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Philippine Air Force
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Lt. Col. Aristedes Galang, PAF spokesperson, said an investigating team has been dispatched to Bukidnon to inspect the crashed chopper with tail No.517.
Although initial reports said the chopper encountered engine trouble, Galang said that the PAF investigating team will also look into other possible causes such as environmental factor, human error, and material factor or the state of the chopper prior to flying.
“Initially for us, there is already an ongoing investigation. That (engine trouble) will not be the only consideration. We will consider all factors. We are not discounting the possibility that the problem is really the engine but I think it is too early to say for now,” Galang said.
Published January 17, 2021, 3:12 PM
All seven crew members and passengers of the UH-1H Huey utility helicopter that crashed in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on Saturday have already been identified, a military official confirmed Sunday.
The ill-fated UH-1H Huey helicopter that crashed in Barangay Bulonay, Impasugong, Bukidnon on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 16, 2021), killing seven men on board. This photo circulated online on Sunday. (Contributed Photo/8IB/MANILA BULLETIN)
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) earlier the pilot-in-command of the chopper as Lieutenant Colonel Arnie Arroyo, a graduate of PAF Officer Candidate School (PAFOCS) Class of 2003.
A separate report obtained by the Manila Bulletin identified the other fatalities as Seconnd Lieutenant Mark Anthony Caabay, co-pilot; Staff Sergeant Mervin Bersabi, gunner and crew chief; Airman First Class Stephen Agarrado, gunner; and Army Sergeant Julius Salvador, passenger.
(PAF/ MANILA BULLETIN)
The remains of Lieutenant Colonel Arnie Arroyo, pilot of the crashed UH-1H Huey helicopter; 2nd Lieutenant Mark Anthony Caabay, co-pilot; Staff Sergeant Mervin Bersabi, gunner and crew chief; and Airman 1st Class Stephen Agarrado, gunner; were flown via a C-295 aircraft from Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City to Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu.
Major General Florante Amano, Air Force Vice Commander, led the military honors and gave his final salute when the bodies of the four airmen arrived at the military airbase at around 4 p.m.
(PAF/ MANILA BULLETIN)
After the short ceremony, a Holy Mass was held in honor of all seven victims in the air mishap. The other fatalities were identified as Army Sergeant Julius Salvador, and CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) members Jerry Ayukdo and Jhamel Sugalang.