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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider What 'breathtaking' story? PAF says viral chopper landing at Taguig hospital part of drills

What 'breathtaking' story? PAF says viral chopper landing at Taguig hospital part of drills

Published Oct 29, 2025 06:04 pm
(Photo courtesy of Jay Sonza / Facebook)
(Photo courtesy of Jay Sonza / Facebook)
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) clarified that one of its helicopters spotted landing multiple times at the roof deck helipad of St. Luke’s Medical Center–Global City in Taguig City on Wednesday, October 29, was engaged in a planned training exercise, not a medical evacuation or VIP escort as speculated online.
The clarification came after a Facebook post went viral, questioning the helicopter’s repeated landings at the hospital.
PAF spokesperson Colonel Ma. Christina Basco said the helicopter, a Bell 412 Combat Utility Helicopter (CUH) from the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, was conducting a “High-Rise Proficiency Training,” a regular drill held in coordination with St. Luke’s and other high-rise facilities in Metro Manila.
“These exercises are crucial for practicing life-saving skills like aero-medical patient transport, high-rise rescue, and the deployment of responders,” Basco said.
The PAF emphasized that such operations are routine and essential to maintaining the skill and precision required in emergency response missions.
A social media post about the PAF helicopter’s landing went viral.
The post was made by former broadcaster Jay Sonza, who, after uploading a photo of the PAF's helicopter on the roof deck of St. Luke's Hospital, wrote on his Facebook account: “Is this a chopper of the PAF that landed at St. Luke’s earlier today? If yes, who did they escort? Must be someone in a high position for the Air Force to bring you to the hospital?”
He said he had “no way of personally checking” the situation but urged others to verify the supposed “medical evacuation,” noting that the aircraft was seen taking off and landing about four times that morning.
“Abangan ang makapigil-hiningang pagsubaybay natin sa kuwentong ito (Stay tuned for our breathtaking coverage of this story),” he added.
The post sparked discussions online, with several netizens echoing calls for clearer information before sharing unverified claims.

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PAF St. Luke\'s exercise Jay Sonza
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