PAF chopper crashes in Bohol, pilot killed
A PHILIPPINE Air Force (PAF) attack helicopter crashed in the waters of Getafe, Bohol around 9:30 a.m. yesterday killing its pilot and injuring three of his crewmen.
Sketchy reports from the Bohol police provincial office and the provincial disaster risk reduction and management office identified the fatality as Captain Aurelios Olano.
The wounded crewmen were brought to the President Carlos P. Garcia Memorial Hospital in Talibon municipality for treatment but were scheduled to be transferred to another hospital in Cebu province yesterday afternoon.
Fishermen who were in the waters of Jandayan Island in Getafe municipality claimed seeing the helicopter nosedive into the sea before sinking. However, there were some witnesses who claimed seeing at least three people jumping out of the helicopter before the crash.
Local fishermen rescued the Air Force personnel and together with local police and rescue officials brought the injured to the hospital.
The Air Force has started an investigation into the crash of the MD-520MG helicopter which came from Mactan Air Base. It was flying for a routine equipment and maintenance check.
As of press time, efforts are still underway to recover the downed aircraft.
The Police Regional Office 7, the Philippine Coast Guard, the PNP Maritime Group and the PAF are involved in the operation.
