Antonio Bautista Air Base
Facility Details
| Operating Country | 🇵🇭 Philippines • 🇺🇸 United States |
| Location | 🇵🇭 Philippines |
| Status | Active |
| Usage | Dual |
| Year built | 1975 |
| Operating Organization | Philippine Air Force |
| Units |
4th Tactical Operations Command
|
| Coordinates | 9.7442°N, 118.7589°E |
| Elevation | 22 m (72 ft) |
| IATA code | PPS |
| ICAO code | RPVP |
| Runways |
09/27 · 2,600 m (8,530 ft) · Asphalt/Concrete
|
Description
Antonio Bautista Air Base is a Philippine Air Force installation located in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. The base shares its runway with Puerto Princesa International Airport. It is operated by the Philippine Air Force, with the United States Air Force also operating at the facility under the jurisdiction of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. The installation houses the 4th Tactical Operations Command.
The airbase site was originally constructed as an airstrip by American prisoners of war during the Japanese occupation in World War II. On 14 December 1944, Japanese forces executed 150 American prisoners at the site. Following the area's capture by Allied forces, the United States Army Air Forces deployed several units to the base between 1945 and 1946, including Headquarters, XIII Fighter Command; the 42d Bombardment Group; the 347th Fighter Group; the 419th Night Fighter Squadron; and a detachment of the 550th Night Fighter Squadron. The current military installation was established on 21 March 1975 and named after Colonel Antonio Bautista, a Philippine Air Force F-86 Sabre pilot killed in action during a close air support mission on 11 January 1974.
The airbase operates as a logistics supply point for Philippine military personnel deployed to the municipality of Kalayaan and the stationed vessel BRP Sierra Madre.
- AUG 132026 Updated Runway designations, surfaces and lengths recorded
- AUG 112026 Created Page created: Antonio Bautista Air Base