4 dead in Air Force helicopter crash

ISABELA, Philippines — Four persons died and another was seriously injured when a helicopter of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) crashed while taking off at a military camp in Cauayan City, Isabela on Thursday night.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo identified the fatalities as pilot-in-command Maj. Cristopher Cesar Urbano, co-pilot Capt. Fiorelio Bernardo, officer on board First Lt. Mike Tuesday Tabigne and air crew S/Sgt. John Cristopher Taguiam.

Airman 1st Class Gerry Aviles Jr. remains confined in a hospital. Reports said he managed to jump from the helicopter before it crashed.

The PAF said the victims, who belonged to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, were undergoing night vision training when the accident occurred in Barangay San Fermin at around 7:10 p. m.

The Department of National Defense (DND) expressed its sympathy to the families of the fatalities.

”The PAF is investigating the accident. All possible assistance will be extended to the next of kin of those who perished,” Arsenio Andolong, DND spokesman, said. — Romina Cabrera, Victor Martin