Pertahanan Republik Indonesia

The PAF in the Western Visayas presently has its Tactical Operation Group-6 headquarters in Iloilo.

The establishment of the Air Force TOG-6 headquarters at the Bacolod-Silay Airport was endorsed by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., who requested for approval and authority from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to sign the memorandum of agreement by and between the province of Negros Occidental and the PAF.

The TOG-6 headquarters will house PAF air assets, such as helicopter gunship, war and cargo air transport planes. The Air Force headquarters in Region 6 was proposed to be transferred from Iloilo to Negros Occidental during the stint of retired General Victor Ibrado, then commander of the AFP Central Command.

The proposed MOA stipulated that the provincial government will acquire four hectares of land within or near the vicinity of the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Brgy. Bagtic, Silay City, while the PAF will undertake the development of the area, construction and maintenance of structures, and facilities.

The MOA also states that the PAF will give Negros Occidental priority in extending assistance, or preference to the needs of the province in times of emergency, calamity and similar circumstances, when its services may be needed.

The establishment of an Air Force headquarters at the Bacolod-Silay Airport was welcomed by military officials in Negros island, who have to request for air support, either from Cebu or Iloilo in times of emergency crisis and tactical operations against lawless groups.*GPB