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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PAF finally retrieves bodies of 6 personnel in Tarlac chopper crash

PAF finally retrieves bodies of 6 personnel in Tarlac chopper crash

Published Jun 30, 2021 11:29 am

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has finally retrieved all the remains of the six personnel who died in a tragic helicopter crash in Capas, Tarlac last June 23.

The six Philippine Air Force personnel who died in a tragic helicopter crash in Capas, Tarlac on June 23, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil Relations Service)

Lt. Col. Maynard Mariano, PAF spokesperson, said Tuesday night, June 29, that the retrieval operation for the aircrew of the crashed S70i Blackhawk #100 helicopter was completed on June 27. However, the recovery of the aircraft was still on-going at the crash site.

The victims were earlier identified as Lt. Col. Rexzon Pasco, the instructor pilot; Majors Jayrold Constantino and Erano Belen, student pilot; Master Sgt. Ronnie Reducto, instructor scanner; Technical Sgt. Maricar Laygo, student scanner; and Sgt. Leonardo Tandingan, student scanner. All of them were members of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing.

Belen was the topnotcher of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Masidlak" Class of 2010; Constantino was a member of the PMA "Maragtas" Class of 2007; and Pasco was a product of PMA "Maliyab" Class of 2004.

The PAF previously said that the uneven terrain at the crash site and bad weather posed as challenges to the retrieval operation.

Mariano said the remains of the aircrew arrived at Clark Air Base on June 28 and were accorded with full military honors.

"The Commanding General Philippine Air Force, Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes, condoled with the families with utmost respect to the fallen airmen," Mariano said.

Meanwhile, Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana personally visited the wake of the deceased PAF personnel and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families.

In a separate statement on June 28, Lorenzana grieved the passing of the six aircrew.

"Grief is unexplainable. You think you know how you'll feel after experiencing it, but in reality, it doesn't get easier abd I don't think it ever will be. It's not a fleeting emotion you can push aside, it goes deeper," he said.

"With the recent crash of a PAF helicopter killing six young airmen, we are reminded that life is short and fragile," he added.

Mariano said the remains of the aircrew will be brought to their respective hometowns as requested by their families.

"The Philippine Air Force extends its deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the gallant air crew. The PAF shall extend all necessary assistance and support to the concerned families," he noted.

Further, the PAF spokesperson said the investigation as to the cause of the crash continues. The entire fleet of the Blackhawk choppers will also not be flown pending the results of the investigation.

Related Tags

Philippine Air Force Helicopter crash blackhawk tarlac
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