Carlos regrets chopper crash happened, says deployment of helicopter followed PNP rules

Gen. Dionardo Carlos, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said on Tuesday, Feb. 22, that the deployment of police-owned helicopter to fetch him in Balesin was allowed and followed the organization's rules and and regulations.

"I regret that the accident happened and never wish harm to my personnel nor losses to the organization. Rest assured that a thorough investigation is being undertaken," said Carlos in a statement.

The Chief PNP is being criticized for the propriety of sending a PNP chopper to Balesin, a high-end and exclusive island resort in Quezon.

Carlos confirmed that he was indeed in Balesin where he stayed after attending the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Homecoming in Baguio City where he was awarded with Outstanding Achievement Award on Saturday, Feb. 19.

"The following day, Sunday afternoon I traveled to Balesin island for private time and scheduled to return Monday morning via private transport," said Carlos.

However, I was informed that due to unforeseen circumstances, said private transport would only be available in the evening of Monday," he added.

According to Carlos, this prompted him to request for an administrative flight to transfer/move me back to Camp Crame in Quezon City Monday morning.

The PNP chopper that was supposed to fetch Carlos crashed in Real town of Quezon, two hours after it took off in Pasay City.

A police crewman died while the two police pilots were seriously injured.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año defended Carlos, saying the deployment of the chopper is part of an official mission for the Chief PNP to perform his duties.