LUNA, Apayao – The Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) team of Apayao together with the 503rd Infantry Brigade and SRR Task Group led by 1LT Dela Cruz of the Philippine Army (PA) successfully retrieved the two Cadaver of the victims of mishap CESSNA 152 at the vicinity of Sitio Matad, Barangay Salvacion Luna, Apayao.
Also recovered from the crash site is the black box (color orange).
Following this, the unit alerted the five (5) KM450 at the pick-up point for the extraction of the cadavers at the SRR teams and shall be transported for post mortem care.
The cadaver of Capt. Edzel John Lumbao Tabuzo, the pilot involved in the recent RP-C8958 Cessna 152 plane crash in Apayao, has been officially turned over to his grieving family.
The unfortunate incident occurred last Tuesday, August 1 when the small aircraft tragically crashed, resulting in fatalities.
Capt. Tabuzo, 24, was at the controls of the Cessna 152 during what should have been a routine flight.
Likewise, the lifeless body of Anshum Rajkumar Konde, 20, an Indian national and student pilot who was also onboard the ill-fated flight, is currently undergoing processing before being turned over to the Indian Embassy.
Earlier, the Apayao Public Information Office (PIO) drone together with a group of uniformed personnel deployed in Barangay, San Jose, Pudtol, with assistance from a local resident, spotted the wreckage.
Upon identifying the exact location of the crash site, combined forces from the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) conducted Search, Rescue and Retrieval Operations (SRR) to reach the wreckage.
Unfortunately, both passengers on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased by the SRR team.
Details about the cause of the crash are yet to be fully disclosed, and authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident.
Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. and the entire Province of Apayao extend their condolences to the families of the deceased.