Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured assistance to the families of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel who perished in a helicopter crash in Agusan del Sur on Tuesday. Marcos extended his condolences to the families of the PAF personnel who were aboard a helicopter deployed to conduct damage assessment following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing. ‘Pinapaabot niya ang pakikiramay sa pamilya ng mga nasawing bayani ng ating bansa (He extends his condolences to the families of the fallen heroes of our country),’ Castro said. ‘Ang lahat ng tulong na nararapat ay dapat iparating sa mga naapektuhang pamilya (All appropriate assistance should be extended to the affected families).”

According to Philippines News Agency, in a statement on Tuesday, the PAF confirmed that one of its Super Huey helicopters encountered an air mishap near the vicinity of the 60th Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Sur. The ill-fated aircraft, manned by two pilots and four aircrew members, was part of a flight of four helicopters that departed from Davao and was en route to Butuan City to conduct a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis mission. The PAF said communication with the helicopter was lost, which immediately prompted the launch of a search-and-rescue operation.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) extended their condolences and support to the PAF following the deaths of the six airmen. ‘At this difficult time, the DOTr and CAAP stand in solidarity with the PAF, the families of the fallen heroes, and all personnel affected by this incident,’ they said in a statement. ‘We honor their courage, dedication, and selfless service to the nation, qualities that will forever be remembered and cherished,’ they added. Both agencies also assured the public of their commitment to ensure the safety of the country’s airspace.