Pinoy cop among dead in US plane-chopper collision

The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed on Friday that a Filipino police officer was among the 67 people killed in the mid-air collision between a military helicopter and a commercial airliner near Washington, D.C.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP Information Chief Col. Randulf Tuaño identified the victim as Col. Pergentino Malabed, chief of the Supply Management Division under the Directorate for Logistics.

Malabed was on official travel when the accident occurred on Wednesday night (U.S. time).

According to Tuaño, Malabed, along with another police officer and a non-uniformed personnel, left Manila for India on January 22 to inspect ballistic vests being acquired by the PNP.

After conducting tests on the vests, the team left India and arrived in the United States on the same day.

“Ang ginawa nila doon, napag-alaman natin sa ating foreign liaison division na out of the 2,675 (vests), nag-test sila doon ng anim. Ang isa doon iniwan nila sa India at ‘yung lima is dadalhin nila doon sa shop ng kumpanyang ito sa USA kung saan nila gagawin ‘yung further testing (What they did there, according to our foreign liaison division, was out of the 2,675 vests, they tested six. They left one of the vests in India and took the other five to a company in the U.S. for further testing),” Tuaño explained.

From Kansas, Malabed proceeded alone to Washington, D.C. for an exit call with Col. Moises Villaceran, the Philippines’ police attaché in the U.S.

His two colleagues, who were not on the same flight, safely returned to Manila on January 27.

Tuaño said the PNP is in close coordination with Malabed’s family and the Philippine police attaché in Washington, D.C. to facilitate the repatriation of his remains.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his bereaved family, loved ones, and colleagues. The PNP is committed to providing them with all necessary support during this difficult time,” he said.

“As we grieve this tragic event, we also honor the dedication and sacrifice of Col. Malabed. His contributions to the PNP and the nation will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace,” he added.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega confirmed via text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that no other Filipinos or Filipino-Americans were reported among the passengers or crew of the ill-fated flight.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is still awaiting an official report from the Philippine Embassy regarding Malabed’s case.

The American Airlines flight was approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport when a U.S. Army helicopter unexpectedly entered its path, leading to the fatal crash.

Authorities confirmed that the passenger plane was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, while the military aircraft had three soldiers on board.

Investigations into the cause of the tragic collision are currently underway.

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