skies; 66 top & bottom:
Mr. Alberto Anido; 66 center: Family of Gen. “Flotz” Aquino; 67: PAF, OCHA; 68 top & center: AFP Museum and
Historical Records; 68 bottom: PAF, OCHA; 69: Philippine National Library; 70: LIFE; 71: Magsaysay Foundation; 72: CHAPTER 5
Family of Gen. “Flotz” Aquino; 73: Philippine National Library; 74 top: Mr. Alberto Anido; 74 bottom: Family of Gen. Page 239: LTC Joseph P Archog, PAF; 240: Col. Ariston Gonzales, PAF; 242: PAF, PIO; 243: Mack Milay Photography;
“Flotz” Aquino; 75: Guardian of the Philippine Skies; 76: The ACIG Journal, Tom Cooper 244: Manila Bulletin, 245 left: LTC Roman M Dioso, PAF; 245 right center: PAF, PIO; 245 right top, bottom: Philippine
Star; 246: LTC Alvin Infante, PAF; 247: Manila Bulletin; 248 top: PAF, PIO; 248 bottom: LTC Alvin Infante, PAF; 249:
Col. Ariston Gonzales, PAF; 250 left and right: LTC Francis Karem Neri, PAF; 250 center: PAF Aviation Cadet and
CHAPTER 3 Officer Candidate Alumni Association; 251 top: Manila Bulletin; 251 bottom: Gen Arnold A Mancita, AFP; 252: Manila
Page 77: Family of Gen. Felix T. Pestaña; 78: Family of Gen. “Flotz” Aquino; 81: Family of Gen. Felix T. Pestaña; 82-86: Bulletin; 253, 254 left top: PAF, PIO; 254 left bottom: 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing Archives; 254 right: Live in the
Philippine National Library; 87: PAF, OCHA; 88: henzinfosite.wordpress.com; 89: pacificwrecks.com; 90-92: Philippine Philippines Web Magazine; 255: PAF Aviation Cadet and Officer Candidate Alumni Association; 256: Col. Ariston
National Library; 93 top: Mr. Alberto Anido; 93 bottom: PAF, OCHA; 94: Family of Gen. “Flotz” Aquino; 95-97: Gonzales, PAF 257 top: LTC Alvin Infante, PAF; 257 left and bottom right: Maj Al Herbert Reyes, PAF; 258, 259: Maj
Philippine National Library; 98: Family of Gen. Felix T. Pestaña; 99, 100: Philippine National Library; 101: 5th Fighter Christopher Pablo, PAF; 260 top: Philippine Star; 260 center: PAF, PIO; 260 bottom, 261 top left and right, 261 bottom
Wing Historical Records; 102: Philippine National Library; 103-105: Family of Gen. Angel L. Mapua; 106: Family of right: PAF, PIO; 261 bottom left: 15th Strike Wing Archives; 262: Maj Jomer Hashim M Hussein, PAF; 263: LTC Francis
Gen. “Flotz” Aquino; 107 left: PAF, PIO; 107 right: 5th Fighter Wing Historical Records; 108-110: PAF, OCHA; 111, Karem Neri, PAF; 264: Maj Jomer Hashim M Hussein, PAF; 265: PAF, PIO; 266: globalnation.inquirer.net; 267 left:
112 left bottom: Philippine National Library; 112, 113 left photos: PAF, OCHA; 113 right top: Philippine National MAJ Ferdinand P Romano, PAF; 267 right: LTC Ferdinand G Encomienda, PAF; 268-281: PAF, PIO; 280 bottom right:
Library; 113 right bottom: Family of Gen. Felix T. Pestaña; 114-116 right: Philippine National Library; 116 left: PAF, John Chua 282 top left: Royal Navy Photo; 282 top center: UAE Embassy; 282 top right: Japanese Embassy; 282 center
OCHA; 117, 118: Philippine National Library; 119 left: Family of Gen. “Flotz” Aquino; 119 right: Col. Delio Osena, left: Republic of Korea Air Force; 282 center: Australian Embassy; 282 center right, bottom left: PAF, PIO; 282 bottom
PAF; 120-123: Philippine National Library; 124: Family of Gen. Ernesto Bueno; 125, 126: PAF, OCHA; 127: Family of center: Royal New Zealand Air Force; 282 bottom right: Italian Embassy; 283: US Pacific Command; 283 top right:
Gen. Ernesto Bueno; 128: K. Kusumadinata, 1963 (Volcanological Survey of Indonesia); 129: PAF, OCHA; 130, 131: John Chua; 284: Mack Milay Photography; 285: PAF, PIO; 286: Captain Christer Lawrence Abastar, PAF; 287 right:
Family of Gen. Jose L. De Leon; 132: PAF, OCHA; 133-135: Family of Gen. Jose L. De Leon; 136: PAF Aviation Cadet PAF, PIO; 287 left: 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing Archives; 288: 5th Fighter Wing Historical Records; 289: 15th Strike
and Officer Candidate Alumni Association; 137 left: www.aviation.mil.com; 137 right, 138 top: PAF Aviation Cadet and Wing; 290-292 top: PAF, PIO; 292 bottom: LTC Francis Karem Neri, PAF; 293: U.S. Balikatan FB Page; 294 top: 5th
Officer Candidate Alumni Association; 138 bottom: PHILCAGV; 139, 140: Philippine National Library; 141: Family of Fighter Wing Historical Records; 294 bottom: LTC Randy Pascua, PAF; 295, 296: 5th Fighter Wing Historical Records;
Gen. Angel C. Okol, Jr. 142: Philippine National Library; 143: Family of Gen. Felix T. Pestaña; 144: Philippine National 297: PAF, PIO
Library; 145: Family of Gen. Angel C. Okol, Jr.; 146: PAF, PIO
CONCLUSION
CHAPTER 4 Page 298: Edward Go; 299, 300 top left: PAF, PIO; 300 top right: LTC Francis Karem Neri, PAF; 300 center: Airbus
Page 147: LT Gen Jeffrey F Delgado; 148, 150 top: Manila Bulletin; 150 bottom: josemariasison.org; 151: Gen. Roger Military; 300 bottom: 15th Strike Wing Archives

30
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Abat, Fortunato, The CEMCOM Story II. Caloocan City: Philippine Graphic Arts, Inc, 1998 Office of Special Studies, Eagle’s Sanctuary: History of the Commanding General, Philippine Air Force
Quarters. Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City:Headquarters, Philippine Air Force, 2011
Anido, Alberto and Austria-Tomkins, Brian Pictorial History of the Philippine Air Force. Middlesex, UK:
Angelo Philippine Aviation 1997 Tour of Duty Report of LTGEN NESTOR S SANTILLAN, 27th Commanding General of the Philippine Air
Force. Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City: Headquarters, Philippine Air Force, 2004
Baclagon, Uldarico, Philippine Campaigns Revised Edition, 1952
Tour of Duty Report of LTGEN JOSE L REYES AFP, 28TH Commanding General of the Philippine Air
Deona, Nestor, et. al., Assertion of Sovereignty: The 2000 Abu Bakr Campaign. Camp General Emilio Agui-
Force. Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City: Headquarters, Philippine Air Force, 2007
naldo, Quezon City: Office of Strategic and Special Studies, 2001 (Unpublished Manuscript)
Tour of Duty Report of LTGEN HORACIO S TOLENTINO AFP, 29TH Commanding General of the
Edmonds, Walter, They Fought With What They Had. Washington DC: Center for Air Force History, 1992
Philippine Air Force. Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City: Headquarters, Philippine Air Force,
Rino Francisco, The Philippine Air Force 1947-2007. Air Force Review 60th Anniversary Issue Volume 7 2008
Number 2. Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City; Office of Special Studies, July 2007
Tour of Duty Report of LTGEN PEDRITO S CADUNGOG AFP, 30th Commanding General of the Philip-
Hess, William N., Pacific Sweep: The 5th and 13th Fighter Commands. New York: Zebra Bools, 1978 pine Air Force. Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City: Headquarters, Philippine Air Force, 2009
Jose, Ricardo T., The Philippine Army 1935-1942. Quezon City; Ateneo de Manila Press, 1992 Tour of Duty Report of LTGEN OSCAR H RABENA AFP, 31st Commanding General of the Philippine Air
Linn, Brian M., Guardians of Empire: The US Army in the Pacific 1902-1940. University of North Carolina Force.Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City: Headquarters, Philippine Air Force, 2012
Press, 1997 Tour of Duty Report of LTGEN LAURO CATALINO G DELA CRUZ AFP, 32nd Commanding General of
Meisel, Richard B., Clark Field and the US Army Air Corps in the Philippines 1919-1942. Quezon city: New the Philippine Air Force. Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City: Headquarters, Philippine Air
Day Publishers, 2002 Force, 2014
Milan Primitivo and Catalan, Primitivo, Philippine Military Policy and Strategy 1896-1971. Camp General Office of the Chief of Historical Activities, PAF History 1917-1979. Nichols Air Base, Pasay City Headquar-
Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City: Office of Military History, GHQ, AFP, 1972 ters, Philippine Air Force, (undated)
Nemenzo, Eldon Luis and Molina Jr. II, Guillermo, The Philippine Air Force Story. Kaunlaran Trading and PAF Historical Group, Guardian of Philippine Skies 1917-1970. Nichols Air Base, Pasay City: PAF Printing
Printing Co., 1992 Press, 1970
A.H. Peterson, G.C Reinhardt and E.E. Conger (editors), Symposium on the Role of Airpower in Counter- Pobre, Cesar P., History of the Armed Forces of the Filipino People. Quezon City: New Day Publishers, 2000
insurgency and Unconventional Warfare: The Philippine Huk Campaign. Santa Monica, CA: Rand, Ross Tipon (Editor), Aviation Yearbook Philippines 1974.
1963
Toland, John, But Not in Shame; The Six Months After Pearl Harbor. New York: Signet/ New American
Symposium on the Role of Airpower in Counterinsurgency and Unconventional Warfare: Allied Resistance Library, 1962
to the Japanese on Luzon, World War II. Santa Monica, CA: Rand, 1963
304
Index
# Balikatan Exercise – 293, 295
1st Air Defense Division - 79 Bandola, Joseph S. – 280
1st Air Division – 60, 61, 127, 143 Banzon, Leonardo – 78
1st Troop Carrier Squadron – 55, 66 Baquiano, Benjamin – 215
2nd Service Squadron - 27 Basa Air Base (Floridablanca Air Base) – 28, 65, 186, 234
5th Fighter Wing – 60, 79, 150, 248, 288 Basa, Cesar – 7, 27, 53, 65
6th Fighter Squadron– 49, 144 Bataan – 27, 28, 49, 54, 60, 61, 96
7th Military District – 60 Bataan Campaign – 49
9th Tactical Fighter Squadron – 134 Batangas Field – 27, 53
15th Strike Wing – 149, 150, 154, 155, 197, 198, 203, 250, 259 Battle of the Points (Bataan Campaign) – 54
100th Training Wing - 79 Bautista, Antonio – 168
205th Composite Wing – 79, 149, 153 Blando, Marcelo – 208
205th Tactical Helicopter Wing – 153, 287 Blue Diamonds – 79, 101, 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, 138
220th Heavy Airlift Wing – 149, 157 Bueno, Ernesto – 78, 127
710th Special Operations Wing – 160, 241, 255 Bureau of Aeronautics – 39, 61
Burnham, Park - 37

A
C
AC-47 Gunship – 166
Abadia, Loven – 144, 150, 188, 201, 202, 301 C-123 – 149, 157, 183
Abu Sayyaf – 151, 218, 241, 254, 255, 257 C-130 (Hercules) – 149, 157, 222, 241, 242, 245, 265, 275, 277, 285, 291, 293
Aclan, Geronimo – 61, C-47– 28, 55, 56, 60, 62, 166, 194
Acot, Leopoldo – 215, 301 Cali Jet (Super Pinto) - 193
Air Defense Division – 79 Calvo, Juan - 11
Air Defense Wing – 258 Camp Claudio – 11, 15, 17
Alcasid, Lino– 54 Camp Crame – 150, 198
AFP Modernization Program (AFP Modernization Act) – 151, 235, 242, 299, 300 Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo – 30, 150, 198, 202
Agunod, Isidro – 78, 80, 137, 138 Camp O’Donnell (Tarlac) – 28,151,229
Alexander Noble Uprising – 215 Camp Murphy – 27, 30
Allied Intelligence Bureau – 60 Camp Tinio (Nueva Ecija) - 60
Andrews, Edwin – 56, 89 Carmelo, Alfredo – 18
Andrews Air Base – 89, 261, 265 Cavite – 22, 28, 49, 155
Anti-Dissident Campaign – 28, 68, 69 Cebu – 11, 27, 47, 61, 88
Aquino, Benigno Jr. – 150, 195, 196 Cebu Airport – 61
Aquino, Benigno S. III – 241, 242, 300 Chief of Staff, AFP – 62, 96, 199, 235, 259
Aquino, Corazon – 150, 196, 199 China – 27, 149, 158
Aranzaso, Alberto – 61 Clark Air Base – 79, 151, 229
Arroyo, Gloria Macapagal – 252, 259 Clark Field – 47
Asian Games – 123 Cold War - 79
Atienza, Danilo – 151, 204, 205 Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base – 64, 138, 150, 201, 202, 223, 244, 269, 278
AUH-76 – 154, 211, 212, 215 Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) – 149, 151, 156, 158, 159, 161, 162, 207, 212, 213,
Aviation Security Command – 150, 196 216, 217, 241
Aviation Week – 79, 95, 102, 105 Composite Air Support Force (CASF) – 149, 212
Congo – 80, 130, 131, 132, 134, 135, 138, 267
Croft, Alfred – 11, 14, 15, 22
Cruz, Pelagio – 27, 28, 62, 96, 98, 301
B Curtiss Aeroplane and Motors Corporation– 11, 14, 15
B-3A (Keystone) - 43 Curtiss School of Aviation – 11, 14 19
Baguio City – 37, 222, 223 Curtiss H1SL/H2SL Sea Gull– 11 ,17
Bali – 80, 128, 129, 277 Curtiss JN-4 Jenny– 11, 16, 20

30
Index
D
De Leon, Napoleon – 59, 60, 301 H
Delos Santos – 188 H-13 – 74, 121
Delfin, Rachel – 139 Harrison, Francis – 11, 12, 14, 21, 23
Death March – 28, 61 Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon (HUKBALAHAP) – 28, 68, 69, 71, 72, 74, 79
De Guzman – 188
Distinguished Service Cross – 49
DOH – PAF Humanitarian Effort – 129 I
Dolojan, Ethilwaldo – 175 Iba Field - 27
Durano, Paul – 188 Iloilo – 11
Integrated Air Defense System – 79, 83, 235
E J
Ebuen, Benito – 88, 301 Japan – 27, 28, 47, 98, 185
EDSA Revolution (People Power Revolution) – 150, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199 Japanese Naval Air Force - 47
Edwin Andrews Air Base (Zamboanga Air Base) – 89, 261, 265 Jolo – 149, 150, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 169, 170, 171, 172, 174, 176, 177, 179, 218
Eisenhower, Dwight – 39 Juliano, Godofredo – 60, 98
Enrile, Juan Ponce – 150, 198 Joint Army – Air Force Airborne Training - 111
Entente Powers – 11
Espiritu, Joseph – 215
Estacio, Rogelio – 215, 301 K
Estrada, Wilson – 54 Kaldager, Christian – 134
Exercise Sumilang – 80, 114 Kamlon, Hadji – 28, 74
Kare, Jose – 7, 50
F Korean War – 80, 97, 99, 124, 125, 127, 135
F-5A/B Freedom Fighter – 61, 79, 107, 140, 143, 145, 150, 167, 186, 189, 190, 204, 234, 237, 241, 248, 250, 258, 296, 297
F-8 Crusader – 186, 190, 191 L
F-86 Sabrejet – 79, 80, 96, 99, 103, 106, 107, 133, 164, 168, 169, 179 L-4 Liaison Aircraft -28, 125, 126
F-86D Sabredog – 79, 100 L-5 – 28, 68, 120
Farolan, Horacio – 134 Lahug Field (Cebu) – 27, 47, 88
Farolan, Ramon – 199, 301 Lee, William – 27, 30
France -11, 189 Legazpi (Albay) – 60, 273
Flying Brothers – 78, 80, 112, 113, 138 Leuterio, M.P. – 22
Fernando Air Base (Lipa Air Base) - 66 Leyte – 61, 149, 162, 270, 275, 282
Fernando, Basilio– 11, 18, 66 Lingayen – 54
Floridablanca Air Base – 65 Lipa City, Batangas – 28, 66
Floridablanca, Pampanga – 28 Luneta, Manila – 122
Flying Infantry – 27 Luzon Earthquake of 1990 – 222
Fokker F-27 – 115, 241, 291
Formosa (Taiwan) - 47
French Indochina (Vietnam) – 27, 80, 136, 138, 139, 190 M
MacArthur, Douglas– 26, 27, 39, 40, 49
G Macapagal, Diosdado – 140
Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base (Mactan Air Base) – 88, 144
G3M Nell (Japanese bomber) – 49 Magsaysay, Ramon – 28, 69, 71, 75, 88
Germany - 18 Makati - 56
Gonzales, Jose – 79, 102 Malinao – Leoncio– 11, 20
Guevara, Jose – 144 Manila – 11, 14, 49, 56
306
Index
Manila Pact of 1954 – 79, 80 Patnanogan Island – 214
Manlunas, Salvador – 60, 303 Pearl Harbor – 27
Maniquis Field (Cabanatuan) – 27, 47 Pensionados - 33
Marag Valley Campaign – 207, 216 Pestaña, Felix – 61, 98
Maravillas, Jose – 54 Philippine Air Service (PAS) – 11, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 27, 301
Marcos, Ferdinand – 149, 150, 151, 160, 196, 198, 199 Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) – 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 35, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 47, 49, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 60, 61, 62,
Martial Law – 149, 151, 180, 185, 186, 190 66, 88, 89, 96, 301
Mateo, R. – 144 Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) – 80, 136, 137, 138, 139
MD-520MG – 151, 230, 245, 246, 250, 257, 263 Philippine Commonwealth – 26, 39
Mercado, Benjamin - 58 Philippine Constabulary Air Corps (PCAC) – 13, 27, 29
Military Assistance Program (MAP) - 28 Philippine Contingent (PHILCON) – 134, 135, 136, 138
Militia Act of 1917 – 12 Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) – 80, 124, 127, 135
Mindanao Earthquake of 1976 – 180 Philippine National Guard (PNG) – 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18 ,301
Misuari, Nur – 149, 150, 241, 260,261, 264 Piccio, Vicente – 191, 301
Mitsubishi Zero (Japanese fighter) – 50, 53, 60, 61 PT-13 – 34, 35, 36
Molina, Pedro – 54, 80, 301 Pugo (Quail Hovercraft) – 150, 194
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) – 149, 150, 151, 156, 159, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 68, 170, 171, 177, 178, 179, Purugganan – 139
228, 241, 260, 261, 264
Mt. Pinatubo – 224, 225, 226
MV Karagatan – 149, 158, 159
Q
Quezon, Manuel– 26, 27
Quinauan Point – 27, 54
N
Nemeño, Carmelito – 188
Nichols Air Base – 28, 64, 87
R
Nichols Field – 43, 64 Ragay Gulf (Southern Luzon) – 50
Nielson Field – 56 Ramos, Fidel – 150, 151, 198, 199, 228
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila International Airport) – 64, 150, 196 Rancudo, Jose – 98, 134, 159, 173, 185, 187, 301
Ravina, Ernesto – 149, 170, 172, 173, 175, 176
Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) – 28, 61, 66, 71, 75, 104, 122, 129, 150, 151, 163, 192, 193, 197, 198, 199,
O 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 228, 235, 299, 300
OA-6 Loach – 137 Roosevelt, Franklin – 27
Ocampo, Felicisimo – 175 RP-US Military Bases Agreement – 151, 229
Okol, Angel – 78 RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty – 79, 80, 293
Operation Sunrise – 162 Roxas, Manuel – 28, 62
Onoda, Hiroo – 185 Russia (USSR) – 11, 79
Orobia, Eustacio – 54, 301 Ryan, John – 28, 301
P S
P-26 Peashooter – 43, 44, 47, 49, 50, 53, 61 Sangley Point (Sangley Air Base) – 151, 155, 204
P-35(US fighter) – 43 Santos, Paulino– 26
P-38 Lightning (US fighter) – 59 Scout Ranger – 208, 214, 250, 251
P-47 Thunderbolt (US fighter) – 58, 59 SEATO Exercises – 61, 79, 80, 98, 112, 138, 188, 189
P-51 Mustang – 28, 58, 60, 61, 66, 69, 72, 73, 79, 94 Self Reliance Defense Group (SRDG) – 150, 192
L-4/L-5 – 28, 68, 120, 125, 126 Self Reliance Defense Program (SRDP) – 150, 192, 193, 194
PAF Fighter Weapons Team – 78 SF-260 – 151, 154, 257, 263
PAF Security Wing – 160 Sibalu Hill – 149, 163, 164, 165
Pag-Asa Island – 187, 241 Sison, Jose Maria – 149, 150
Parañaque – 11, 15, 17 Sotelo, Antonio – 150, 198, 201, 301
Patag, Ben – 213 South Korea – 61

30
Index
South East Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) – 61, 79, 80, 98, 112, 138, 188, 189 V
Stevenot, Joseph – 11, 14, 15, 301
Sulu Air Task Group (SATAG) – 74, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 177 Vietnam – 27, 80, 136, 138, 139, 190
Super Pinto (Cali) – 150, 166, 175, 193 Villamor Air Base – 64, 138, 150, 201, 202, 223, 244, 269, 278
Villamor, Jesus– 27, 33, 49, 64
T
T-28 – 93, 154, 156, 179, 203, 205, 215 W
T-34 – 93
T-6 - 61 Wood, Leonard – 11, 23
T-33 – 60, 61, 79, 97, 98, 159, 186 World War I (First World War) – 11, 12, 14, 15
T-41 – 225 World War II (Second World War) – 28, 39, 47, 56, 58, 60, 61, 65, 66, 89, 96, 185
Tamayo, Antonio – 135 Wycoco, Reynaldo – 213
Tarlac – 28, 118
Task Force Bayanihan – 183 X
Task Force LeySam – 149, 162
Topacio, Jose – 22
Tumaneng, Vicente - 54
Y
Yap, Edilberto – 188, 255
Yolanda – 241, 243, 274, 275, 276, 277, 280, 282, 283
U Yulo, Hubert – 215
UH-1 – 151, 152, 160, 183, 186, 202, 206, 207, 211, 212, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221, 223, 225, 242, 255, 269, 276
UH-34 Choctaw - 119
United Kingdom – 11
Z
United Nations – 61, 80, 131, 133, 267, 282 Zablan Field – 27, 30, 32, 35, 47, 50, 60, 61
United States– 11, 27, 28, 33, 39, 41, 57, 61, 79, 92, 155, 241, 253, 283, 293, 299 Zablan, Porfirio – 11, 18, 27
United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) – 26, 40, 56 Zamboanga – 11, 89, 150, 241, 260, 261, 263, 265, 271
308

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ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE

PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE

All rights reserved. No part of this publication

Headquarters Philippine Air Force

Printed in the Republic of the Philippines

Editorial Board John S. Estiller  raphic Artists

9 Birth of Philippine Military Aviation: 1920s

25 From Air Corps to Air Force: 1935 - 1954

147 An Air Force for Internal Security: 1972 - 1999

239 21st Century Air Force for Territorial Defense

299 Towards the Greater Challenges

Indeed, there is a need for a new historical account of the service

Lieutenant General Jeffrey F. Delgado AFP

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 11

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 13

Stevenot partnered with his instructor pilot in the

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 15

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 17

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 19

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 21

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 23

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 27

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 29

U.S. Army Air Corps Lieutenant William Lee (right), the

The training provided by the United States to

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 33

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 35

Maintenance crewmen service the

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 37

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 39

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 41

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 43

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 45

PAAC pilots wearing helmets as protection in case of bombing

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 47

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 49

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 53

PAAC enlisted personnel also

Sgt. Lino Alcasid, whose marksmanship

PFC Benjamin Mercado, who threw

PFC Vicente Tumaneng, who continued

PFC Wilson Estrada, who stood his

TSgt. Jose Maravillas, a machine gunner

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 55

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 57

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 59

LIEUTENANT Godofredo Juliano LIEUTENANT Salvador Manlunas CAPTAIN Napoleon De Leon

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 61

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 65

The most effective and versatile aircraft used in the Anti-Dissident

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 69

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 71

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 73

In 1954, the Air Force was also actively involved

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 75

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 79

As impressive as the accomplishments of the Philippine Air Force in building

Major General Pedro Q. Molina,

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 83

(Left-right, from top) Oath-Taking, First haircuts

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 85

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 87

ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 89

Editorial Board John S. Estiller raphic Artists