The Tactical Operation Group 2 (TOG 2), Philippine Air Force (PAF) of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) while swiftly responding to the ongoing relief operations with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and local authorities to the typhoon-devastated remote communities of Region 2 shifted to Search, Rescue and Retrieval (SRR) operations to the reported missing CESSNA plane on August 2, 2023.
According to AFP-NOLCOM The aircraft, bearing call sign RP-C8598 was carrying Capt. Edzel John Lumbao Tabuzo and student pilot Anshum Rajkumar Kon.
After receiving report of a missing plane, a comprehensive strategy with the OCD 2 was formulated to combine relief operations with the search for the missing Cessna-152, showcasing the PAF’s capabilities in both humanitarian operation and crisis management.
NOLCOM Spokesman major Anthony Pueblas said the operations was led by Colonel Glenn S. Piquero, PAF (GSC), Group Commander of TOG 2 which is under the operational control of NOLCOM, AFP. The S70i Blackhawk Nr 115 helicopter was utilized and were able to efficiently transported 19 passengers and 827 boxes (7,029.5 kgs) of DSWD Family Food Packs to the isolated communities in Apayao, providing crucial aid to the affected residents prior to the conduct of SRR operation.
The SSR operation for the missing plane comprises members from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Apayao Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), alongside a doctor, to the nearest landing spot in the suspected crash site within the border of Salvacion Luna, and San Mariano in Pudtol, Apayao province.
After two days of search, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines confirmed Thursday that the wreckage of the missing Cessna 152 has been found by search teams in Luna, Apayao 50 kilometers from its intended destination, the Tuguegarao Airport.
The search teams retrieved the bodies of the pilot and student pilot on board the training aircraft around Thursday noon in Sitio Matad, Brgy. Salvacion.
The aircraft, with registration number RP-C8958, went missing on August 1 after departing from the Laoag International Airport at 12:16 p.m. It was scheduled to arrive at Tuguegarao Airport at 3:16 p.m.
This is the fifth air incident this year and the third involving a Cessna aircraft. The first Cessna plane that crashed this year was last January 24, 2023 in Isabela, and the second Cessna air incident happened last February 18 in Albay.
In a statement, Commander of NOLCOM, LTGEN FERNYL G BUCA PAF, reaffirms his commitment and resolute dedication of assets for this mission, he said “While the relief operation for the victims of Super Typhoon Egay continues, the NOLCOM remains steadfast in its commitment to providing aid to those in distress and delivering relief to communities in need. We are utilizing all available resources, assets and expertise to bring the search to a successful conclusion.”
NOLCOM extends its deepest sympathy to the family of two passengers involved in the ill-fated missing Cessna-152 .
