The Philippine Embassy in Washington is offering assistance to the next-of-kin of Police Col. Pergentino Malabed Jr., who was aboard the flight that crashed into Potomac River in Washington D.C. after a collision with a military helicopter.
Police Col. Pergentino N. Malabed Jr. (Courtesy of PNP Directorate for Logistics)
In a statement on Friday night, Jan. 31, the DFA said it is now working with local authorities and is ready to assist Malabed’s next-of-kin.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs mourns the loss of Police Col. Pergentino Malabed Jr., who was among the casualties in the mid-air collision of a passenger plane and a military helicopter over the Potomac river in Washington D.C., USA,” the statement read.
“The Embassy is working closely with local authorities and offering all possible assistance to his next of kin, in coordination with the Philippine National Police, during this difficult time,” it added.
Malabed was among the 67 people who died in the tragic accident when American Eagle Flight 5342 collided with a US Army helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed the news.
It said that Malabed, chief of the Supply Management Division and member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1998, was on official duty.
The DFA also expressed its solidarity with all the victims of the incident.
“We express our sincere sympathy and solidarity with the family of all those who died in this terrible tragedy,” it added.
In her X post, United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson also condoled with the bereaved family of Malabed.
"We mourn the loss of Police Col Pergentino Malabed, who died in the recent Washington, DC plane crash. His service and commitment to upholding peace and security will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to his family and @pnppio colleagues at this time of great loss," she wrote.