Seven airmen aboard a Philippine Airforce (PAF) Huey helicopter have died after crashing on the mountainous area in Bukidnon Saturday afternoon.
Philippine Army (PA) 403rd Infantry Brigade Spokesperson Major Jennan Montealto confirmed the chopper crashed past 2:00 PM in Barangay Bulonay, town of Impasug-ong and identified the deaths of 2 pilots, 2 gunners of the PAF, and 3 members of the PA.
The casualties were identified as Lt. Col. Arnie Arroyo, 2LT Mark Anthony Caabay, Sgt. Mervin Bersabe, PAF Airman 1st class Stephen Agarrado, PA Sgt. Julius Salvado,
members of active auxiliary Jerry Ayocdo, and Jhamel Sugalang.
According to PA 403rd Infantry Brigade Brigadier General Ferdinand Barandon, the soldiers in the helicopter were supposed to bring supplies to the patrol base when the accident occurred.
One of the convoys in another helicopter noticed that ill-fated chopper was emitting smoke while in the air and the pilot avoided crashing in the residential area.
PAF Commander Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes stated that the helicopter was owned by the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing and just like other aircrafts, it undergoes strict regular evaluation before using and after flights. – Report from Ruby Leonora Balistoy, PIA-Bukidnon
