PNP honors 6 PAF men who died in Agusan del Sur chopper crash
The Philippine National Police (PNP) honored the sacrifice of the six Air Force personnel who died in a helicopter crash in Agusan del Sur, the chopper was part of the air assets deployed for rapid damage and needs assessment in areas devastated by typhoon “Tino”.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. described the six personnel of the Philippine Air Force as heroes who exemplified courage and selfless service.
“The Philippine National Police stands with the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in mourning the passing of six of its personnel in Agusan del Sur,” said Nartatez.
“As frontliners in disaster response, we in the PNP are fully aware of the risks that come with the deployment in times of calamities and other threats to the safety of our kababayan,” he added.
Addressing PNP personnel, Nartatez reminded them of the risks that come with their sworn duty and urged everyone to uphold the same spirit of courage and commitment demonstrated by their counterparts in the Air Force.
“Our deployment every day comes with sacrifice. Service above self, that’s the true meaning of being in uniform,” said Nartatez.
Despite the tragedy, Nartatez assured the public that the PNP remains steadfast in supporting ongoing disaster response and recovery operations nationwide in light of the typhoon’s massive destruction in Visayas and Mindanao.
“This tragic incident will not affect our determination to assist our kababayan in need, in fact, this will serve as our motivation to do more in serving and protecting the Filipino people,” Nartatez said.