President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extends his condolences to the families of Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel who perished in a helicopter crash in Agusan Del Sur during the onslaught of Typhoon Tino on Tuesday. 

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro delivered Marcos’ message in a press briefing on Wednesday.

“[The President] extends his condolences to the families of the fallen heroes of our country and all appropriate assistance will be extended to the affected families," she said.

The PAF earlier confirmed that one of its Super Huey helicopters encountered a mishap near the vicinity of the 60th Infantry Battalion in Agusan Del Sur.

The helicopter was heading to Butuan to conduct a rapid damage assessment and needs analysis (RDANA) mission following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.

PAF said a thorough investigation is being conducted to determine the circumstances and cause of the accident. 

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.