AFP confirms SF-260 used in Marawi ops again

The Armed Forces of Philippines confirmed Friday that it has resumed using the SF- 260 as air support in its operations in Marawi after the Board of Inquiry finished its probe on the airstrike which killed 10 soldiers and wounded seven others.

“Matapos ang fact-finding ng BOI pinayagan na muli ng PAF (Philippine Air Force) na ito (ay) gamitin,” military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

The SF-260 was first deployed morning of May 31 to back attack helicopters and ground troops looking to box rebels into a downtown area. 

But on the same day, it missed its fourth target and instead hit government ground troops pursuing members of the local terror group Maute. 

AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Año immediately grounded the air asset as he ordered the creation of the BOI to investigate the incident. 

The BOI has already finished its probe and submitted its report last Friday.

AFP Inspector General Major General Rafael Valencia, the chairman of the investigation panel, however, said he could not share the results of the investigation as it had implications in the ongoing operations in Marawi City.

As early as June 12, reporters covering the Marawi crisis have already noticed the deployment of SF-260 but the AFP did not confirm it yet then. — RSJ, GMA News