President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday visited the wake of the fallen airmen of the Super Huey helicopter that crashed in Agusan del Sur to personally convey his condolences to their bereaved families.
Marcos arrived at the PAF Mortuary at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, where he was received by Major General Pablo E. Rustria, Acting Vice Commander of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), along with other senior PAF officers, the agency said in a press release.
‘He personally extended his condolences to the bereaved families of Captain Paulie B Dumagan PAF and Second Lieutenant Royce Louis G Camigla PAF, whose remains lie in repose at the PAF Mortuary,’ it noted. In a social media post, Marcos praised the ‘brave men’ of the PAF who gave their lives in the line of duty.
‘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,’ he said.
‘On behalf of a grateful nation, we honor their sacrifice and pray for the comfort of their families and loved ones,’ Marcos added.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the president promised the bereaved families that all necessary assistance would be provided.
Meanwhile, the remains of Sergeant John Christopher C. Golfo, PAF, and Airman First Class Ericson R. Merico, PAF, were earlier transported to their hometowns.
The PAF pilot and crew were conducting a relief mission in areas affected by Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) on November 4 when the helicopter crashed.