MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed the nation’s condolences to the families of the six Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel who died in a helicopter crash in Agusan del Sur at the height of Typhoon Tino on Tuesday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos extended his condolences and assured assistance to the families of the fallen airmen.

“Ayon po sa Pangulo, ipinapaabot niya ang kanyang pakikiramay sa pamilya ng mga nasawi na mga bayani ng ating bansa at lahat ng tulong na nararapat ay dapat na iparating sa mga naapektuhan na pamilya,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing on Wednesday.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PAF confirmed that one of its Super Huey helicopters encountered a mishap near the vicinity of the 60th Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Sur.

The aircraft was en route to Butuan City to conduct a rapid damage assessment and needs analysis (RDANA) mission following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.

The PAF said a thorough investigation is underway to determine the circumstances and cause of the accident.

In a separate statement on Wednesday, the Department of National Defense (DND) commended the dedication and sacrifice of the six PAF pilots and crew who died in the line of duty while serving Filipinos affected by the typhoon.

The DND said it will extend all available support to the families of the fallen airmen.