DND extends sympathies to four PAF personnel who died in chopper crash

July 24, 2020

The Department of National Defense (DND) extends its sympathizes with the families of the Philippine Air Force personnel who died in a helicopter crash in Isabela province on Thursday night.

“The Department of National Defense expresses its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of our Philippine Air Force personnel who lost their lives in the unfortunate helicopter mishap in Cauayan Air Station in Cauayan, Isabela yesterday,”  said Arsenio Andolong, DND spokesperson, in a statement .

“The PAF is now investigating the cause of the incident and all possible assistance will be extended to the next of kin of those who perished,” he said.

Four PAF personnel died while another one was injured after a UH-1D helicopter with tail number 8308 crashed shortly after takeoff in the vicinity of the Tactical Operations Group -2, Cauayan Air Station, Cauayan City around 6:58pm.

The PAF personnel were conducting proficiency training for night flying when the accident happened.

Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said the fatalities were Maj. Christopher Cesar Urbano, Capt. Fiorelio Bernardo, 1Lt. Mike Tuesday Tabigne and SSg. John Christopher Taguiam.

He said the lone survivor who is in a hospital was identified as A1C Gerry Aviles Jr..

It can be recalled that three PAF members also died while one was wounded when a UH-1D helicopter crashed in Rizal province more than three years ago. Robina Asido/DMS