By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

Col. Pergentino Malabed (Photo courtesy of the PNP Directorate for Logistics)

MANILA – A Filipino police officer was among the 67 fatalities in the collision between a military helicopter and a commercial plane near Washington, D.C., the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed on Friday.

In a press briefing held at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PNP information chief Col. Randulf Tuaño identified the deceased as Col. Pergentino Malabed, chief of the Supply Management Division under the Directorate for Logistics.

He was on official travel when the mishap occurred on Wednesday night (US time).

He said Malabed, another police officer and a non-uniformed staff arrived in India from Manila on Jan. 22 to inspect vests to be acquired by the PNP.

Malabed’s group then left India and arrived in the United States on the same day.

“Ang ginawa nila doon, napag-alaman natin sa ating foreign liaison division na out of the 2,675 (vests), nag-test sila doon ng anim. Ang isa doon iniwan nila sa India at ‘yung lima is dadalhin nila doon sa shop ng kumpanyang ito sa USA kung saan nila gagawin ‘yung further testing (What they did there, according to our foreign liaison division was out of the 2,675 vests, they tested six. They left one of the vests in India and took the other five with them which they would bring to a company in the US where further testing would be done),” he added

Tuaño said that from Kansas, Malabed traveled alone to Washington, D.C. for an exit call with Col. Moises Villaceran, the Philippines’ police attaché in Washington.

Malabed’s two companions survived as they left for Manila on Jan. 27.

Tuaño said the police force already contacted Malabed’s family and is coordinating with the Philippines’ police attaché in Washington, D.C. for the repatratiation.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his bereaved family, loved ones and colleagues. The PNP is committed to providing them with all necessary support during this difficult time,” Tuaño said.

“As we grieve this tragic event, we also honor the dedication and sacrifice of Col. Malabed. His contributions to the PNP and the nation will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace,” he added.

In a text message to the Philippine News Agency, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said there is no other Filipino or Filipino-American reported among the passengers or crew of the ill-fated flight so far.

Meanwhile, he said the DFA is still waiting for an official embassy report on the Filipino cop. 

The ill-fated American Airlines plane was approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport when the US Army helicopter flew into its path.

There were 60 passengers and four crew members aboard the passenger plane, while three soldiers were aboard the helicopter. (With report from Joyce Ann Rocamora/PNA)