Gamboa names officers-in-charge for departments of two unconscious generals

March 5, 2020

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Thursday designated officers-in-charge for the positions of the two generals as they remained unconscious after a helicopter they were riding crashed in San Pedro, Laguna.

In an interview with reporters, acting PNP spokesperson Police Major General Benigno Durana said the OIC for Directorate for Comptrollership is Police Brigadier General Ronnie Olay while Police Brigadier General Jess Cambay will be the OIC for Directorate for Intelligence.

“He gave an order that while General (Mariel) Magaway and General (Jose Maria Victor) are recovering, he designated an officer-in-charge,” he said.

Durana said he will also be the spokesperson while Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac is recuperating.

He said it is not necessary for now to have an OIC for Gamboa as he is just resting.

Earlier, the helicopter where Gamboa and seven others, including three generals are onboard crashed allegedly after they hit a high tension wire.

Initial report said the dust in the area caused “zero-visibility”.

Two pilots, one crew and Gamboa’s aide were also injured.

Durana said according to Gamboa’s aide,Police Captain Kevin Gayramara, Magaway was allegedly seating on the first row of the eight-seater helicopter with Gamboa and his aide. Ramos, Banac and the other crew were sitting on the second row.

"Kevin was conscious all throughout... It was their seating arrangement based on what Kevin told me... let's wait for the investigation," he said.

They were immediately brought to a hospital in Laguna before five of them were brought to a hospital in Taguig City. However, Magaway and Ramos remained unconscious.

Durana said Magaway is confined at a critical care room at a hospital in Muntinlupa City while Ramos was at the intensive care unit at a hospital in Laguna.

“The next 48 hours will be critical for them and we appeal for your continuous prayers… they remain unstable,” he said.

He said the doctors of the two generals are not recommending their transfer  to a hospital in Metro Manila for now.

Durana asked for the public’s understanding as they cannot divulge the extent and nature of the injuries acquired by the two generals.

“But I was told that General Magaway is responding when he is being pinched. I hope this continues. We storm heaven with our prayers because they are good people,” he said.

He said Gamboa is in “high spirit” and wants to visit the hospitals where the two generals are confined.

“His concern is on the total recovery of his seven men… He now wants to visit his two people to check on their conditions but he was dissuaded by the doctors because he needs to rest also for the next 48 hours as he is also under observation,” Durana said.

Durana said Gamboa received some visitors but they are limiting how many are allowed in his room.

“We are actually limiting the visitors because they have been through a very traumatic experience. They need to rest,” he said.

“He is giving orders left and right… but we are encouraging him to take it slowly cause the PNP is functioning. It’s the team that’s functioning and major decision (will still) be given by him but he’s ably supported by his command group and staff,” he said.

Durana said Gamboa is very grateful to the public for praying for their safety.

He did not confirm if President Rodrigo Duterte will visit Gamboa.

“The president and the secretary of the Interior and Local Government were duly informed I just don’t know if they will be going to this place or to (the two generals),” he said.

The PNP formed a special investigation task group over this incident. Ella Dionisio/DMS