Tactical Operations Group 7 (TOG 7) is responsible for planning, controlling, and coordinating the employment of air power in the area of responsibility. This Group provides operational requirements for the accomplishment of the Units mission which includes conducting tactical air operations within the AOR, performing forward air control missions, airfield operations, and service support functions. Additionally, Civil Military Operations (CMO) are also conducted within the AOR.
Despite the pandemic, mandated missions were unceasingly performed. Maritime Patrols were conducted continuously, especially in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in support of the territorial defense effort of WESCOM. It has attained notable and significant accomplishments and achievements. On air operations, TOG 7 has excellently conducted a sustained Maritime Patrol mission that focused on the controversial issue of swarming of Chinese Maritime Militia vessels at Whitsun Reef as well as at the artificial islands of China and the aggressive actions of Chinese Navy and Coastguard vessels in the area.
The detection and sightings of Chinese forces have increased the maritime domain awareness of the Command in the WPS and this was significant information for the Philippine government in filing protests against the illegal presence and activities of China in the WPS. The updates and information gathered through these MARPAT missions were also essential for the decision-making and policy-making of the leadership of the AFP, DND, and political leaders of the country on external defense. These activities show that the Group has contributed to the development of a credible air defense posture in the priority areas with exhibited competence in an integrated C4 system.
The Group also supports the conduct of internal security operations, which resulted in the dismantling of the party committee of NPA in Palawan. In times also of calamity, TOG 7 was always in action by providing appropriate aircraft to conduct HARD missions. It was done through coordination with the AFCC and by exerting extra efforts to come up with the successful conduct of the mission.
During the conduct of various training flights of pilots such as QPC training, night flying, fighter operations, tactical intercept, surface attack tactics, and instrument flying in the AOR of TOG 7, the Group provides aerodrome support functions.
In support of the enhancement of command and control capability, the Group was directing the attached flying elements to conduct communication checks to the friendly forces along the way in order to sustain credible Units in the Joint Area of Operations of UC.
These exemplary accomplishments and successful achievements have shown that TOG 7 continued to be committed to being a credible, dependable, and agile force in the Western Frontier. Every member of the Group remained persistent in performing the mandated task, especially on air operations with a commitment to peace, security, and development of Palawan.