Malfunctioning PAF chopper lands in Nueva Ecija ricefield

CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines—A malfunctioning Air Force helicopter made an emergency landing on a ricefield in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, on Thursday morning, and its two pilots and three passengers were reported safe.

Captain Elmer Ariola and his co-pilot, Captain Richard Dalag, chose to land in Bunol village at 8:40 a.m. when their helicopter experienced mechanical trouble on its way from the military’s Northern Luzon Command in Tarlac to Cauayan, Isabela, according to Senior Superintendent Roberto Alligayu, Nueva Ecija police director.

The helicopter was also ferrying Air Force Staff Sergeant John Laurita, Airman Ryan Rompong and Staff Sergeant Lauro Joya.

The helicopter had minor damage when it landed, Alligayu said.