By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his condolences to the families of the fallen aircrew of a Philippine Air Force (PAF) helicopter that crashed in Agusan del Sur on Tuesday.
“Pinapaabot niya (Pangulong Marcos Jr.) ang pakikiramay sa pamilya ng mga nasawing bayani ng ating bansa. Ang lahat ng tulong na nararapat ay dapat iparating sa mga naapektuhang pamilya,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Malacañang press briefing on Wednesday.
According to PAF, the Super Huey helicopter was deployed to Butuan City to conduct a rapid damage assessment and needs analysis (RDANA) mission following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.
PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said the team was also part of a four-helicopter fleet tasked to assist in the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in calamity-hit areas.
As per standard operating procedure, Basco said the Air Force has grounded its entire Super Huey fleet pending a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash—which killed all six crew of the military chopper.
“We’re trying to gather all the evidence and investigate po talaga based on eyewitness accounts. And andoon din yung miyembro ng ating PAF na nagpunta po doon, yung investigating team para malaman po kung ano po yung puno’t dulo ng air mishap,” Basco said during an interview on the Integrated State Media Special Coverage, which aired over PTV-4.
In a statement, the Department of National Defense (DND) also condoled with the bereaved families of the pilots and crew of the ill-fated chopper.
“Their dedication to duty and sacrifice will always be remembered, especially as these were made in the service of our fellow Filipinos facing the effects of Typhoon Tino,” the DND said.
“We pray for their eternal peace and shall extend all available support to their families at this difficult time,” the agency added.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) likewise expressed its solidarity with the PAF and honored the courage of its fallen personnel for their “dedication, skill, and courage”.
“Our sincerest condolences to the families of our fallen heroes, we share in your grief and extend our unwavering support during this most difficult time,” the AFP said in a statement.
It noted that the fallen airmen’s sacrifices are a reminder of the “profound risks faced by those who serve—even in missions of compassion and relief for our fellow Filipinos.”
“The AFP remains steadfast in supporting the ongoing efforts and in standing beside the families of our personnel, as we collectively pay tribute to their heroism and selfless service to the nation.”
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