The 710th Special Operations Wing celebrated its 27th Founding Anniversary at Col Ernesto Ravina Air Base on July 30, 2018 with the theme "710th SPOW @ 27: A partner for change in pursuit of peace and resilient development."
The activity started with a capability demonstration showcasing the Counter-Terrorist Operations; Combat Control Operations; Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations; K-9 Search and Rescue; K-9 Explosives and Narcotics Detection; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and yield explosives Operations.
Highlighted in the activity was the presentation of awards to the following individual and unit in recognition for their meritorious and valuable accomplishments:
The Commanding General, PAF LTGEN GALILEO GERARD R KINTANAR JR AFP presented the award with the Wing Commander, 710th SPOW COL EDWARD L LIBAGO PAF (GSC), assisted by the Deputy Wing Commander, SPOW COL VINCENT B INCOGNITO PAF (GSC).
Group of the year - 730th Combat Group
Officer of the year - MAJ ENGELBERTO A NIODA JR PAF
Squadron of the year - 721st Special Operations Squadron, 720th Special Operations Group
NCO of the year - TSg Roland T Melanio PAF
Airman of the year - Sgt Rowel U Roque PAF
Also, the following individuals were recognized and awarded with Gold Cross Medal for their gallantry in action as EOD and K9 handlers during the Marawi Siege:
MSgt Bersan S Altarez PAF
A1C Aquilino B Soto Jr PAF
Sgt Jonathan A Valenzuela PAF
Likewise, the following were awarded for their invaluable Support to the Wing Mission:
Hon Sofronio Manuel C Ona-Mayor of Calaca Batangas
Col FLORANTE A FALSIS PAF (GSC) RET
Mr Neil C Farala-District Engineer, Tarlac 2nd District, Engineering Office
Batangas West Pistolero Inc.
More so, thirteen (13) former regular members of New People's Army (NPA) that operates in the areas of Cavite, Batangas, and Pampanga provinces were presented to the CG, PAF. The returnees will be provided with complete package of assistance and benefits by the Government.
In his speech, LTGEN KINTANAR commended the 710th SPOW for their exceptional accomplishments and performance especially during the Marawi Siege as the 'whisperer' guide of the PAF pilots. He also applauded the Wing for their never say die and always for the win attitude not only on combat and operations missions but also in any competition. Likewise, for their success in capturing 14 terrorist group and recovered high valued fire arms and other valuable documents and items last November. Thus, he welcomed the 13 former rebel returnees who can now live a normal life in peace and harmony. He also shared that the CS, AFP was very happy for the PAF's accomplishment and looks forward to the processing and re-integration program of the former rebels.
On the other hand, the CG, PAF were very proud on how the 710th SPOW stood their ground in protecting, maintaining and administering the home of the sky warriors. He ended his speech by urging everyone not to stop but to continue to grow the best, to secure and protect the home base but never fail to show care and compassion to Indigenous People, to deal w/ the stakeholders sincerely and truthfully, to strike hard in the heart of the enemy in fighting for peace and to embrace road to transformation.
The activity was attended by the CG, PAF and other major service commanders. Chieftains of IPs were also present during the said activity.
After the anniversary program, 710th SPOW personnel joint together for the blessing of their new Officers Barracks.
Photos by: MSg Bruna
