Marcos honors airmen lost in Agusan helicopter crash

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday mourned the loss of six airmen who perished in the helicopter crash in Agusan del Sur as he honored their sacrifice for the country.

''We mourn the loss of our brave men of the Philippine Air Force who gave their lives in the line of duty, serving our people and our nation until their final moments. Their courage and selfless service in bringing aid to those in need will never be forgotten,'' Marcos said in a social media post.

''On behalf of a grateful nation, we honor their sacrifice and pray for the comfort of their families and loved ones,'' he added.

The Philippine Air Force identified the fallen Air Force soldiers as Captain Paulie B Dumagan, Second Lieutenant Royce Louis Camigla, Sergeant Yves Sijub, Sergeant John Christopher Golfo, Airman First Class Ericson Merico, and Airman Ameer Khaidar Apion.

President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr extends his sympathies to the bereaved family of Captain Paulie B. Dumagan PAF during his visit at the PAF Mortuary, Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. Photo from PAF

Marcos also visited the PAF Mortuary at Villamor Air Base to pay his respects to the fallen airmen. During his visit, Marcos offered prayers for the PAF personnel as he recognized their selfless devotion to duty and their ultimate sacrifice in the service of the Filipino people.

The Philippine leader was received by Major General Pablo E Rustria, Acting Vice Commander of PAF, together with other senior PAF Officers.

The PAF said four aircraft, including the ill-fated Super Huey, took off for the humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) mission in areas affected by Typhoon Tino on Tuesday, November 4. 

However, this Super Huey lost communication mid-flight.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Mindanao Command assured support and financial assistance for the bereaved families of the victims. —VAL, GMA Integrated News