A Philippine Air Force (PAF) helicopter with four military personnel onboard crashed on Wednesday afternoon in Basilan, an initial report from the regional police of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR) said.
The sketchy flash report sent to Camp Crame said the chopper bearing Airman 2nd Class Benedicto Leal Jr. and three others went down at around 1:10 p.m. at Upper Manggas, Lantawan, Basilan.
The crash site, the report said, was a rubber plantation owned by Lantawan Vice Mayor Nasser Abubakar.
“Initial investigation disclosed that the Air Force helicopter believed to be flying from Zamboanga City to an unknown direction. Upon reaching Upper Manggas, the aircraft fell down and exploded,” the Police Regional Office report said. Heavy rain was reported during the crash.
Basilan police led by provincial director Col. Rodrigo Maramo were in the area doing further investigation.