Philippine Air Force grounds entire fleet of Hueys after fatal crash in Bukidnon

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has grounded its entire fleet of UH-1H helicopters while investigations on the fatal crash in Bukidnon on Saturday (January 16) are ongoing.
“Definitely lahat ng UH-1 helicopter natin will be grounded until such time makumpleto yung thorough maintenance inspection. Part po kasi iyan ng safety procedure,” confirmed PAF Spokesperson LtCol. Aristides Galang.
The official also spoke to rectify rumors that the cause of the mishap was engine failure.
“Masyado pa po kasing maaga, so yung investigating team natin hindi po ganoon kabilis na made-determine natin kaagad kung ano yung cause of the accident, ng mishap,” he said.
“Marami po kasi tayong factors na ikino-consider. Hindi po natin masabi kaagad na may problema sa makina yung eroplano,” he added.
All five PAF personnel who were killed in the incident were given full military honors on Sunday (January 17).
They were pilot LtCol. Arnie Arroyo; co-pilot 2Lt. Mark Anthony Caabay; Sgt. Mervin Bersabe; Air First Class Stephen Agarrado; and Sgt. Julius Salvador.
Two members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) namely Jerry Ayocdo and Jhamel Sugalang who were with them were also killed in the incident.
The group was supposed to deliver food supplies to a patrol base in Impasug-Ong, Bukidnon.
Based on the latest report of the 4ID Philippine Army, the remains of the five soldiers were laid at the headquarters of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing in Mactan Cebu while the remains of the two CAFGU members were transported to their respective hometowns and families. —MNP (with reports from Lea Ylagan / Val Villaflor)