PAF denies “abandoning” families of crash victims

The Philippine Air Force had denied allegations that it abandoned its obligations to the family members of those who died in the Huey helicopter crash in Lapu-Lapu City last April 28.

Major General Pedro Ike Yncierto, of the PAF Tactical Operations Command, said the PAF has been in constant coordination with the families of the nine fatalities and had offered whatever livelihood program available for them.

The PAF, during its flag-raising ceremony at the Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday, turned over two tricycles to Edwin Guinoo and Danilo Olimba, relatives of two victims.

The PAF also took in as its regular personnel the four children of the victims. It administered the oath taking of Michele and Sheryl Jumao-as, Ernan Denis Galvino, and Erika Nagao.

The Huey helicopter, after its training flight, was on its way back to the Benito Ebuen Airbase in Lapu-Lapu City when it crashed into a residential area and pinned down two tricycles on Humayhumay Road.

The helicopter’s pilot, Capt. Allan Villagarcia, and gunner, Master Sgt. Johnny delos Reyes, survived with serious injuries but nine people died.

They were the helicopter’s co-pilot 1st Lt. Jesus Imbat and mechanic Staff Sgt. Michael Gabino, and civilians Rey Ledesma, Odelon Acampado, Laura Jumao-as, Ma. Nenita Dungon, Genevieve Garcia, Noel Imbong, and Casimira Yanson.

The family members of the victims reportedly filed complaints at the military ombudsman accusing the PAF of failing to deliver the supposed assistance to them.

They alleged that they were not satisfied with the findings of the PAF investigation of the crash and that they were not given copy of such probe.

Yncierto in turn denounced the allegations of the victims’ families and their filing of criminal and administrative complaints against the PAF officials.

The PAF officials are ready to face any charge filed but Yncierto suspected that “somebody” must be behind the complaints and have “influenced