DAVAO CITY: The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) here has received four new
S-70i Blackhawk helicopters to amplify its air capabilities especially in conducting intensified military combat operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response during calamities.
The helicopters, which are manufactured by PZL Mielec, are the latest in the family of Black Hawk multi-mission aircraft which had also previously acquired Sikorsky, the original manufacturer of the Black Hawk.
The choppers were received Thursday (November 4) by BGen. Maurito L. Licudine, the Deputy Commander of EastMinCom, and LtCol. Omar FridzKhan S. Alpa, the Officer-in-Charge of TOW-EM/Group Commander of Tactical Operations Group 11.
These new air assets of EastMinCom came a week after the death of Jorge Madlos alias “Ka Oris,” a notorious Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader, in a legitimate encounter with the security forces of EastMinCom in the hinterland of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on October 30, 2021.
These air assets can be configured according to specific missions including troops transport and air assault, command and control, border patrol, search and rescue, disaster response, cargo lift, and VIP transport.
LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the EastMinCom chief said that these new air assets will enhance the troops’ mobility in the fight against the communist terrorist group (CTG) including the ability to conduct Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations especially that troops in Eastern Mindanao have always been on the frontlines during natural calamities and disasters.
Almerol said that it will also help the troops attain its goal of ending the local communist armed conflict by 2022 as it will advance its intensified focused military operations against the CTG.
“The arrival of these Black Hawk choppers happened at a very opportune time to aid our hardworking troops in the pursuit of genuine peace and development in Eastern Mindanao,” Almerol said.
He said, there is no doubt that these air capabilities will improve the conduct of military operations against the CTG and other threat groups both on land and sea.
Almerol thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for his continued support in improving military capabilities, adding that the president has always been responsive to the needs of the military in order to protect the interest of the country and the people.
Photo:EastMinCom