The Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) investigation as to the cause of the military helicopter crash in the vicinity of Agusan del Sur has proven difficult due to a fire which consumed the aircraft.

In an interview at Villamor Airbase, PAF Spokesperson Ma. Christina Basco said the debris from Super Huey, which had been conducting a rapid damage assessment at the time of the incident, was severely burnt, and personnel have yet to recover its data flight recorder, better known as its “black box,” reported RH 52 Edniel Parrosa.

Furthermore, Basco said investigators are yet to find significant leads, with the probe still centered on inclement weather, mechanical failure, and possible human error.

“‘Yung debris, we’re trying to locate everything. Medyo matindi po ‘yung extent ng pagkasunog kaya doon tayo nagkakaroon ng challenge. Kaya nga po diba ‘yung kanilang mga identities, medyo nahirapan din po tayo ma-confirm ‘yung identities nila, doon sa burns na na-sustain nila,” she said.

As of writing, the remains of four of the six airmen have been flown from Davao to Villamor Airbase in Pasay City aboard a C130 transport aircraft. These are Captain Paulie Dumagan, Co-Pilot 2nd Lieutenant Royce Louis Camigla, Sergeant John Christopher Golfo, and Airman First Class Ericson Merico.

The other two, Sergeant Yves Sijub and Airman Ameer Khaidar Apion have been brought to their respective provinces in General Santos City and Zamboanga City.

These air force personnel under the 505th Search and Rescue Wing will receive posthumous awards and Distinguished Aviation Crosses.