Marcos orders full assistance for Air Force crash victims' families
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Yummie Dingding/PPA Pool)
President Marcos wants full assistance extended to the families of six Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel who died in a helicopter crash in Agusan del Sur on Tuesday, Nov. 4, Malacañang said.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after the PAF announced that one of its Super Huey helicopters encountered an air mishap on Tuesday near the vicinity of the 60th Infantry Battalion (IB) at Agusan del Sur.
In her press briefing, Castro said the President was immediately informed of the crash and has personally conveyed his condolences to the families of the fallen airmen.
“Opo, alam na po ito ng Pangulo (Yes, the President is already aware of this),” she said on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
“Pinapaabot niya ang kanyang pakikiramay sa pamilya ng mga nasawing mga bayani ng ating bansa at ang lahat ng tulong na nararapat ay dapat na iparating sa mga naapektuhan na pamilya (He conveys his condolences to the families of our fallen heroes and directed that all necessary aid be given to their loved ones),” she added.
According to PAF, the aircraft was part of a flight of four helicopters that had departed from Davao to Butuan to conduct a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis mission.
“Communication with the helicopter was lost, which immediately prompted the launch of a search and rescue (SAR) operation,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense (DND) honored the fallen pilots as it extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
“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,” it said.
The crash occurred while the helicopter was reportedly conducting humanitarian and relief operations for communities affected by the typhoon. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident.