PH Air Force helicopter on Tino aid mission crashes in Agusan del Sur

A Philippine Air Force (PAF) helicopter conducting humanitarian operations for communities affected by Typhoon Tino crashed Tuesday in Agusan del Sur, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) confirmed. 

The chopper was on its way to Butuan City when it crashed in the vicinity of Loreto town.

"The aircraft was deployed to carry out Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) missions within the TOG 10 Area of Responsibility in support of relief operations for Tropical Storm 'TINO.'" the  EMC said.

Meanwhile, the PAF said communication with the aircraft was lost, prompting a search and rescue operation. 

"A thorough investigation is being conducted to determine the circumstances and cause of this accident. Further details will be released as they become verified and available," it said. 

The EMC said rescue and recovery operations were ongoing, adding that it is working closely with the emergency response teams in the area. — VDV, GMA Integrated News