Chopper crash victim: Police general dies

Ramos, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1986 like Cascolan, served as PNP director for comptrollership and chairman of the PNP bids and awards committee

One of the police generals injured when a PNP helicopter crashed in Laguna last March died early Tuesday, seven months after the incident.

Maj. Gen. Jose Ma. Victor Ramos died 12:07 a.m., after a long hard battle due to serious injuries, PNP chief Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan said.

“His (Ramos) remains were cremated for further memorial services. He will be accorded full honors befitting a police general,” Cascolan said in a statement.

Ramos, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1986 like Cascolan, served as PNP director for comptrollership and chairman of the PNP bids and awards committee under former PNP chiefs Oscar Albayalde and Archie Gamboa.

Gamboa, Ramos, Maj. Gen. Mariel Magaway, and former PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac were among those on board the Bell-429 helicopter that crashed at Laperal Compound in San Pedro City last 5 March.

Ramos and Magaway suffered serious injuries in the incident. Gamboa, Banac, pilot Lt. Col. Ruel Zalatar, co-pilot Lt. Col. Rico Macawili and helicopter crew SMSgt. Louie Estona had “minor injuries.”

News of Ramos’ passing was confirmed by PNP spokesperson PCol. Ysmael Yu.

He was 55 years old.

“The men and women of the Philippine National Police, led by our Chief, PNP General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, mourn the death of one of the hardworking and trustworthy police senior officers, Police Major General Jose Ma. Victor DF Ramos,” Yu said in a statement.

“PMGEN Jovic Ramos fought a good fight to enjoy his supposed retirement from the service on 25 November with his family, but the Almighty has another plan for him. The PNP extends its deepest sympathies for his wife, children and other members of his family, that include the PMA “Sinagtala” Class of 1986,” he added.

Investigation indicated that thick dust and debris scattered during takeoff, until visibility was lost and the chopper’s tail got snagged into a power line.

PNP spokesman Col. Ysmael Yu said later findings by the task force that probed the incident showed that the ill-fated helicopter was airworthy and had no engine trouble.

The task force also found that the pilot-in-command failed to assess risks before the takeoff which is required for a trained pilot like him; and that there was lack of situational awareness and evaluation of surroundings that are protocol for safe and proper takeoff, Yu said.

“There were some lapses in judgment on the part of the pilotin-command that include underestimating the capability of the aircraft,” he added.

The task force recommended that Zalatar be held accountable for criminal and administrative capabilities.

An administrative case of grave misconduct, in relation to reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injuries, multiple less serious physical injuries, and damage to property was already filed against Zalatar before the Internal Affairs Service last September

2, Yu said.

“As to the criminal liability, the case is still subject for review of the Office of the Chief, PNP.”