Navy chopper crashes in Zambo; 2 pilots missing

Two pilots were reported missing after a Philippine Navy helicopter crashed Tuesday morning in Zamboanga City, a Navy spokesperson said. Its three passengers, however, have already been rescued. The Navy Bolkov Helicopter PNH411 crashed into the sea between Great Sta. Cruz and Little Sta. Cruz Islands in Zamboanga City around 11:00 a.m., said Navy spokesperson Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo. Arevalo said the ill-fated chopper, on a routine flight mission, was carrying two pilots, a crew member and two Navy passengers on board. Those who were rescued were — PO2 Rodolfo Pataueg, PO2 Noel Ridad, and PO2 Abdon Martinez, who are now safe at Camp Navarro General Hospital. Meanwhile, Navy personnel, including divers, are conducting an intensive search for the pilots. The identities of the pilots have not yet been revealed as of posting time. According to a report from Rear Admiral Alexander Pama, outgoing commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, to Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez, office-in-charge of the Philippine Navy, the helicopter was on a routine flight mission and at the time of incident documenting Inshore Combat Tactics Training. All participating ships in the exercise immediately conducted search and rescue operations for the two pilots. Arevalo described the incident as an "isolated" one. They have yet to determine the cause of the crash. — with Carmela Lapeña/RSJ, GMANews.TV