Manila: The Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) fleet of Black Hawk helicopters remains “fully responsive” in their humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations, despite an incident on Wednesday in Southern Leyte involving one of the aircraft.

According to Philippines News Agency, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco highlighted that the incident underscores the service’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of flight safety and operational readiness. “This as the PAF continues to provide timely and effective air support in the service of the Filipino people,” Basco stated.

On Wednesday, a PAF Black Hawk helicopter was compelled to make a precautionary landing in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte, due to fluctuating temperatures in one of its two engines. The helicopter was engaged in Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) operations following the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino in the Visayas region when it encountered the issue. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

Basco further informed that the helicopter has been transported back to Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, where it will undergo a “comprehensive inspection and evaluation.” The PAF currently operates a fleet of approximately 35 Black Hawk helicopters.

This incident followed closely on the heels of a tragic event on Tuesday, where a PAF Super Huey helicopter crashed in Agusan del Sur during HADR operations in response to Typhoon Tino, resulting in the loss of its two pilots and four aircrew members.