Outgoing PAF chief to get testimonial parade on Monday

Outgoing Philippine Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena will get a testimonial parade and review in his honor from the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday, Jan. 9.

The AFP said the parade will be held at the AFP General Headquarters parade ground at Camp Aguinaldo.

"The ceremony is a military tradition to honor outgoing commanders in the armed forces who have rendered exceptional loyalty, commitment and dedication to their tasks during their active military service. Lt. Gen. Rabena, who is reaching his mandatory retirement age of 56 (in) August of this year, will hand over the PAF Command on January 10, 2012 at the Change of Command Ceremony to be presided by no less than the President and Commander-in-Chief Benigno S. Aquino III," the AFP said in a news release.

AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa will lead all AFP personnel in witnessing the testimonial parade and review.

Dellosa said they are confident the next Air Force Commander will do just as great as what his predecessor has done.

“The AFP will remain a dynamic organization constantly adjusting to the ever-changing security environment as we envision our organization as fully capable, highly responsive and professional Armed Forces,” Dellosa said.

Rabena is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatarungan” Class of 1978, which adopted former President and now arrested Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo.

He graduated from the Philippine Air Force Flying School (PAFFS) in 1979. He assumed the top PAF post on January 11, 2009.

Before serving as PAF chief, Rabena served as chief strategic planner of the AFP as Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, J-5.

He also served as Air Force Inspector General, the principal adviser of the Commanding General on matters related to mission performance, state of morale and discipline and efficiency and effectiveness.

Also, he also became the Wing Commander of the PAF's 15th Strike Wing from 2007 to 2008; and Wing Commander of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing from 2006 to 2007.

"A competent and efficient airman, Rabena also held various flying positions and pilot qualifications and had flown a total of 2,000 flying hours," the AFP said.
 — LBG, GMA News
January 7, 2012 3:40pm
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