Monday, May 21, 2012

Filipino Pilots Missing in Action

Search and rescue operations on the missing training plane of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and its two pilots on the sea between Mariveles, Bataan and Cavite and Corregidor Island, also in Cavite, failed.

Divers of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy have been searching for the PAF Marchetti Training plane, SF-260, that left Sangley Point in Cavite at 6:52 a.m. of Friday and reported to have crashed some minutes later in the morning of the same day.

Reports said that on board were pilots Maj. Neil Tumaneng and Ist Lt. Michael Arugay of PAF's 15th Strike Wing.

Two ships of the Philippine Navy and one from the Coast Guard with several rubber boats and divers were busy scouring the area but returned to their respective posts in Saturday afternoon empty-handed.

"Reports of the search are negative," said a PAF officer, who refused to be identified. He said the Airforce information officer will do the reporting.

The PAF officers have with them three fishing boat officials who reportedly have witnessed the incident.

SPO2 Fernando Fernandez, chief of the Maritime Police Station in Sisiman, Mariveles, said the boat crews were fishing when the plane smashed almost in the middle of the fishing boats.

FB Carlo Capt. Dominador Mirasol surrendered to Coast Guard Petty Officer Efren Dichoso at 7:15 a.m. of Friday parts of the plane fuel tank, pilot's helmet and part of the plane seat that were later turned over to PAF.

No comments: