Legarda mourns PAF personnel killed in Agusan chopper crash

Senator Loren Legarda on Thursday mourned the passing of six pilots and crew members of a Philippine Air Force (PAF) helicopter that crashed in Agusan del Sur on Tuesday, 4 November.

According to the PAF, one of its Super Huey helicopters went down near the headquarters of the Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion. The aircraft was en route from Davao to Butuan to conduct damage assessment following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.

In her statement, Legarda extended condolences to the families and colleagues of the fallen air personnel.

"As an officer of the Philippine Air Force Reserve, I share in the sorrow of losing gallant men who wore their uniform with pride and valor, placing the welfare of the people we serve above their own comfort and safety," she said.

She added that the team's final flight “will be remembered as a mission of courage and compassion, carried out for love of country and humanity.”

On Wednesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured bereaved families that the government will provide all necessary assistance.

The crash was the second fatal aircraft incident involving the PAF this year. In March, two pilots were killed when an FA-50 fighter jet crashed near the Mt. Kalatungan Complex in Bukidnon.