The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday found the debris fragments suspected to be part of the missing medical evacuation (medevac) in the vicinity of Lumbucan Island, Palawan, the last location it was spotted.
This was confirmed by PCG District Palawan Commander Capt. Dennis Rem Labay, according to a report by Palawan News.
However, he said the PCG personnel did not saw any passengers in the said area.
"As of this morning, sunrise, mga aroud 5 a.m., nandoon na yong vessel natin, 'yong BRP Malabrigo, and upon arrival niya sa area, mayroon na siyang nakitang mga debris. Hindi naman malalaki pero one particular item na nakita niya is parang a form of fire extinguisher na usually ginagamit sa mga aircraft— 'yong canister na ano," Labay said as quoted by the Palawan News.
"I’m not sure kung na pick up nila 'yong debris, pero nabasa nila kung anong nakasulat doon,” he added.
The PCG Palawan Commander said PCG personnel are still monitoring the said location.
"So let’s assume na nag-crash talaga 'yong chopper. Wala pa kaming balita about any survivor. Let’s hope na mayroong survivor doon sa accident," Labay said.
On Wednesday, the medevac helicopter carrying five individuals reportedly went missing in Palawan.
In a statement, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said that the medevac helicopter departed at about 7:30 am at Brooke’s Point to pick up a patient at Mangsee Island.
But it did not arrive at the expected arrival time of 10:30 am at Southern Palawan Provincial Hospital.
The five passengers inside the helicopter were identified as pilot Daniel Lui, nurse Janelle Adler, and patient Khayrunniza Hamja. Also inside are two watchers namely, Surga Hamja, and Hji Jan.
This is the third airplane that went missing this year after the Cessna planes in Isabela, and Bicol, respectively.
