Filipino soldier dies in joint PH-US exercises

MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino soldier died after a parachute accident during a joint exercise with American troops on Thursday, April 7, in Subic, the Philippine military said.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said the airman “accidentally dropped” into the seashore near the Subic airport “due to wind drag.” The military did not identify the soldier except to describe him as one belonging to the 710 Special Operations wing of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The accident happened during a joint parachute jump exercise between Filipino soldiers and American troops at Subic airport. The first 10 jumpers were released at a C130 plane of the US military at 3:45 pm Thursday. The PAF soldier “accidentally landed at the seashore approximately… 30 ft deep,” the military report added.

“At around 4:55 pm he was retrieved by USAF (United States Air Force),” it added. The troops tried to revive him then brought him to the nearby Unihealth Bay Point hospital, where he was declared dead at 5:55pm, the report said.

Philippine and American troops hold annual exercises involving ground troops, navy personnel and airmen.

This year’s war games began on Monday, April 4. 

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter plans to visit the Philippines this month to observe the Philippine-US Balikatan exercises.

His visit also coincides with the implementation of a new military agreement between the two countries, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). – Rappler.com