The Philippine Air Force identified the Black Hawk helicopter crash fatalities in Capas, Tarlac, last week.
PAF said that the remains of the crewmen had been recovered, but the retrieval of the aircraft was still ongoing.
The crewmen who died in the helicopter crash were:
- Lieutenant Colonel Rexzon Pasco, instructor pilot
- Major Jayrold Constantino, student pilot
- Major Eraño Belen, student pilot
- Master Sergeant Ronnie Reducto, instructor scanner
- Sergeant Maricar Laygo, student scanner
- Sergeant Leonardo Tandingan, student scanner
The crew who died in the helicopter crash were given full military honors at the Clair Air Base on Monday.
On Wednesday afternoon, Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana visited the wake and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
The fallen airmen will be brought to their respective hometowns as requested by their families.
Remains of airmen killed in Tarlac helicopter crash recovered
“The Philippine Air Force extends its deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to the families, relatives, and friends of the gallant aircrew. The PAF shall extend all necessary assistance and support to the concerned families.”
Last week, PAF said the helicopter was reported to be late from the estimated time of return to its station at Clark Air Base, Pampanga.
For now, the PAF said all the other Blackhawk helicopters would not be used until the investigation is finished.
According to PAF, “night flight proficiency trainings are part of the capabilities of the pilots and crew, in this case, the Blackhawk S70i, prior their full deployment to assist our frontline units in their missions.”