Malabed added to makeshift memorial for Washington air collision victims

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The name of Police Colonel Pergentino “Bong” Malabed Jr. has been placed on the makeshift memorial after it was published in newspapers that he was among the 64 passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a military helicopter a few miles away from Reagan National Airport.

A Philippine flag has also been attached to the memorial.

Malabed’s wife, Rio, visited the makeshift memorial along with the families of other victims.

The visit was off-limits to the media, but in a Facebook post, Rio stated that she personally placed flowers for her husband.

American Airlines is currently assisting the families of all 64 victims of the tragedy.

On Sunday, February 2, Rio and the families of other victims attended a briefing where Washington, D.C. authorities explained the recovery process for the 12 bodies still being searched by the search and recovery team in the Potomac River. The briefing also covered the identification procedures and how the remains of the deceased would be turned over to their families.

According to Police Attaché Colonel Moises Villaceran, in a text message to GMA Integrated News, there is no definite date yet for the turnover of Malabed’s remains to his wife, as the investigation into the tragedy is still ongoing.

Also on Sunday, Malabed’s name was written on a wooden cross—an initiative by Roberto Marquez from Dallas, Texas, as a tribute to the victims of the tragedy.

"I'm doing this memorial to pay tribute to the lives lost in the accident near Reagan National Airport. Hopefully, we can complete it. As I understand, there are 67 of our brothers who perished in an unnecessary way. So this is just a small gesture of support as well,” Marquez told GMA Integrated News 

On Monday (Tuesday, PH time), Malabed’s wife may finally be able to see and identify his remains, which are currently under the custody of the medical examiner in Washington, D.C.—AOL, GMA Integrated News