Military helicopter makes precautionary landing in Camotes

CEBU - A Huey helicopter on its way to support the military’s combat operations in Catbalogan City, Samar made a precautionary landing in Camotes Island yesterday after its pilot observed an unusual sound from its engine.

Major Christopher Tampus, Central Command spokesperson, said the Huey helicopter, with body number 0225, made a precautionary landing in barangay Pasian, San Francisco town around 1:10 p.m.

While flying to Samar, the pilot, Captain Mark Anthony Fernandez, co-pilot Apolonio John Pulgar and two passengers, Capt. Mark Allan Gabilin and 1LT. Julibert Zebeque, observed an unusual sound from the engine and motors of the helicopter.

This prompted them to make a precautionary landing barely an hour after they took off from Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base to Catbalogan City. The helicopter was supposed to assist troops from the 8th Infantry Division who are on combat operations against communist insurgents in Samar.

Lt. Col. Antenor Cruz of the 2nd Air Division of the Philippine Air Force said they immediately sent a mechanic to verify the defect of the chopper and have it repaired before it will be allowed to proceed to Catbalogan City. — Ferliza C. Contratista/LPM