Missing medevac chopper also delivers aid to Palawan’s remote areas

The missing medical evacuation helicopter has been used by residents in Palawan to airlift patients from remote areas to the hospital.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo's report on "24 Oras," the Philippine Adventist Medical Aviation Services or PAMAS Mission's medical evacuation helicopter, known as the "yellow bee," also delivers immediate assistance to those living in far-flung communities.

Its pilot and paramedic, Daniel Lui, is an American-Chinese who has been in the country for years as a volunteer.

On Wednesday, the helicopter was reported missing while on its way to the Southern Palawan Provincial Hospital in Brooke's Point.

On board were the pilot, a nurse, a patient, and two companions.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), Philippine Navy, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel were deployed to help in the search and rescue operation. 

The PCG on Thursday said it had found floating debris off Lumbucan Island in Barangay Mangsee in Balabac that could be from the yellow bee.

"Parang a form of fire extinguisher na usually ginagamit sa mga aircraft. Let's hope mayroong survivor doon sa accident,” said Captain Dennis Rem Labay, PCG District Commander Palawan.

The Civil Aeronautics Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) also deployed some Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry board officers.

“Compliant naman po ang nasabing helicopter dito sa caap rules and regulations at may airworthiness certificate, kaka-approve pa lang ho nun for them na magkaroon ng rescue mission dito sa palawan," CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said.—SherylinUntalan/LDF, GMA Integrated news