A ranking Philippine Army (PA) official has called on the Army Aviation Regiment (AAR) to remain steadfast in its core missions, including defending the country’s territory.

“To the men and women of 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,” Maj. Gen. Joseph Norwin Pasamonte, 7th Infantry Division commander, said in a statement shared by the PA on Monday.

Pasamonte made the call during the AAR’s sixth activation anniversary on July 4 at Fort Ramon Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, as the designated representative of PA chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido.

Since its activation in 2019, the AAR has played a vital role in enhancing the PA’s operational reach and responsiveness, ensuring that reliable aviation capabilities support ground forces.

To recall, AAR personnel aboard their twin engine Cessna 421B and single Cessna 172 aircraft conducted air patrols over the Philippine Sea and the waters over Central Visayas on June 11 and June 20, respectively.

The PA earlier said these missions demonstrate the AAR’s commitment to support inter-agency maritime surveillance and security initiatives.

AAR commander Col. Richard Servito has expressed confidence that all officers and enlisted personnel of the unit will work together as a reliable and relevant component of the PA’s combined arms team. (PNA)