Seven soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on Saturday afternoon, a military spokesperson confirms.

Seven soldiers died after their helicopter crashed in Sitio Naigit, Brgy. Bolunay, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon this afternoon.

Maj. Rodulfo Cordero Jr., spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said the victims – three from the Army while four from the Philippine Air Force – would have approached the military supply when UH-1H No. 517 chopper, causing it to explode in the said area.

Cordero stated that not all the soldiers aboard the said chopper survived.
The victims were identified as Lt. Col. Arnie Arroyo, pilot-in-command; 2Lt. Mark Anthony Caabay, co-pilot; Air Force SSgt. Mervin Bersabi, gunner; A1C Stephen Argarrado; Army Sgt. Julius Salvador, CAA Jerry Ayukdo; while the identity of the other two has not yet been determined.

Troops of the 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, rushed to the crash site to retrieve the bodies, which will be taken to the 4ID headquarters in Cagayan de Oro City.