The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the nation are in a state of mourning following the tragic crash of a UH-1 “Super Huey” helicopter in Loreto, Agusan del Sur, which claimed the lives of six valiant airmen on a humanitarian mission.
The aircraft, assigned to the 207th Tactical Helicopter Squadron, was conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations on November 4, 2025, in the wake of Tropical Storm “Tino” when the accident occurred.
A Solemn Homecoming for Fallen Heroes
In a series of poignant and emotionally charged ceremonies on November 6, the PAF rendered full military honors as it repatriated the remains of its fallen personnel to their grieving families and home bases.
The bodies of Captain Paulie B. Dumagan PAF, Second Lieutenant Royce Louis G. Camigla PAF, Sergeant John Christopher C. Golfo PAF, and Airman First Class Ericson R. Merico PAF arrived at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City aboard a C-130 aircraft from Davao Air Station.
Simultaneously, Sergeant Yves B. Sijub PAF was received with honors at Rajah Buayan Air Station in General Santos City, while Airman Ameer Khaidar T. Apion PAF was brought home to Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City.
The somber receptions were attended by heartbroken family members, whose cries of grief underscored the profound personal loss. They were met by Lieutenant General Arthur M. Cordura PAF, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, and other senior officers, who paid their final respects.
Leadership Offers Condolences and Resolve
A day earlier, on November 5, Lieutenant General Cordura visited the airmen of the 505th Search and Rescue Group and the 207th Tactical Helicopter Squadron at Villamor Air Base. In a “Talk to Men” session, the PAF Chief personally extended his heartfelt sympathies and offered words of encouragement, underscoring the importance of solidarity and resilience.
He expressed his “deep gratitude” to the personnel for their “unwavering dedication, bravery, and professionalism” in continuing their vital duties despite the tragic loss of their comrades.
A Legacy of Service Honored with the Highest Award
In a testament to their extraordinary sacrifice, the six airmen were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Aviation Cross. This prestigious recognition honors their “extraordinary bravery and selfless service” in the face of grave danger.
In an official statement, the PAF eulogized the crew, saying, “Their heroism, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to duty stand as a lasting testament to the noble ideals of the service. Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of airmen.”
The PAF confirmed that the retrieval operations for the aircrew’s remains, conducted in coordination with the Philippine Army and local authorities, have been completed. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
As the nation reflects on this tragedy, the six airmen are remembered not for the accident that took their lives, but for the courage and compassion that defined their final mission—a mission of mercy, answering the call of their countrymen in a storm-ravaged community.
The Fallen Airmen:
Captain Paulie B. Dumagan PAF (Pilot) +
- PAF Officer Candidate School Class 2017
- Philippine Air Force Flying School Class 2020
- Pilot in command Angel 122
Second Lieutenant Royce Louis G. Camigla PAF +
- Philippine Military Academy Class 2022
- Philippine Air Force Flying School Class 2025
- Copilot Angel 122
Sergeant John Christopher C. Golfo PAF (Aircrew) +
Sergeant Yves B. Sijub PAF (Aircrew)
Airman First Class Ericson R. Merico PAF (Aircrew) +
Airman Ameer Khaidar T. Apion PAF (Aircrew) +
The Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao conducted a final, solemn ceremony on Thursday to honor the six Philippine Air Force personnel who perished in the Super Huey helicopter crash in Loreto, Agusan del Sur. The somber repatriation process began at Davao Airport, where the remains of the fallen airmen were transported to their respective home bases and families. The first to depart at 9:00 a.m. was Sergeant Yves Sijub, whose body was flown to General Santos City. His family, while grappling with an irreplaceable loss, expressed that they find solace in the peaceful and honorable return of his remains and in the knowledge that he died while serving others.
The operation continued with the remains of Airman Ameer Apion being flown to Zamboanga City. Later, at 4:00 p.m., a C-130 aircraft carried the bodies of the four remaining personnel to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. The group included the aircraft’s pilot, Captain Paulie Dumagan of Makati City; his co-pilot, Second Lieutenant Royce Louis Camigla of Pasig City; Sergeant John Christopher Golfo of Noveleta, Cavite; and Airman First Class Ericson Merico of Real, Quezon. There, they were received by their grieving families as the nation prepares to pay full tribute to these heroes.
The Philippine Air Force has posthumously honored the six crew members of the Super Huey II (Tail Number 122), who died while on a humanitarian mission during Tropical Storm Tino. In an official memorial post, the PAF’s Civil-Military Operations Group paid tribute to the fallen pilots and aircrew from the 505th Search and Rescue Group, highlighting that they “flew into the storm, not for glory, but for love of country.” The force emphasized that the crew’s final mission embodied their unit’s motto, “So Others May Live,” a testament to their bravery that extended beyond this tragedy to include past missions like combating forest fires. The PAF expressed its deepest condolences, stating that the names and deeds of these heroes “will forever be etched in the heart of our nation.”
Remembering Second Lieutenant Royce Louis G. Camigla PAF (Pilot)
We honor the memory of 2Lt. Royce Louis G. Camigla PAF by reflecting on his own words from April 7, 2025, when he celebrated the fulfillment of a childhood dream: earning his Pilot Badge. He humbly dedicated this achievement to God, his loving wife, and his family, and with profound dedication declared his commitment to “giving my best effort in service to our nation”—a promise he upheld with the utmost honor and selflessness until the very end. His legacy is one of pure devotion and will continue to inspire all who serve.
We remember the bright and promising life of Second Lieutenant Royce Louis G. Camigla PAF, a man too young to die, yet one who lived with profound purpose and love. After earning a Bachelor of Science in National Security Management in 2022, he saw his dreams take flight, culminating in his graduation from Military Pilot Training on April 4, 2025. His personal joy was complete when he married his beloved, Marielle Deocareza, on March 6, 2025, building a future filled with hope. Just months later, on November 4, 2025, that future was tragically cut short in the line of duty, leaving behind a legacy of a natupad na pangarap (a fulfilled dream) and a nation forever indebted to his courage and ultimate sacrifice.
The entire nation mourns the passing of Second Lieutenant Royce Louis G. Camigla, a valiant pilot of the Philippine Air Force, and his five comrades who perished in the crash of their helicopter while conducting relief operations for the victims of Typhoon Tino in Agusan del Sur. We also extend our deepest condolences to his father, my classmate, Romeo Camigla, and to the entire Camigla family. Their sacrifice is a testament to true heroism and love of country.#
