A Philippine Air Force Blackhawk helicopter carrying six troopers crashed while on a training mission in Tarlac, north of Manila, on Wednesday, a military spokesman said.
No survivors have been found yet. The identities of those on board could not be immediately disclosed pending notification of their families, said PAF spokesman Lt. Col. Maynard Mariano.
The S70i failed to return to Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Capas town, prompting a search operation. It was carrying three pilots and three airmen, Mariano said, adding that an investigation was underway.
Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana expressed his condolences to the airmen's families. Pending results of the investigation, the rest of the Blackhawk fleet will be grounded.