PAF Chief Leads Change of Command at PAF-Visayas

(PIA) — Philippine Air Force (PAF) Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado presided over the change of command of the 2nd Air Division of the PAF-Visayas based in Mactan, Lapulapu City early this week with the retirement of Maj. Gen. Romeo Poquiz.

Side buoys honors were given to Poquiz while arrival honors were also done for the incoming commander of the 2nd Air Division Maj. Gen. Eusaquito Manalo.

In his retirement speech, Poquiz said after 37 and ½ years in active military service, it is with mixed feelings of sadness and joy that he would be leaving an organization he spent the best years of his life with.

“While the AFP may have its share of flaws and weaknesses, it is an organization we can be proud of. It continuously strived to improve itself, more than any other unit or office in the government bureaucracy,” said Poquiz in his more than 30-minute speech that detailed his frustrations, challenges and triumphs in the military service.

Poquiz did not forget to thank his men in the Visayas for their dedication and commitment in helping and serving the victims of disasters that witnessed three last year during his reign namely the August 16 ship collision in Cordova, the October 15 7.2 magnitude earthquake and super Typhoon Yolanda last November 8 which killed thousands of lives leaving thousands more injured and homeless.

The Yolanda tragedy however, was a real witness to the selfless, untiring service and heroic deeds of the PAF-Visayas personnel, said Poquiz.

“Ang maipagmalaki ko lang, ang katapatan at kabayanihan ng ating mga Air Force dito sa Visayas ay hindi kayang tawaran. Napatunayan ito nung naghasik ng lagim si Yolanda. Maski sugatan, duguan, hilo, tuliro, naghihina sa walang kain, tubig at tulog at sakit sa matinding sinapit nila,” bared Poquiz.

“I shall always treasure the opportunity of having served our countrymen in their hour of need and in the direst of conditions,” revealed the outgoing 2nd Air Division commander.

Lt. Gen. Delgado in his remarks also exalted the achievements of Poquiz as he expressed optimism that the incoming commander will also show great attainment in various missions in disaster response, territorial defense and internal security operations. (mbcn/fcr/PIA-7)

Image Credit: apdforum.com