Ang Pahayagan

CAGAYAN– Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States Marine Corps personnel participating in Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 rescued Filipino civilians following a vehicular accident on April 20 near Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan.

Four casualties were immediately extricated from a cement-loaded truck that lost control and plunged into a ravine, and were transported to a nearby hospital. Two others, initially trapped and assessed with life-threatening injuries, were later rescued and airlifted by a U.S. HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to a higher-level medical facility for advanced treatment.

U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) personnel conduct initial rescue operations, extracting victims from a crashed vehicle during a vehicular accident on April 20 near Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan.

U.S Marine Corps personnel in the area witnessed the incident and rendered initial assistance, while the troops from 17th Infantry Battalion under Joint Task Force “Tala,” reinforced rescue efforts and coordinated with the Philippine National Police for investigation. All individuals involved were confirmed to be Filipino civilians, with no military personnel affected.

Philippine and U.S. Armed Forces soldiers evacuate injured Filipino civilians aboard a U.S. HH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for airlift to a higher-level medical facility, following a vehicular accident on April 20 near Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan.

The response highlights the real-world value of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026, demonstrating how joint training, interoperability, and readiness translate into rapid, life-saving response and a shared commitment to protecting communities.

📸 USMC/NOLCOM/17IB