SIX PHILIPPINE Air Force (PAF) officers and personnel were killed after their Super Huey helicopter crashed in Loreto, Agusan del Sur, on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, while conducting a humanitarian mission in areas devastated by Typhoon Tino.
The crash, which occurred near the vicinity of the 60th Infantry Battalion, resulted in the recovery of all six bodies, confirming no survivors. The deceased individuals are believed to be the pilot, co-pilot, and other crew members of the ill-fated aircraft.
The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) and the Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao (TOWEASTMIN) confirmed the tragic incident.
In a press conference on Wednesday morning, the PAF officially verified that the Super Huey was involved in an accident on November 4, 2025. The aircraft was deployed in support of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations led by EastMinCom following the heavy rainfall and flooding caused by Tropical Storm “Tino.”
EastMinCom Spokesperson Lt. Col. Salvacion Evangelista confirmed the casualty count:
“Na confirmed na six po talaga sakay at six din na recover [It is confirmed that there were really six passengers and six were recovered]. Hopefully, by today (November 5), the cadavers can be brought here to Davao City for forensic/autopsy.”
TOWEASTMIN noted the helicopter was en route to the Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 10 headquarters in Butuan City when the incident occurred.
Focus shifts to investigation
The identity of the deceased Air Force personnel is currently being withheld pending official confirmation.
When asked for further details on the identities of the crew, Lt. Col. Evangelista explained the standard crew composition and the Air Force’s protocol: “Wala pa po declare ang Air Force on that, sorry po… pero pag ganyan, usually po 1 pilot, 1 co-pilot po na officer po. ‘Di pa kasi sila talaga nag bigay ma’am ng details.”
The Philippine Air Force is now focused on two critical tasks:
First on Forensic Identification: Awaiting the final forensic report to officially confirm the identities of the six individuals.
Second on Investigation: Continuing recovery efforts on the crash site and launching a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
The Philippine Air Force and EastMinCom continue to coordinate with local authorities to ensure all necessary procedures are followed.
The PAF has expressed its “deeper concern and sympathy” for the families of the Air Force personnel and pledged full support and assistance.
