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Pilot in command in Laguna helicopter crash faces raps: PNP

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

October 20, 2020, 9:56 pm

<p><strong>CHARGED</strong>. Wreckage of the Philippine National Police (PNP) helicopter that crashed on March 5, 2020. PNP spokesperson Col. Ysmael Yu on Tuesday (Oct. 20, 2020) said administrative case was already filed against the pilot in command before the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS). <em>(File photo)</em></p>

CHARGED. Wreckage of the Philippine National Police (PNP) helicopter that crashed on March 5, 2020. PNP spokesperson Col. Ysmael Yu on Tuesday (Oct. 20, 2020) said administrative case was already filed against the pilot in command before the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS). (File photo)

MANILA – The pilot in command of a helicopter that crashed in Laguna last March is facing administrative charges before the Internal Affairs Service (IAS), Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Ysmael Yu said on Tuesday.

Yu said the findings of the investigation of the Special Investigation and Task Group (SITG) Bell 429 led by Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, recommended that pilot in command, Lt. Col. Roel Zalatar, be held “accountable for criminal and administrative capabilities”.

“An administrative case of Grave Misconduct (Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Serious Physical Injuries, Multiple Less Serious Physical Injuries and Damages to Property under Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code) was already filed against the Pilot-In-Command before the Internal Affairs Service in September 2020,” Yu said in a statement.

As to the criminal liability, Yu said the case is still subject for review of the Office of the Chief of Police.

According to the findings, Yu said Zalatar “failed to conduct risk assessment before the takeoff which is required for a trained pilot like him”.

“There was lack of situational awareness and evaluation of surroundings which are part of the protocol for safe and proper takeoff. There were some lapses in judgment on the part of the Pilot-In-Command that include underestimating the capability of the aircraft,” Yu said, citing SITG’s investigation report.

Yu said the investigation also found that the helicopter has “no trouble in both engines”.

Immediately after the PNP helicopter crash at the Laperal Compound in San Pedro City, Laguna on March 5, 2020, all PNP air-assets were temporarily grounded and Eleazar was designated to lead the Special Investigation Task Group Bell 429 which was instructed to conduct a thorough investigation on all the circumstances that led to the crash.

The SITG Bell 429 has also recommended safety measures to prevent the repeat of this unfortunate incident.

Currently, the PNP maintains a fleet of Airbus H-125, Bell-429 and Robinson R-44 multi-role police helicopters.

Yu said that Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Ramos, one of the top cops involved in a helicopter crash in Laguna, died on Tuesday morning due to serious injuries he sustained.

The PNP expressed its condolences to the family of Ramos, Yu said.

“Ramos fought a good fight to enjoy his supposed retirement from the service on November 25 with his family, but the Almighty has another plan for him. The PNP extends its deepest sympathies for his wife, children and other members of his family, that include the PMA Sinagtala Class of 1986,” Yu stressed. (PNA)


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