Former Senator and senatorial candidate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan’s helicopter ride from Pili, Camarines Sur, to Tiaong, Quezon on Monday was forced to make three emergency landings due to bad weather conditions.
Pangilinan was en route to Quezon Province from his weekend campaign run in the Bicol Region when they encountered zero visibility in the helicopter’s flight path, prompting three emergency landings.
“There was 180-degree zero visibility in our flight path, which caused us to make three emergency landings before we decided to abort the flight. The pilot really worked hard, so his salary was well-earned today,” Pangilinan said.
After their last emergency landing in Candelaria, Quezon, they chose to travel by land to Tiaong, where he was scheduled to deliver a speech before Southern Luzon State University students and meet with supporters. Pangilinan also took a selfie with farmers who witnessed his emergency landing in Candelaria before continuing the journey.
“First of all, I am grateful to God for the protection He gave us. I also thank our brave pilots for their skill and determination in the face of danger. I sincerely apologize to our fellow countrymen in Quezon for the delay they had to endure,” Pangilinan said.
“Despite what happened, I decided to continue with my scheduled activities because the people of Quezon are important to me,” he added.
The former Senator placed second in the 2022 vice presidential race in Quezon Province, earning 359,239 votes.