NPA claims chopper crash an accident
The ill-fated aircraft was delivering supplies from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon to a patrol base when its engine faltered at around 2:30 p.m., according to initial reports
The New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Bukidnon claimed that the Huey helicopter that crashed in Bolonay, Impasugong Bukidnon was conducting combat operation along the Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Agusan de Norte boundary a rebel said Monday.
Ka Erika Magtanggol, NPA spokesman for the province of Bukidnon said in an interview with local radio station Magnum 99.9 that the ill-fated chopper has made six flights on Saturday, the day it nose-dived and hit the ground in Barangay Bolonay.
“The chopper with another combat helicopter has been conducting ocular flights in the area before the crash” he said.
The rebel spokesperson denied earlier reports that the chopper was downed by rebel ground firing.
“It was an accident” she said. May Rodolfo Cordera, Army 4th infantry division spokesman also said that the chopper was beyond the reach of any firing from the ground.
He said the chopper crashed while passing by Impasug-ong to resupply an operation in Agusan del Sur, he added.
No survivors were seen at the crash site.
All of the seven people onboard died in the crash, and retrieval operations are ongoing.
A report by authorities in the area stated that the helicopter was carrying pilot Lt. Col. Arnie Arroyo, co-pilot 2Lt. Mark Anthony Caabay, crew chief and gunner SSgt. Mervin Bersabi, another gunner identified as A1C Stephen Agarrado, all of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
Also onboard were Sgt. Julius Salvador of the Army, one Jerry Ayukdo of the paramilitary Civilian Active Auxiliary, and a still to be identified personnel of the
Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion.
“No survivors were seen” at the crash site, the report said.
Meanwhile, all remaining UH-1H helicopters of the PAF have been ordered grounded until further notice following the crash.
“Yes, for inspection,” Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed to reporters via text message on Monday.
The order came after the chopper, with tail number 517 and was attached to the PAF’s 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, crashed in Sitio Nahigit, Barangay Bulonay, Impasugong town the afternoon of 16 January instantly killing the seven passengers aboard.
The ill-fated aircraft was delivering supplies from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon to a patrol base when its engine faltered at around 2:30 p.m., according to initial reports.
Authorities identified the fatalities as Lt. Col. Arnie Arroyo, the pilot; 2nd Lt. Mark Anthony Caabay, co-pilot; Sgt. Mervin Bersabe; Airman 1st Class Stephen Agarrado; Sgt. Julius Salvado; and Jerry Ayocdo and Jhamel Sugalang, both members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit.