(UPDATE) A military helicopter carrying 7 people crashed in Bukidnon on Saturday afternoon.
According to Major Rodulfo Cordero, public affairs chief of the 4th Infantry Division, there were no survivors.
Cordero said the UH1H helicopter was supposed to deliver supplies to the Philippine Army’s 8th Brigade patrol base when the incident happened.
The helicopter was flying toward the mountainous area of Impasugong town from Malaybalay city, when it encountered engine trouble at about 2:30 p.m.
Cordero said the pilot tried to maneuver to safety, but lost control before crashing in Barangay Bulonay.
The helicopter was carrying 2 pilots, 2 crew members, a member of the Philippine Army and 2 CAFGU members.
"Wala pong survivor. Medyo mataas po ang pagbagsak," Cordero said.
Members of the 8th Infantry Battalion rushed to the crash site to secure the aircraft and those onboard.
"Na-recover na po ang mga labi. Nasa punerarya na po sila ngayon sa Malaybalay," Cordero said.
The Philippine Air Force said it would immediately assign a team to investigate the accident.
The PAF said that all air assets, including the UH-1H, continued to undergo “strict, regular, and redundant maintenance inspections before and after flight missions.”
The Air Force said it would provide assistance and financial aid to the victims’ families. -- With a report from Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBN News; PJ Gisan
FROM THE ARCHIVES