The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Friday that a Filipino police officer named Col Pergentino Malabed was one of the 67 people killed in the accident between a military helicopter and a commercial plane close to Washington, D.C.
Col. Randulf Tuaño, the PNP communication chief, identified the deceased as Col. Pergentino Malabed, the head of the Directorate for Logistics’ Supply Management Division, during a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Who is Philippines police officer Col Pergentino Malabed Jr who died in American Airlines Eagle flight 5342 Washington DC plane crash
https://twiter.com/Joseph_Morong/status/1885210155417296981
When the accident happened on Wednesday night (US time), he was traveling on business. According to him, on January 22, Malabed, another police officer, and a non-uniformed employee travelled from Manila to India in order to examine vests that the PNP would be purchasing. On the same day, Malabed’s group departed India and reached the US.
The cause of the crash has not been disclosed in the initial reports. It was a clear night with adequate visibility, according to transport officials, and both planes were flying according to normal flight patterns.
An American Eagle passenger plane from Wichita, Kansas, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with a military helicopter carrying three troops on Thursday night. Three miles from the White House, the impact sent both planes crashing into the Potomac River.
Sinabi ni PNP Public Information Office Chief Police Colonel Randulf Tuaño, kasama si Police Colonel Pergentino Malabed Jr. na Chief ng Supply Management Division ng PNP sa mahigit 60 pasahero ng American airline.
Ayon kay PCol. Tuaño, si PCol Malabed ay nasa official travel… pic.twitter.com/Xk9sXXF0Cj
— Radyo Pilipinas (@radyopilipinas1) January 31, 2025
The PNP verified on Friday, January 31 that American Eagle Flight 5342 was carrying police officer, Col. Pergentino Malabed Jr., chief of the PNP Supply Management Division when it struck a US Army helicopter close to Reagan Washington National Airport.
According to US media, the crash resulted in 67 lives, making it the deadliest US air catastrophe in more than 20 years.
“His untimely passing is a profound loss to the PNP, where he served with honor, integrity and dedication throughout his career,” the PNP said in a statement.
He was on official travel when the mishap occurred on Wednesday night (US time) and Malabed, another police officer and a non-uniformed staff arrived in India from Manila on Jan. 22 to inspect vests to be acquired by the PNP.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his bereaved family, loved ones and colleagues. The PNP is committed to providing them with all necessary support during this difficult time,” Tuaño said.
“As we grieve this tragic event, we also honor the dedication and sacrifice of Col. Malabed. His contributions to the PNP and the nation will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace,” he added.
Malabed’s group left India and arrived in the United States on the same day. He traveled alone to Washington, D.C. for an exit call with Col. Moises Villaceran, the Philippines’ police attaché in Washington and his two companions survived as they left for Manila on Jan. 27.
According to US President Donald Trump, neither aircraft had any survivors. Despite the severe winter weather, recovery crews have recovered 28 bodies from the crash site thus far.