4 airmen killed in Basilan chopper crash identified
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has identified the four airmen killed in the helicopter crash in Basilan on Wednesday afternoon.
The four were members of the PAF’s 505th Search and Rescue Group. The Sikorsky S-76A rescue helicopter took off from Zamboanga City for a medical evacuation mission in Sulu and crashed midway after encountering bad weather in Lantawan, Basilan.
Killed in the crash were: Maj. Jessie Miller, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2010; First Lieutenant Mack-Ar Ferrer, a member of PMA Class of 2015; Staff Sergeant Miguel Banas; and Airman Second Class Benedicto Leal.
The PAF said it was “greatly saddened” with the loss and assured the bereaved families that “necessary assistance” will be given.
