505th Search and Rescue Group, Philippine Air Force

AFP Ranks Among Top Trusted Government Institutions in Latest TNM Survey

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomes the results of the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) nationwide survey conducted by OCTA Research from March 19 to 25, 2026, which show that 72% of adult Filipinos trust the AFP, while 70% express satisfaction with its service performance.

The AFP noted that these results place the institution among the most trusted and best-performing government agencies in the country, reflecting sustained public confidence in its mandate and overall performance.

Conducted nationwide across the National Capital Region (NCR), Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the survey shows that the AFP’s trust and performance ratings have remained steady over the past three quarters. Regionally, the highest trust (75%) and satisfaction (73%) ratings for the AFP are recorded in the Visayas.

The AFP expressed its appreciation to the Filipino people for their continued confidence and support, emphasizing that public trust serves as a vital motivation for its personnel to further strengthen professionalism, accountability, and excellence in service as it fulfills its constitutional mandate.

Static Display with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

The 505th Search and Rescue Group of the Philippine Air Force, together with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force through Air Rescue Squadron 71, conducted a static display of rescue air assets at Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

Featured during the activity were the JMSDF’s US-2 Rescue Seaplane alongside PAF air assets, including the PZL W-3A Sokol, S-70i Black Hawk, and C-208B aircraft, together with their respective aircrew and rescue personnel.

The activity highlighted the Search and Rescue (SAR) equipment, systems, and operational capabilities of both forces. Participating personnel exchanged rescue techniques, operational procedures, and mission applications, strengthening interoperability and mutual understanding in support of future joint SAR operations.

This engagement further reinforces the 505th SRG’s commitment to continuous capability development and enhanced cooperation with allied partners in conducting effective rescue operations.

“These things we do, so that others may live.”

Happy Mother’s Day!

Para sa ating mga Ina

Behind every mission is a source of strength, and for many of us, that strength comes from our mothers. Their guidance, sacrifices, and unwavering support shape the values we carry in service.

The 505th Search and Rescue Group pays tribute to all mothers whose love and dedication continue to inspire courage, compassion, and commitment in every Airman and rescuer.

To all the mothers, thank you for being our first teachers, our constant source of strength, and our inspiration to serve.

We salute the hearts that nurture heroes and shape the future.

“These things we do, so that others may live.”

BALIKATAN 41-2026 | Pararescue SMEE in Action

As part of BALIKATAN 41-2026, pararescue personnel from the 505th Search and Rescue Group trained side by side with their counterparts from the 131st Rescue Squadron, 21st Special Tactics Squadron, and 2nd Air Force Reserve Center during a four-day Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) held from 26 to 29 April 2026.

The activity brought together rescuers in a shared environment of learning and ex*****on, covering essential Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) skills such as equipment familiarization, patient packaging, life-saving interventions, rope rescue techniques, and both aerial and surface insertion and extraction methods across mountain and maritime settings.

Beyond technical training, the SMEE fostered teamwork through integrated drills and mixed-unit formations, allowing personnel from different services to operate as one cohesive force. Each evolution strengthened trust, adaptability, and the ability to respond effectively in real-world rescue scenarios.

Serving as a build-up for the upcoming CSAR Field Training Exercise, this engagement reinforces the 505th SRG’s commitment to continuous improvement, interoperability, and mission readiness alongside allied partners.

“These things we do, so that others may live.”

Joint Helocast Operations

In support of BALIKATAN 41-2026, the 505th Search and Rescue Group (505th SRG) executed joint Helocast Operations with the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group of the Naval Special Warfare Force, Philippine Navy, demonstrating seamless coordination in a dynamic maritime environment.

Through this activity, aircrew and pararescue personnel exchanged best practices in water insertion and recovery procedures, strengthening interoperability and building mutual confidence between air and naval special operations units.

Utilizing the PAF PZL W-3A Sokol helicopter, six (6) NAVSOG personnel were inserted via helocast into the operational area, where they neutralized three (3) simulated sea mines. Upon mission completion, the team was safely extracted through precision hoist operations, highlighting the effectiveness of integrated air-sea rescue capabilities.

More than a demonstration of skill, this exercise reinforces the 505th SRG’s commitment to continuous capability development, ensuring readiness to respond to complex maritime contingencies alongside joint and allied partners.

“These things we do, so that others may live.”

PAF NEWS | RAPID RESPONSE IN ACTION: PAF CONDUCTS MASS CASUALTY MEDEVAC DRILL IN BALIKATAN 41-2026

The 505th Search and Rescue Group and the S-7 Aeromedical Team of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) conducted a Mass Casualty Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) simulation as part of the Casualty Care and Evacuation Through Military and Civilian Partnership activity under Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 on May 3–4, 2026, in Ilocos Norte. The activity also saw the participation of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and Civilian Medical Team, which supported medical triage and operations at the evacuation area, contributing to coordinated multinational response efforts. The activity highlights the PAF’s role in strengthening aeromedical response capabilities during emergency situations.

During the simulation, a Sokol helicopter was utilized to transport a simulated casualty to a designated triage area, demonstrating timely and efficient aeromedical evacuation procedures. The activity enhanced coordination among participating military units and reinforced operational readiness in conducting life-saving missions.

The conduct of the exercise underscores the importance of integrated casualty response mechanisms in addressing complex emergency scenarios. It also supports the Philippine Air Force’s thrust of building a mission-ready, capability-driven, and values-based organization, while contributing to improved preparedness and response in support of national and regional security efforts.