Residents heard blast when chopper went missing - police

MANILA, Philippines - Residents of a village in Ifugao province heard an explosion around the time the presidential chopper carrying government executives went missing on Tuesday afternoon, the head of the police team searching for the missing aircraft said Wednesday. In an interview over radio dzBB, Senior Superintendent Samuel Deciano said coordinators from Barangay Eheb in Tinoc town reported hearing an explosion around 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday. "They heard an explosion yesterday which is about the time that the helicopter was missing. We are validating the report," Deciano said. The police official said they have mobilized police units, local government officials, and residents in nearby areas to verify the information. According to Deciano, the Bell 412 carrying four Palace officials, two pilots, and two others left Loakan Airport in Baguio City around 4 p.m. and should have reached its destination of Banaue, Ifugao after 15 to 20 minutes. According to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, the following people were aboard the chopper: Press Undersecretary Jose Capadocia, presidential military aide Brig. Gen. Carlos Clet, Undersecretary for Presidential Engagements and Appointments Malou Frostrum, Presidential Management Staff assistant director Perlita Bandayanon, Navy Petty Officer 1 Demy Reyno, and Air Force Staff Sergeant Roe Gem Perez. Torres identified the two pilots as Major Ronaldo Sacatani and Captain Alvin Alegata. In a separate radio dzBB interview, Ifugao Governor Teddy Baguilat assured that if the explosion was indeed related to the missing aircraft, medical attention will be given immediately to the passengers. "Sa ngayon papunta na yung search and rescue team, mino-mobilize na rin namin ang first aid [Right now the search and rescue team is on its way, and we are mobilizing first- aid team]," said Baguilat, adding that there is also a hospital in Tinoc. "Kung saka-sakaling dun I'm sure mabibigyan naman ng medical attention [If the passengers are found I'm sure they will be given medical attention]," the governor said. The Palace officials were on their way to Ifugao to conduct an ocular inspection of the site in preparation for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's scheduled visit. The visit was postponed following the incident. - GMANews.TV