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