MANILA, Philippines, February 3 ------ The Philippine National Police has confirmed that one of its ranking officers died in Thursday's (January 30) catastrophic midair collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter over Washington D.C.'s Potomac River in the United States.
Police Col. Pergentino Malabed Jr., chief of the PNP Supply Management Division, was aboard American Eagle Flight 5342 when it collided with a US Army helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, the PNP confirmed. The incident claimed 67 lives — the deadliest US air disaster in over two decades, based on reports by US media. "His untimely passing is a profound loss to the PNP, where he served with honor, integrity and dedication throughout his career," the PNP said in a statement.
The PNP noted that Malabed was on official travel at the time of the incident. "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," the PNP said.
The collision occurred Thursday night when an American Eagle passenger flight from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, struck a military helicopter with three personnel aboard. The impact sent both aircraft plunging into the Potomac River just three miles from the White House. US President Donald Trump has confirmed there were no survivors from either aircraft. Recovery teams, working through harsh winter conditions, have so far retrieved 28 bodies from the crash site.
Source: philstar.com
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