PNP chief, three other generals figure in chopper crash
MANILA - The newly-appointed police chief, General Archie Francisco and three other ranking generals figured in a helicopter crash in Laguna province earlier this morning.
General Gamboa was brought to St. Luke’s Medical Center at Global City in Taguig past 10:00 A.M. today while two others, Major Generals Mariel Magaway of Intelligence Division and Jose Maria Ramos of Comptrollership were reported in critical condition.
Meanwhile, PNP Spokesman Brig. General Bernard Banac is said to be in stable condition. The police officials were scheduled to inspect an impounding area of the PNP Highway Patrol Group when the incident took place in San Pedro City.
The ill-fated chopper, a two-year old Bell 429 was reported to have hit a high-tension wire upon lift-off due to poor visibility aggravated. by thick dust.
Two staff members and two pilots were aboard the helicopter. (Melo M. Acuña)
San Pedro City firefighters responding to the helicopter crash at 8:10 A.M. Thursday. (Photo from 2ID, Philippine Army)