Military honors for fallen airmen

Manila, Philippines – Six personnel of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) killed in a helicopter crash would have military honors on Thursday, Nov. 6 and be sent to their families.

The air force released their names late Wednesday: pilot Capt. Paulie Dumagan and co-pilot 2Lt. Royce Louis Camigla, Sgt. Yves Sijub, Sgt. John Christopher Golfo, and airmen First Class Ericson Meric and Ameer Khaidar T. Apion.

Their UH-1H Super Huey helicopter en route to a humanitarian mission for Typhoon Tino victims in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte crashed in the mountain slopes of Agusan del Sur on Nov. 4.

“Their heroism, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to duty stand as a lasting testament to the noble ideals of the service. Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of airmen to serve with the same courage, dedication, and honor in the defense of our people and nation,” the PAF said in a statement.

Dumagan, Camigla, Golfo, and Merico were bound for Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Sijub to General Santos City, South Cotabato, and Apion to Zamboanga, the air force said.

The PAF said it grounded two of its remaining UH-1H Super Huey helicopters pending a probe on circumstances behind the Nov. 4 crash.

Other aerial assets, namely, the S-70A Black Hawks and W-3A Sokol, were dispatched for humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions.