President Duterte condoles with families of Bukidnon crash victims
President
Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday extended his condolences to the families of the
members of the security forces who perished in a helicopter crash in Bukidnon
over the weekend and vowed to give them due recognition.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on January 18, 2021. SIMEON CELI/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
“Let me express my deepest condolences sa mga asawa ninyo. And I share your grief. Alam ko kung gaano na lang ganoon ang sakripisyo ng sundalo para sa bayan nila,” President Duterte said during a public address on government response to COVID-19.
“They
died heroes. And we are giving them the one of the highest awards sa Presidente
is the Order of Lapu-Lapu.”
The
Order of Lapu-Lapu is given to persons in government or private sector who have
rendered extraordinary service or have made exceptional contributions to the
success of the President’s campaign or advocacy.
The
Philippine Air Force UH-1H helicopter, which was on a supply mission from
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon to a patrol base, crashed Saturday, killing all seven
persons aboard.
The
Philippine Army said the chopper encountered engine trouble and tried to make
an emergency landing but later went down in Barangay Bulonay, Impasugong town.
Killed
were Lt. Col. Arnie Arroyo, the pilot; 2nd Lt. Mark Anthony Caabay, co-pilot;
Sgt. Mervin Bersabe; Airman 1st Class Stephen Agarrado; Sgt. Julius Salvado;
and Jerry Ayocdo and Jhamel Sugalang, both members of the Civilian Armed Forces
Geographical Unit. PND
