Palace extends condolences to kin of victims of PAF chopper crash

Malacañang on Wednesday expressed condolences to the relatives of six Philippine Air Force airmen who died when a PAF helicopter crashed in Agusan del Sur on Tuesday.

During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was aware of the crash.

The Palace had already coordinated with the Department of National Defense (DND), she added.

“Pinapaabot [ng Presidente] ang pakikiramay [niya] sa pamilya ng mga nasawing bayani ng ating bansa, at ang lahat ng tulong na nararapat ay dapat na iparating sa naapektuhan na pamilya,” Castro said.

([The President] is extending [his] condolences to the loved ones of the fallen heroes of our country, and all necessary assistance must be extended to the affected families.)

The crash in Agusan del Sur had claimed the lives of six PAF airmen conducting humanitarian operations for communities affected by Typhoon Tino.

The helicopter was reportedly enroute to Butuan City when it lost communications and crashed in the vicinity of Loreto town.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the DND on Wednesday mourned the death of the six PAF airmen.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all personnel involved in this incident,” the AFP said in a statement.

“Our sincerest condolences to the families of our fallen heroes, we share in your grief and extend our unwavering support during this most difficult time,” it added.

In a separate statement, the DND said their dedication to duty and sacrifice will always be remembered.

“The DND extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the six Philippine Air Force pilots and crew of the Super Huey that crashed in Agusan Del Sur on November 4, 2025,” it said.

“We pray for their eternal peace and shall extend all available support to their families at this difficult time,” the DND added. —KG, GMA Integrated News