Arroyo on killed officials: I will miss them so much

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Thursday said she will sorely miss the government officials who died in a helicopter crash Tuesday afternoon. "We mourn the loss of our friends and colleagues who died while serving their country. I will miss them so much in my official family," President Arroyo said in a statement posted on the Office of the Press Secretary website. The President said Filipinos must accept the tragedy with faith. "Like His only Son whose martyrdom we commemorate this week, what is required of us in the face of tragedy is our prayerful acceptance of His Will and an unshakeable faith in life after death," she said. The President added that she is praying for the victims' family and friends so that "God will give them strength, the grace of faith and discernment in their hour of need." The three Palace officials, three military officials, and two pilots were on their way to Banaue in Ifugao on Tuesday to conduct an ocular inspection for the President's scheduled Wednesday visit there. The visit was canceled after the Bell 412 carrying the eight went missing. Those aboard the chopper were Press Undersecretary Jose Capadocia, senior presidential military aide Brig. Gen. Carlos Clet, Undersecretary for Presidential Engagements and Appointments Malou Frostrom, Presidential Management Staff assistant director Perlita Bandayanon, Navy Petty Officer 1 Demy Reyno, and Air Force Sergeant Roe Gem Perez. The pilots were identified as Major Rolando Sacatani and Captain Alvin Alegata. The remains of seven of the victims were brought to Manila around 11 a.m. Perez's body will be brought in later in the day as it was recovered on Thursday morning. According to Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, the bodies will be taken to the Heroes' Hall in Malacañang, where a wake will be held until Friday. Afterward, the remains will be brought to the victims' families. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV