Probe on Bukidnon helicopter crash launched

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has launched an investigation into the helicopter crash that killed seven persons in Bulonay, Bukidnon on Saturday.

Despite the incident, PAF public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Aristides Galang Jr. gave assurance that the military’s air assets are well-maintained.

“The Philippine Air Force will send an investigation team in Bukidnon to determine the cause of the mishap,” Galang said.

Killed in the accident were Lt. Col. Arnie Arroyo, pilot; 2/Lt. Mark Anthony Caabay, co-pilot; Sgts. Mervin Bersabe, Julius Salvado, Jerry Ayocdo and Jhamel Sugalang, and Airman 1/C Stephen Agarrado.

Arroyo, Caabay, Bersabe and Agarrado were PAF personnel.

Salvado was from the Army while Ayocdo and Sugalang were members of the Army’s active auxilliary.

The UH-IH helicopter came from the 403rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Malaybalay City and was bringing provisions to an Army base patrol in Impasug-ong near the boundary of Agusan del Sur.

It was flying in convoy with another helicopter when it figured in the accident.

Soldiers from the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion are guarding the wreckage until experts from the PAF arrive to investigate the incident.

Galang said financial and other necessary aid would be given to the relatives of the fatalities. – Gerry Lee-Gorit, John Unson, Alexis Romero