A high-ranking Filipino police officer was among those who perished in the tragic mid-air collision near Washington, D.C., on January 29, 2025. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that Police Colonel Pergentino Malabed Jr., the chief of the PNP Supply Management Division, was among the casualties.
During a press briefing, PNP Public Information Office acting chief Police Colonel Randulf Tuano stated that Malabed was on an official trip to the United States for a pre-delivery inspection of 2,675 all-purpose vests for the Philippine National Police (PNP). Prior to the accident, photos provided by the PNP showed him examining the protective gear in India as part of the procurement process.
The collision involved an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport. The impact resulted in both aircraft crashing into the Potomac River, leading to the deaths of all 67 people on board.
Authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Reports suggest that air traffic control staffing levels at the time may have been a contributing factor.
This disaster marks one of the deadliest aviation incidents in recent U.S. history, claiming the lives of civilians, military personnel, and professionals, including Col. Malabed, who was on duty serving the Philippine police force.
