(UPDATED) Four personnel of the Philippine Air Force were killed when a Huey helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday evening, July 23, 2020, in Cauayan City in Isabela.
Major General Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, said on Friday, July 24, those killed were two pilots, one crew and another officer.
Another airman, Airman First Class Gerry Aviles, survived the crash and is now undergoing treatment.
Those killed were Major Christopher Cesar Urbano, pilot in command; Captain Fiorelio Bernardo, co-pilot; First Lieutenant Mike Tuesday Tabigne; and Staff Sergeant John Christopher Taguiam, crew.
Arevalo said the helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff at around 6:58 p.m. on July 23 in the vicinity of the Tactical Operations Group 2 area in Cauayan.
“The military aircraft with five personnel onboard were conducting proficiency training for night flying when the accident happened,” said Arevalo.
AFP chief of staff General Felimon Santos Jr. has expressed deep grief and extended condolences and prayers to the bereaved families.
He committed to help facilitate the assistance and benefits to those who perished in the line of duty. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/SunStar Philippines)