A senior official of the Philippine Army (PA) has urged the Army Aviation Regiment (AAR) to remain steadfast in its core missions, including the defense of the country’s territory.
“To the men and women of the Aviation Regiment, I encourage you to remain steadfast in your mission, aligning closely with the PA’s core thrust: territorial defense, internal security, modernization, and humanitarian operations. Your unique capabilities leave a lasting impact from the skies,” stated Maj. Gen. Joseph Norwin Pasamonte, commander of the 7th Infantry Division, in a statement shared by the PA on Monday.
Pasamonte made this call during the AAR’s sixth activation anniversary on July 4 at Fort Ramon Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, where he served as the designated representative of PA chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido.
Since its activation in 2019, the AAR has played a crucial role in enhancing the PA’s operational reach and responsiveness, ensuring that reliable aviation capabilities support ground forces.
Notably, AAR personnel conducted air patrols aboard their twin-engine Cessna 421B and single Cessna 172 aircraft over the Philippine Sea and the waters of Central Visayas on June 11 and June 20, respectively. The PA has stated that these missions demonstrate the AAR’s commitment to supporting inter-agency maritime surveillance and security initiatives.
AAR commander Col. Richard Servito expressed confidence that all officers and enlisted personnel of the unit will collaborate effectively as a reliable and relevant component of the PA’s combined arms team.