“Their courage will never be forgotten.”

This was President Marcos’ remark as he paid his respects to six members of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) who died in the line of duty after their Super Huey helicopter crashed in Agusan del Sur while conducting disaster response operations in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino this week.

In a solemn visit to the PAF Mortuary in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, on Friday, Nov. 7, the President extended his condolences to the families of Captain Paulie Dumagan and Second Lieutenant Royce Louis Camigla, whose remains lie in repose at the air base.

The remains of Sergeant John Christopher Golfo and Airman First Class Ericson Merico were earlier brought home to their respective provinces, according to the Air Force Public Affairs Office.

In a message on Instagram, President Marcos mourned the loss of the “brave men of the Philippine Air Force” who gave their lives in the line of duty while helping those affected by the typhoon.

“We mourn the loss of our brave men of the Philippine Air Force who gave their lives in the line of duty, serving our people and our nation until their final moments. Their courage and selfless service in bringing aid to those in need will never be forgotten,” he said.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, we honor their sacrifice and pray for the comfort of their families and loved ones,” he added.

The Philippine Air Force said the Super Huey helicopter was deployed to conduct Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) operations in the wake of Typhoon Tino when it met the fatal accident in Agusan del Sur.

President Marcos was received at the mortuary by Acting PAF Vice Commander Major General Pablo Rustria and other senior officers. He offered prayers and paid tribute to the airmen’s dedication, recognizing their “selfless devotion to duty and ultimate sacrifice in the service of the Filipino people.”

“The extraordinary heroism of these airmen, reflected in their unwavering commitment to serve others even at great personal risk, will continue to inspire every member of the Philippine Air Force,” the PAF statement read.

The President’s visit came days after he approved the declaration of a national state of calamity following the devastation left by Typhoon Tino, which caused heavy flooding and casualties across several regions in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Malacañang earlier announced that Marcos wants full assistance extended to the families of six PAF personnel who died in a helicopter crash in Agusan del Sur on Tuesday, Nov. 4.