ONE of the 67 victims of the air collision in Washington is a Filipino police officer, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) identified the victim as Police Colonel Pergentino Malabed Jr., Chief of Supply Management Division, who was on an official trip for the pre-delivery inspection of 2,675 all-purpose vests for the PNP.
In a statement, the PNP mourned the loss of Malabed, described as a dedicated and loyal officer. The PNP also pledged support to his family.
An American Airlines Bombardier jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided on Wednesday evening at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, considered the worst air disaster in the U.S. in over 20 years.
The cause of the tragedy is still under investigation, but the plane’s black boxes have been recovered. Among the fatalities are passengers, crew members, young figure skaters, and some residents of Kansas, where the flight originated.
