US to investigate death of Filipino paratrooper in Balikatan exercises

MANILA, Philippines – The United States said it will look into the incident that led to the death of a Philippine Air Force (PAF) paratrooper during the joint Balikatan exercises on Thursday.

"We are working closely with our Filipino counterparts to investigate the incident," the US Embassy said in a statement released on Friday.

The US Embassy also expressed its condolences to the family and friends of the Filipino airman.

READ: Paratrooper dies in Balikatan exercises

"He will be remembered for his great courage and service to his country," the statement read.

The Filipino soldier missed the pre-designated landing zone and drowned in Subic Bay, Balikatan 2016 spokesperson Capt. Celeste Frank Sayson said.

Sayson declined to identify the soldier who was a member of the PAF's 710 Special Operations Wing.

He was among the 20 Filipino paratroopers who jumped from US-owned planes alongside their American counterparts during a joint high-altitude exercise at Subic Airport yesterday.

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter is expected to arrive in the country to observe a part of the joint military drills between Filipino and American troopers.