PAF recovers remains of airmen killed in Tarlac helicopter crash

The Philippine Air Force identified the crewmen who died in the Black Hawk helicopter crash in Capas, Tarlac last week.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PAF said the remains of the airmen who died in the night flight training last Wednesday have been recovered, while the retrieval of the aircraft was still ongoing.

The crewmen who died were:

•    Lieutenant Colonel Rexzon Pasco, instructor pilot
•    Major Jayrold Constantino, student pilot
•    Major Eraño Belen, student pilot
•    Master Sergeant Ronnie Reducto, instructor scanner
•    Sergeant Maricar Laygo, student scanner
•    Sergeant Leonardo Tandingan, student scanner

The remains of the aircrew arrived at the Clair Air Base on Monday and were accorded full military honors.

On Wednesday afternoon, Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana visited the wake and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families.

The fallen crewmen will be brought to their respective hometowns as requested by their families.

"The Philippine Air Force extends its deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the gallant aircrew. The PAF shall extend all necessary assistance and support to the concerned families."

Meanwhile, the PAF said the investigation on the crash was continuing. — DVM, GMA News