The Philippine National Police (PNP) paid tribute to six Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel who perished in a helicopter crash in Agusan del Sur while conducting rapid damage and needs assessment in areas ravaged by Typhoon Tino.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. hailed the fallen servicemen as heroes who embodied courage and selfless service.
“The Philippine National Police stands with the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in mourning the passing of six of its personnel in Agusan del Sur,” Nartatez said.
“As frontliners in disaster response, we in the PNP are fully aware of the risks that come with the deployment in times of calamities and other threats to the safety of our kababayan,” he added.
Addressing PNP personnel, Nartatez reminded them of the risks that come with their sworn duty and urged everyone to uphold the same spirit of courage and commitment demonstrated by their counterparts in the Air Force.
“Our deployment every day comes with sacrifice. Service above self, that’s the true meaning of being in uniform,” said Nartatez.
Despite the tragedy, Nartatez assured the public that the PNP remains steadfast in supporting ongoing disaster response and recovery operations nationwide in light of the typhoon’s massive destruction in Visayas and Mindanao.
“This tragic incident will not affect our determination to assist our kababayan in need, in fact, this will serve as our motivation to do more in serving and protecting the Filipino people,” Nartatez said. (Aaron Recuenco)
