Monday, April 30, 2007 Heroes’ burial set for fallen co-pilot
FIRST Lt. Jesus Arnel Embat was the youngest in his class at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). He was just 17 years old when he began his schooling.
He graduated in 2000 when he was 21 years old.
His classmate, Lt. Jun Dacara, told Sun.Star Cebu that even during his days at the PMA, Embat wanted to be a pilot.
After graduating from the PMA, he enrolled at the Philippine Air Force Flying School and graduated in 2004. He was immediately assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing at the Mactan Benito Ebuen Airbase.
Embat was the co-pilot when the UH-1H Huey Helicopter crashed in the middle of the Humay-humay road in Lapu-Lapu City Saturday afternoon.
Sgt. Michael Gabino and seven civilians who were onboard a tricycle also died in the crash.
Embat is survived by his wife, and two sons, a two-year-old boy and an eight-month-old infant.
Dacara said Embat was originally from Baguio City but his family has since been living in Camp Aguinaldo.
Dacara, who was one of those who proceeded to the crash site, said Embat’s injuries on seven ribs on the right side were his most fatal wounds.
He was still conscious when he was pulled out of the wreck.
“Along the way nakapagsalita pa daw siya. Masakit daw ang ulo niya (He said his head hurt),” Dacara said.
Embat expired at 8:05 p.m. at the Perpetual Succour Hospital. He was 28.
His family arrived yesterday morning to bring his body back to Manila.
Dacara said he will be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
As for Gabino, 32, he reportedly got married in October last year.
Colleagues described him as a simple gentleman from Cagayan de Oro who smiled a lot.
The pilot, Captain Allan Villagarcia, and the gunner, Staff Sgt. Johnny Reyes, are confined at the Mactan Doctors’ Hospital. (MEA)
