Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil honored the legacy of his late Supply Management Division Chief Col. Pergentino Malabed Jr., who he acknowledged will be a “great loss” to the organization.
In a statement released by the PNP on Thursday, Marbil recognized Malabed’s dedication to public service until his death. The late PNP logistics director was among the 67 fatalities in the midair collision between a commercial jet and military helicopter in Washington, D.C. last Jan. 29.
“His untimely passing is a great loss to the PNP, but his legacy of professionalism and commitment will always be remembered. We stand with his family during this difficult time, ensuring that he is given the highest honors befitting a dedicated officer,” Marbil said.
The PNP has prepared full honors for Malabed upon arrival of his body on February 20, 2025. It has outlined a detailed schedule of ceremonies and tributes to honor his life and contributions to the police force.
“The formal arrival of his remains is set for February 20, 2025 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), where foyer honors will be rendered before the transport to Camp Crame for arrival honors, a religious service, and a public viewing with vigil guards,” PNP said.
Malabed was on official travel to the United States for the pre-delivery inspection of 2,675 units of all-purpose vests intended for PNP personnel. He departed the Philippines on January 22 with two of his colleagues and traveled to India first for the inspection.
Afterward, Malabed took five vests and brought it for further evaluation in the US on January 27. He boarded the ill-fated American Eagle Flight 5342 from Wichita, Kansas on his way to the US capital, where he was reportedly scheduled to pay a courtesy visit to the Philippine Embassy.
On the night of January 29, the plane with 60 passengers and four crew members onboard collided midair with a US military Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River. No one survived. Efforts to recover and identify the victims’ bodies are still ongoing.
The PNP said a meeting was held on January 31 with the Philippine Embassy in the US to assist in the processing and legal repatriation of Malabed’s remains. The meeting involved embassy officials and relatives of the late police official.
