Update in the search for missing Navy pilots as of 190711H August 2010

By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

Thursday, 19 August 2010

The lifeless bodies of the Naval Aviators have been found—one after the other at around 7:11 and 7:25 a.m., respectively, on 19 August 2010.

The body of LTJG JAYRALD C TAMAYO PN was sighted floating 2 nautical miles west of Little Santa Cruz Island and that of LT TRISTAN JOSEPH Z CORPUZ PN 350 yards off Great Santa Cruz Island by Navy SEAL teams searching for them.

The remains of the navy pilots were brought to the Headquarters of Naval Forces Western Mindanao in Zamboanga City where the recovered helicopters was also brought yesterday.

After round the clock, day and night incessant search, we have finally given up the hope to get our pilots alive.

This is a day of mourning for the Philippine Navy having lost two of its distinguished naval aviators who have participated in many combat missions and search and rescue operations until this air mishap.

The efforts now shift from search, rescue, and recovery mode to administrative. The determination of the cause of the crash and the processing of the entitlements of the deceased pilots and their next of kin follow. (End)