AFP to Give President Aquino Final Tribute Today

As President Benigno S. Aquino III’s term formally ends on June 30, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will render a final tribute this afternoon to the outgoing Commander-in-Chief who gave much support to the military’s capability upgrade program.

The event will take place in front of GHQ Grandstand, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in a message to the PNA Saturday.

“The AFP as a whole will render its final tribute to the outgoing President & Commander-in-Chief (CinC) this Monday afternoon. All the AFP’s top brass as well as those who served under his administration as AFP senior leaders are expected to attend,” he added.

Other government dignitaries were also invited to attend the activities.

The tribute is also to show the AFP’s appreciation for Aquino’s efforts in the military capability upgrade program.

“The AFP capability build up under the outgoing administration has been the best so far for the AFP and greatly exceeds the support provided by the last three administrations combined,” Padilla pointed out.

As of this posting, fruits of the AFP’s ongoing modernization program include the two Hamilton-class cutters, six multi-purpose assault craft, 113 armored personnel carriers, three brand-new C-295 medium lift aircraft, two C-130 heavy transports, two FA-50PH light-interim fighter aircraft and eight attack versions of the AgustaWestland AW-109 “Power” helicopters, five landing craft heavies and two strategic sealift vessels to name a few.

“However, in contrast to previous parades, there will be no Air Force fly-by during this testimonial for the CinC this Monday. The toned down ceremonies are in keeping with the desire of the outgoing CinC to keep the ceremonies as simple as possible without sacrificing the necessary military protocols, customs and tradition entailed during the activity,” Padilla stressed.

He added Monday’s ceremonies will be the final military parade to honor and pay tribute to the CinC and is the AFP’s expression of gratitude for the leadership and support provided by the Honoree for the institution. (PNA)