Remains of Dumagueteño killed in chopper crash arrives in Bacolod

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has transported here the body of a soldier who died in a helicopter crash in Capas, Tarlac on June 23, 2021.

The remains of Major Eraño Belen, a native of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, arrived at the Bacolod Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental around 10:40 a.m. yesterday via C130 plane.

Captain Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said that Belen’s remains was then taken to their residence in Barangay Alijis here, where his wife is based.

Belen was among the six personnel of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), who was killed when an S70i Blackhawk chopper crashed during a night proficiency flight training.

Belen, one of the two co-pilots of the crashed helicopter, was a topnotcher of the 226-strong PMA Masidlak Class of 2010.

Also killed in the chopper crash were Lieutenant Colonel Rexzon Pasco, pilot in command; Major Jayrold Constantino, co-pilot; and crew members Master Sergeant Ronnie Reducto, Technical Sergeant Maricar Laygo, and Sergeant Leonardo Tandingan.

Pancito said that Belen will be laid to rest on July 4 at Heaven’s Gate Cemetery in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.