PNP to tap CAAP in probing chopper crash

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will tap the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in investigating the chopper crash in Laguna province, which hurt PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa and other police officials.

Speaking to reporters in Taguig City, PNP acting spokesman Police Major General Benigno Durana said the special investigation task group "Bell 429" already had its initial meeting regarding the incident.

"Definitely it's not only the Philippine National Police who will conduct investigation. They will tap the support and expertise of other agencies particularly the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines para po matingnan lahat ng mga anggulo," Police Major General Benigno Durana told reporters in Taguig City.

"We will not leavy any stone unturned para matingnan natin... di lamang para malaman natin ano dahilan but also insights kung paano po natin maprevent ang pangyayaring ito," Durana added.

Authorities earlier said the chopper — a two-year-old Bell 429 — hit a high tension wire upon lift-off due to poor visibility caused by thick dust, causing it to crash in San Pedro town.

The PNP officials were set to inspect a lateral compound of the PNP Highway Patrol Group in Laguna when the accident transpired.

Durana reiterated that the PNP chief is already in stable condition, noting that he is "high spirits."

Meanwhile, PNP Director for Intelligence Police Major General Mariel Magaway and Director for Comptrollership Police Major General Jose Maria Ramos are still in "unstable" condition, Durana said. —LDF, GMA News