6 DEAD IN MILITARY HELICOPTER CRASH 

SIX people, including two pilots, were killed when a  military chopper on Tuesday crashed in Loreto, Agusan del Sur.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), the Super Huey helicopter went down while en route to the coastal city of Butuan “in support of relief operations” for victims of Typhoon “Tino.”

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) identified the fatalities as pilots Captain Paulie B. Dumagan and Second Lieutenant Royce Louis G. Camigla; Aircrew Sergeant Yves B. Sijub; Sergeant John Christopher C. Golfo; Airman First Class Ericson R. Merico; and Airman Ameer Khaidar T. Apion.

The PAF has extended its deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and loved ones of the fallen heroes.

“Their heroism, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to duty stand as a lasting testament to the noble ideals of the service,” the PAF said.

“Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of airmen to serve with the same courage, dedication, and honor in the defense of our people and nation,” it added.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

The helicopter was part of a group of PAF aircrafts from Davao City tasked to carry out a rescue and relief operations in “Tino”-affected areas in Butuan when it crashed.

PRESIDENT MARCOS EXTENDS CONDOLENDES TO BEREAVED FAMILIES

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed the nation’s condolences to the families of the six Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel who died in a helicopter crash in Agusan Del Sur at the height of Typhoon “Tino” on Tuesday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos extended his condolences and assistance to the families of the nation’s heroes.

“Ayon po sa Pangulo, ipinapaabot niya ang kanyang pakikiramay sa pamilya ng mga nasawi na mga bayani ng ating bansa at lahat ng tulong na nararapat ay dapat na iparating sa mga naapektuhan na pamilya,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing on Wednesday.

In a separate statement on Wednesday, the Department of National Defense (DND) hailed the dedication to duty and sacrifice of the six PAF pilots and crew in the service of fellow Filipinos facing the effects of Typhoon “Tino.”

The DND said it shall extend all available support to the families of the fallen airmen.