Air Combat Command Philippine Air Force

AFP Welcomes Strong Public Support for National Defense Efforts

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed the results of the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) nationwide survey conducted by OCTA Research from March 19 to 25, 2026, which showed that 76 percent of adult Filipinos support the government’s efforts to defend the country’s territory and sovereign rights, including the West Philippine Sea.

Conducted nationwide, the survey showed the strongest support in National Capital Region at 83 percent, followed by Luzon at 77 percent, underscoring the strong public backing for the protection of the country’s sovereignty and national interests.

The AFP remains committed to performing its mandate with professionalism, operational readiness, and adherence to international law in order to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity and support a peaceful and rules-based regional order.





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PAF NEWS | WITH HONOR AND GRATITUDE: PAF RENDERS FINAL TRIBUTE TO FALLEN PILOTS

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) rendered final honors to First Lieutenant Ruth Angelique R Pasos PAF and Second Lieutenant Cherky E Embudo PAF during their interment on May 26, 2026, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City. The solemn ceremony paid tribute to the two fallen pilots who lost their lives in the line of duty following the SF-260 trainer aircraft mishap in Tuba, Benguet during a navigation training flight under the Military Pilot Training. Military funeral honors were accorded, including a 21-gun salute, in recognition of their dedicated service and sacrifice to the nation.

Present during the interment were Lieutenant General Arthur M Cordura PAF, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, together with other PAF General Officers, Senior Officers, Enlisted Personnel, Mistahs, Friends, and the bereaved families of the fallen pilots, who gathered to offer prayers and pay their final respects.

As First Lieutenant Pasos and Second Lieutenant Embudo were laid to rest, the Philippine Air Force honors their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to duty. Their memory and service will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration to the Air Force family and the nation they faithfully served.

AIR COMBAT COMMAND HOLDS MEANINGFUL OUTREACH ACTIVITY

The Air Combat Command (ACC) conducted a meaningful outreach activity on 12 May 2026 at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB), Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City in line with its 6th Founding Anniversary celebration. Anchored on the theme, “ACC @ 6: Mission-Oriented, Capability-Driven Combatants and Focused Warriors Anchored in Values” , the activity was led by the Commander of Air Combat Command, MGEN ROMAN M DIOSO PAF.

The activity was participated in by partner organizations from both government and private sectors, which provided free medical consultations, dental tooth extractions, National ID processing, and free haircut services to 152 individuals from Sitio Baguio Valley and MAS Compound of Barangay Sta. Maria. The beneficiaries likewise received food packs, hygiene kits, school supplies, slippers, and assorted toys for the children.

Overall, the outreach activity further strengthened the partnership between the military and the local community, highlighting the spirit of unity, cooperation, and compassion as the ACC continues its steadfast commitment to public service and community engagement.

"This May, we celebrate Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month in line with Presidential Proclamation No. 818. Led by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), a series of activities will highlight the importance of transparent, accountable, and citizen-centered governance. With the theme "Achieving Results Through Transparency and Accountability (ARTA): Towards a More Productive Bagong Pilipinas," this initiative reinforces the
streamline commitment to streamline processes, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and improve public service delivery for all".

PAF NEWS | PAF CONCLUDES OPLAN BLACK TALON SIMULATION EXERCISE SANAY PUNGLO IV-2026

The Philippine Air Force, through the Air Combat Command (ACC), successfully concluded the capability and readiness exercise “Sanay Punglo IV-2026” conducted from April 20–23, 2026 at the 710th Special Operations Wing, Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base (CERAB), Capas, Tarlac.

The four-day exercise strengthened operational readiness and enhanced the night-fighting capability of participating units through close-to-real-time, scenario-based training under limited-visibility conditions. Participating units included the 15th Strike Wing, 710th Special Operations Wing (710TH SPOW), 205ᵗʰ Tactical Helicopter Wing, and the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, all of which performed vital roles throughout the exercise.

Key activities integrated tabletop exercises, practical exercises, rehearsals, hot evaluations, and the capability demonstration (SIMEX Proper), where units demonstrated and validated their operational capabilities. Designed to replicate the realities of night operations, the exercise challenged participants to maximize night vision capabilities, sharpen situational awareness, and effectively integrate technology with combat tactics.

In his message, Major General Roman M Dioso PAF, Commander, ACC, commended the participants for exemplifying professionalism, dedication, and teamwork, and emphasized the importance of continuous training and adaptability in addressing evolving security challenges. The PAF reaffirms its commitment to sustaining a credible, mission-ready force in service of the nation.

IN PHOTOS | ACC Launches SIMEX “Sanay Punglo IV-2026” to Sharpen Night Fighting Capability

The Air Combat Command (ACC) formally launched its capability and readiness exercise, SIMEX “Sanay Punglo IV-2026,” during an opening ceremony held on 20 April 2026 at the 710th Special Operations Wing (710SPOW) Sports Complex, Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base (CERAB), Capas, Tarlac.

The opening ceremony was graced by BGEN ROMMEL ALLAN P GENETE PAF, Wing Commander, 710SPOW, as the special guest. The event was led by COL FRANCIS L DANCEL PAF (GSC), Chief of Command Staff, ACC, who welcomed the participants and formally declared the exercise open, marking the start of the four-day activity. The exercise aims to enhance operational readiness and strengthen the capability of participating units to conduct coordinated combat operations during nighttime missions. It is a critical undertaking that underscores the Command’s commitment to operational readiness, adaptability, interoperability, and excellence in mission ex*****on.

During the opening program, LTC RANEL G LUBI PAF (GSC), ACCS for Education and Training, C-8 of ACC, presented the evaluation team and participating units, outlining the framework of the exercise. This year’s SIMEX will be conducted under the cover of darkness, utilizing night vision devices and other specialized equipment that enable ACC combatants to operate effectively in limited visibility conditions. The training simulation is designed for a night environment, which presents a unique and demanding operational setting—one that tests not only technical proficiency but, more importantly, the discipline, coordination, and presence of mind of the trainees.

Following the opening program, the event proceeded with a tabletop exercise, featuring detailed discussions on operational procedures, safety protocols, and key mission success factors in preparation for the simulation phase. It also included lectures, rehearsals, and practical exercises on surface strike operations, special operations, as well as troop insertion and extraction procedures.

Through SIMEX “Sanay Punglo IV-2026”, the ACC continues to uphold its commitment to sustaining a high level of readiness and operational excellence in support of its mandate.