Carlos says PNP chopper in crash to fetch him from Balesin 'private time' after transport delay

The Philippine National Police helicopter, which crashed in Real, Quezon on Monday, was en route to fetch PNP chief Police General Dionardo Carlos from his "private time" in Balesin island after his pre-arranged private transport became unavailable.

In a statement, Carlos expressed regret over the chopper crash, which resulted in the death of a policeman and injury to two others. 

"The following day, Sunday afternoon I traveled to Balesin island for private time and scheduled to return Monday morning via private transport," Carlos said.

"However, I was informed that due to unforeseen circumstances, said private transport would only be available in the evening of Monday," he added.

"This prompted me to request for an admin flight to transfer/move me back to Camp Crame Monday morning so I can perform my duties. The flight directive was allowed and issued following PNP rules and regulations," Carlos said. 

Carlos said he never wished "harm to my personnel nor losses to the organization."

"Rest assured that a thorough investigation is being undertaken," Carlos said.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday said PNP chief General Dionardo Carlos is "rightful" to use law enforcements’ chopper for private purposes.

Año, who's also the head of the National Police Commission, said that PNP helicopter was part of securing the safety of the PNP chief and that the title could not be separated from Carlos.

“Yes he’s the CPNP. And as the CPNP attending to official functions, it is just rightful for him to use the PNP chopper,” Año said. —NB/KG, GMA News