PAF Choppers hit by enemy fire

Marine General almost have it!
August 17, 2009

Zamboanga City - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) almost lost a General Sunday when the Huey transport helicopter that carried the officer together with NBN TV crew was hit by enemy fire while flying low over the vicinity of Tipo-Tipo in Basilan, the site of bloody encounters with terrorist forces that resulted in heavy government casualties last week.

Suspected al-Qaeda-linked militants fired at two low-flying military helicopters wounding two journalists and a government photographer, regional military commander Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino said while the chopper was on its way back to Zamboanga City.

The two UH-1H Huey helicopters made an emergency landing in Barangay Tumawas, Lamitan City on Basilan Island.

However, Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief said that Marine Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Rustico Guerrero was no longer aboard any of the helicopters when it was hit by enemy fire at 10AM.

The passengers of the two helicopters were immediately secured by government troops and civilian volunteer groups upon landing.