Latest news with #MariaConsueloCastillo
GMA Network
25-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
PH Air Force ready to evacuate Filipinos in Middle East
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is on standby to assist in possible repatriation efforts of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by escalating tensions in some parts of the Middle East, with key airlift assets and personnel prepared for immediate deployment. 'Kami po ang magpaprovide ng air assets at mga personnel na kailangan para maisakatuparan ang needed na evacuation para sa ating mga kababayan doon,' said Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo, spokesperson of the PAF, in an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Wednesday. ?(We will provide the air assets and personnel needed to carry out the evacuation for our fellow Filipinos there.) According to Castillo, heavy-lift aircraft such as the C-130 and C-295 are currently on standby. These aircraft, which have been used for troop deployment and humanitarian operations in the past, are crucial in transporting both people and equipment from conflict zones. 'Ito po, malaki po ang kapasidad ng mga airlift assets na ito... ma-evacuate natin ang ating mga kababayan mula sa mga conflict zones and then we fly them to safer areas,' she explained. ?(These airlift assets have large capacities... we can evacuate our citizens from conflict zones and fly them to safer areas.) Medical teams and ground personnel will also be deployed alongside aircraft to ensure the safety and well-being of evacuees. 'Kailangan po meron tayong nakastandby na mga medical teams... para kung sakaling meron mga kailangan i-transport na may medical issues, kayang-kaya po natin ma-insure yung safety nila,' she added. ?(We need standby medical teams... so if there are passengers with medical issues, we can ensure their safety.) The PAF, Castillo said, is coordinating closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of National Defense (DND), and other relevant agencies including the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for these potential operations. From internal security to sovereignty protection The PAF's preparedness for overseas humanitarian efforts comes amid a broader strategic shift —from internal security to external defense, reflecting rising concerns over regional territorial integrity. 'Nagfo-focus po tayo ngayon sa kapasidad para maprotektahan hindi lamang ang ating territorial waters at airspace kundi na rin ang ating exclusive economic zone,' Castillo said. ?(We are now focusing on enhancing our capacity to protect not only our territorial waters and airspace but also our exclusive economic zone.) Under its new command led by Lieutenant General Arthur M. Cordura, the PAF is operating on a framework described as mission-oriented, capability-driven, and values-based. This transition aligns with the AFP's Comprehensive Defense Architecture, a shift that expands operations beyond traditional boundaries to assert sovereign rights and national presence, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. Modernization and morale Alongside its operational shift, the PAF is continuing efforts to modernize, upgrade current equipment, and cultivate discipline and professionalism within its ranks. 'Patuloy po ang ating training... kailangan po magkaroon tayo ng continuous acquisition of new assets, at ma-upgrade ang ating mga current assets,' said Castillo. (Our training continues... we need to continuously acquire new assets and upgrade our current ones.) Technology plays a major role in this evolution. Castillo highlighted recent innovations like the Armory Management System and fitness app, which help streamline operations and improve efficiency. 'Napaka-importante po talaga na sumasabay tayo sa takbo ng panahon... mas maging efficient tayo,' she said.? (It's really important that we keep up with the times... so we can work more efficiently.) But modernization isn't just about machines. She emphasized mentorship and values education as vital in building a resilient force. The PAF is currently marking its 78th anniversary, with activities such as mall exhibits, medical and dental outreach in coastal communities, youth leadership summits, and a painting contest. The anniversary's theme, 'Focus PAF @ 78: Advancing Air Power by Committing to Mission, Strengthening Capabilities and Championing Core Values,' mirrors the service's long-term direction.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
The Star
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Philippines signs deal for 12 fighter jets: South Korea manufacturer
Philippine and South Korean FA-50 fighter jets. - Photo: Korean Aerospace Industries MANILA: The Philippines has signed a contract for 12 more FA-50 fighter jets, its South Korean manufacturer said Wednesday (June 4), three months after one of the planes crashed during a mission against communist rebels. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) valued the deal with the Department of National Defense at US$700 million, with delivery of the jets to be completed by 2030. The Philippines, which has yet to confirm the pact, previously purchased a dozen of the light warplanes in 2014. In a statement, the South Korean firm said the fighter jets would feature enhanced capabilities including "aerial refueling for extended range, (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, and advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons systems". One of the Philippines' original fleet of FA-50s went missing on March 4 while on a mission to provide air support for troops fighting guerrillas in a mountainous area of the southern island of Mindanao. Rescuers found the wreckage of the plane and the bodies of two crewmen a day later. After temporarily grounding the fleet, the Philippine Air Force ruled out any mechanical problems with the aircraft. Air Force spokeswoman Maria Consuelo Castillo told a press conference in April that a confluence of factors had contributed to the crash, including mountainous terrain and visibility issues. Castillo said in March that the purchase of additional FA-50s was under consideration by the defence department. - AFP
Free Malaysia Today
04-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Philippines signs deal for 12 South Korean fighter jets
The FA-50 fighter jets will feature enhanced capabilities including advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons systems. (Wikipedia pic) MANILA : The Philippines has signed a contract for 12 more FA-50 fighter jets, its South Korean manufacturer said today, three months after one of the planes crashed during a mission against communist rebels. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) valued the deal with the department of national defence at US$700 million, with delivery of the jets to be completed by 2030. The Philippines, which has yet to confirm the pact, previously purchased a dozen of the light warplanes in 2014. In a statement, the South Korean firm said the fighter jets would feature enhanced capabilities including 'aerial refueling for extended range, (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, and advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons systems'. One of the Philippines' original fleet of FA-50s went missing on March 4 while on a mission to provide air support for troops fighting guerrillas in a mountainous area of the southern island of Mindanao. Rescuers found the wreckage of the plane and the bodies of two crewmen a day later. After temporarily grounding the fleet, the Philippine air force ruled out any mechanical problems with the aircraft. Air force spokesman Maria Consuelo Castillo told a press conference in April that a confluence of factors had contributed to the crash, including mountainous terrain and visibility issues. Castillo said in March that the purchase of additional FA-50s was under consideration by the defence department.
The Independent
04-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Philippines fighter jet vanishes during mission to southern province
A Philippine Air Force fighter jet went missing during a night-time tactical operation on Tuesday, losing communication just before reaching its target. The country's military has launched a major search operation, but it was unclear if the personal locator beacons of the two pilots were still emitting signals. An unnamed Philippine military official told the Associated Press that the jet went missing during an anti-insurgency operation against communist guerrillas in a southern province. 'The aircraft lost communication with the rest of the flight involved in the mission minutes before reaching the target area. The other aircraft repeatedly attempted to re-establish contact with the missing aircraft until its return to Mactan, Cebu,' air force spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo in a statement. The air force was conducting 'extensive and thorough search operations to locate the missing jet fighter aircraft', she said. 'Our primary concern right now is the safe return of our aircrew. We're hopeful of locating them and the aircraft soon and ask you to join us in prayer during this critical time,' Ms Castillo added. The incident marked the first major mishap involving the air force's fleet of FA-50s, which were acquired under former president Benigno Aquino III. Authorities did not disclose any details about the fighter jet 's mission but confirmed that it was supporting ongoing military operations. Ms Castillo said the jet was deployed as part of the air force's 'regular support to the ongoing operations of our unified commands'. 'We are hopeful that we will still be able to recover,' she said. 'We are more concerned about the safety of the aircrew right now, and we are still very optimistic that they are safe.' The disappearance of the aircraft coincided with airstrikes in the Pantaron mountain range in the region of Northern Mindanao, where government forces engaged around 70 New People's Army rebels, according to Rappler. The New People's Army was formed in 1969. The military reportedly requested air support to weaken the rebels near Cabanglasan, with airstrikes conducted between 1 and 2am on 4 March, the outlet reported. The Philippine authorities did not confirm if FA-50 jets were involved in the strikes. Residents in Cabanglasan shared videos on social media capturing the loud sounds of jets flying overhead during the airstrikes.
