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4 killed as military chopper crashes in Basilan amid bad weather

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/news/09/16/crash.jpg"/><figcaption>A search and rescue aircraft of the Philippine Air Force crashed in Lantawan town, Basilan on Wednesday afternoon as it flew amid bad weather conditions.<em> Armed Forces of the Philippines</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA<strong> (3rd UPDATE) </strong>- Four personnel of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) were killed after a military helicopter crashed in Basilan province on Wednesday afternoon amid bad weather, authorities said.</p><p>The casualties include 2 pilots and 2 crew members assigned at PAF&#x27;s 505th Search and Rescue Group, Air Force spokesperson Lt. Col. Aristides Galang Jr. told TeleRadyo.</p><p>The Sikorsky helicopter took off from Zamboanga City around 12:30 p.m., bound for Jolo, Sulu for a medical evacuation mission when it crashed in Barangay Upper Manggas in Lantawan town around an hour later, Galang said.</p><p>There was a strong gust of wind followed by a heavy downpour before the incident, according to Lantawan municipal administrator Tahira Ismael who confirmed the aircraft crashed in the town&#x27;s jurisdiction.</p><p>The bodies of the four on board, one of whom a female, were recovered from the crash site.</p><p>In a separate interview, Galang said the aircraft was supposed to transport to Zamboanga City some personnel who were wounded during the Aug. 24 suicide bombings in Jolo. </p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/24/20/blast-rocks-sulu-town-plaza">Twin blasts rock Sulu town plaza; at least 15 killed, 75 wounded</a></li></ul><p>The wounded personnel initially underwent treatment in Sulu.</p><p>Galang said investigators are still conducting probe to determine what caused the helicopter to crash.</p><p>Meantime, he said all Sikorsky helicopters of the Air Force have been grounded, pending investigation.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W5X6CW0dWL0?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><p>In a statement, PAF extended its deepest condolences to the families of the personnel killed in the crash.</p><p>&quot;With utmost respect. the PAF headed by its Commanding General. Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes extends its deepest and most sincere condolences to the bereaved families,&quot; PAF said.</p><p>The bereaved families were also immediately informed of the incident, it added.</p><p>Due to the incident, PAF said it will be conducting prompt maintenance of all S-76A aircraft.</p><p>A team will also be sent to the area to conduct further investigation. </p><div><strong>— Report from Queenie Casimiro and Chiara Zambrano, ABS-CBN News</strong></div>

<p>MANILA<strong> (3rd UPDATE) </strong>- Four personnel of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) were killed after a military helicopter crashed in Basilan province on Wednesday afternoon amid bad weather, authorities said.</p>

MANILA (3rd UPDATE) - Four personnel of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) were killed after a military helicopter crashed in Basilan province on Wednesday afternoon amid bad weather, authorities said.