PAF Black Hawks remain fully responsive to disaster relief ops -spox
Philippine News Agency
By Priam Nepomuceno
November 6, 2025, 3:42 pm
MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force's (PAF) fleet of Black Hawk helicopters remains "fully responsive" to the ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations despite Wednesday's incident in Southern Leyte.
In a statement on Thursday, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said this reflects the service's "steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of flight safety and operational readiness."
"This as the PAF continues to provide timely and effective air support in the service of the Filipino people," she said.
On Wednesday, one of PAF's Black Hawk helicopters was forced to make a precautionary landing in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte, due to fluctuating temperature in one of its two engines.
The aircraft was performing Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) operations following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino in the Visayas when it encountered the problem.
Nobody was reported hurt in the incident.
Basco said the helicopter has been flown back to Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, where it will undergo "comprehensive inspection and evaluation."
PAF has a fleet of around 35 Black Hawk helicopters.
Wednesday's incident occurred a day after a PAF Super Huey helicopter crashed in Agusan del Sur while conducting HADR operation in the wake of Typhoon Tino, killing its two pilots and four aircrew members. (PNA)
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