MANILA, Philippines- Kabilang ang isang Filipino police colonel sa mga namatay sa Washington air collision, ayon kay Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Sinabi ni Remulla nitong Biyernes na ang nasawing Pinoy ay miyembro ng Philippine National Police (PNP).
Kinilala ni PNP Public Information Office acting chief Police Colonel Randulf Tuano sa isang press conference ang biktima na si PNP Supply Management Division chief Police Colonel Pergentino Malabed, Jr. na nasa official travel para sa pre-delivery inspection ng 2,675 units ng all-purpose vests.
“PCOL Malabed was on official travel at the time of the incident, fulfilling his duty as a dedicated police officer—committed to the service of protecting and securing both the PNP and the nation. His untimely passing is a profound loss to the PNP, where he served with honor, integrity, and dedication throughout his career,” pahayag ng PNP.
“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,” dagdag nito.
Ani Tuaño, noong January 22, lumipad si Malabed kasama ang non-commissioned officer at non-uniformed personnel mula Pilipinas papuntang India para sa pre-delivery inspection ng mga vest.
Dala ni Malabed ang limang vests at tumulak sa United States para sa pagsusuri noong January 27.
Nagtungo ang police official sa Kansas para sa exit call kasama si Police Attache in Washington D.C. Police Colonel Moises Villaceran.
“From India, papunta po siya ng Kansas, ng Washington para mag-courtesy call o exit call kay Colonel Moises Villaceran,” paglalahad ni Tuaño.
Batay sa unofficial report ng Office of the Police Attache in Washington D.C., orihinal na nakatakdang bumalik sa Pilipinas si Malabed sa Pebrero 2 subalit nagdesisyon itong bumiyahe patungo sa South Carolina upang bisitahin ang kanyang kapatid.
“However, PCOL MALABED decided to travel to South Carolina via Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to visit his brother,” batay sa ulat.
Nakilala si Malabed sa pamamagitan ng pasaporteng nakita sa kanyang katawan. Subalit, sinabi ni Tuaño na nakatakdang pumunta sa US ang kanyang asawa upang personal na tukuyin ang kanyang mga labi.
Nakisimpatya naman ang Department of Foreign Affairs sa pagkamatay ni Malabed.
“We express our sincere sympathy and solidarity with the family of all those who died in this terrible tragedy,” anang departamento. RNT/SA