The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported late Tuesday that the search and rescue operations on the ill-fated Super Huey helicopter of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) led to the recovery of six bodies from the crash site in Loreto, Agusan del Sur.
The victims include the pilot and crew, who were part of teams conducting Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) mission after Typhoon Tino battered the province. They were heading to Butuan City in Agusan del Norte.
The identities of the fatalities are being withheld pending notification of their respective families, the AFP said. Investigation is ongoing to determine the reasons behind the aviation mishap.
In a statement released earlier, the Air Force through Spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said the aircraft was part of a four-helicopter formation that had departed from Davao City en route to Butuan City to perform an RDANA mission.
Communication with the helicopter was lost during the flight, prompting the immediate launch of a search and rescue operation. The aircraft crashed near the 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) headquarters in Agusan del Sur.
“A thorough investigation is being conducted to determine the circumstances and cause of this accident. Further details will be released as they become verified and available,” Basco said.
Meanwhile, troops from the 60IB and the 10th Infantry Division promptly secured the crash site, ensuring the safety of the area. They are extending full support to the Air Force amid the ongoing probe.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated. Originally posted with the headline “Aircraft conducting relief ops crashes in Agusan del Sur.”
