Philippine National Police officers and employees react as a giant video screen and their tent are toppled by a hovering police helicopter performing a salute during the 117th Philippine National Police Service anniversary at Camp Crame in suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018. President Rodrigo Duterte, who angrily admonished about a hundred police officers allegedly involved in crimes in an audience in the Presidential Palace the day before, repeated his warning to kill "police drug criminals." (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) A Philippine National Police helicopter lived up to the slang name “chopper” when it’s propeller wash blew away tents and brought down a giant LED panel in Camp Crame on Wednesday.

“Chopper” became slang for helicopter as its main rotors chop through the air. The same word also refers to a short ax with a large blade used to cut things down.

The P435-million Bell 429 helicopter is a recent acquisition of the PNP, purchased in March last year and delivered last April.

It was among the new equipment the PNP presented during its 117TH Police Service Anniversary with President Rodrigo Duterte as guest of honor.

Applause from the crowd greeted the helicopter as it flew around Camp Crame where the celebration is being held.

However, when it proceeded to land at the oval the powerful wind of its propellers blew a couple of tents, sending bystanders scampering away for safety. It also toppled a giant LED display.

According to official, a policeman was hurt when a tent pole hit his head while two non-commissioned personnel sustained bruises in different parts of their body.

PNP estimates said the repair of the LED screen could cost as much as P3 million.

Police officials said an investigation of the incident is already under way. EWB

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