DAVAO CITY (PIA) — Aside from supporting the ground troops of the unified command in peacekeeping and tactical defense operations, the Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao (TOWEastMin) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) also highlighted its active involvement in disaster response and community development.
Guesting at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on August 13, BGen. Frederick Cutler PAF, Commander of PAF-TOWEasMin, emphasized that their aerial support encompasses a wide range of operations, from aerial patrolling to providing essential assistance during disaster response efforts.
“In terms of air support, with the guidance and directive from higher headquarters, we can produce and direct air assets to support our ground troops and also the local government units in terms of humanitarian and disaster response,” he said.
For instance, Cutler shared that during massive flooding in the Davao region and the devastating Masara landslides in Davao de Oro early this year, they deployed several air assets to aid the response efforts of the government.
“Just like what happened last February na nagkaroon tayo ng sakuna (calamities occurred), we provided aerial support and personnel to support their operations. Kasi napakahirap talaga pag maglakad lang ang mga kasamahan natin (Because it would really be difficult if our personnel would just walk), so we need air support,” he explained.
Cutler said that as part of their civil-military operations (CMO), they have been actively conducting various activities and initiatives, especially in far-flung areas.
“Being an AFP member, it should be our part in giving back to our people, magiging contributor sila sa nation building and of course sa kaayusan ng ating bayan (so they would be a contributor to nation building and of course to the peace and order),” he explained.
As part of their civil-military activities, Cutler said they have been visiting various areas to participate in community activities such as Brigada Eskwela, environmental projects like tree planting, and among others.
Also, Cutler said that they have development projects in far-flung areas such as irrigation systems.
Cutler shared that during their community engagement in far-flung areas, they have been receiving positive feedback from the locals who expressed their gratitude, saying they feel the government’s presence and support through the services they bring to them.
On the other hand, as part of PAF-TOWEastMin’s mission in maintaining security and peace in its area of responsibility, Cutler said that it will continue its support to the ground troops of the unified command.
“In coordination with the joint task force, we are supporting them by aerial support, if they’re doing the sea line of communication, most of us would be doing doon naman sa aerial side of communications,” he said.
He added, “Whatever we observe during the patrol, we report it to the task force for them to make an assessment and to make appropriate action for that.”
Cutler emphasized that all units of Eastern Mindanao Command are always “working as a team” to keep peace and security in this part of the country while fulfilling its role in disaster response and community development. (clc/ASO/PIA Davao Region)
