The remains of the 6 aircrew who died in the Black Hawk chopper crash in Tarlac nearly a week ago were finally retrieved, according to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday, June 29. 

According to the PAF, the retrieval operations for the remains were completed on June 27, while the recovery of the aircraft was still ongoing. 

The S-70i Black Hawk Utility Helicopter of the 205th Technical Helicopter Wing of the PAF crashed in Capas, Tarlac, on Wednesday night, June 23. The chopper missed its estimated time of arrival in Clark Air Base, prompting the air force to conduct search and rescue operations, according to the PAF. 

The victims are as follows as identified by the PAF: 

• Lieutenant Colonel Rexzon Pasco PAF (Instructor Pilot)
• Major Jayrold Constantino PAF (Student Pilot)
• Major Eraño Belen PAF (Student Pilot)
• Master Sergeant Ronnie Reducto PAF (Instructor Scanner)
• Technical Sergeant Maricar Laygo PAF (Student Scanner)
• Sergeant Leonardo Tandingan PAF (Student Scanner)

Their remains were already transferred to Clark Air Base on Monday afternoon, June 28, and were accorded with full military honors. They would be later brought to their hometowns based on their families’ request. 

According to PAF, they would extend all assistance and support to the victims’ families.

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Senate probe sought into Black Hawk chopper crash in Tarlac

The Black Hawk choppers will not be flown while the investigation is still ongoing. 

On June 27, Senator Richard Gordon called for a Senate probe into the crash and said that there was a need for proper training for all military aircraft personnel to avoid such accidents again. – Rappler.com