‘I knew he was different.’ Filipino colonel identified as a victim in D.C. plane crash
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified one of the passengers killed on American Airlines flight 5342 as Col. Pergentino Malabed Jr.
Sixty-seven people were killed when a Black Hawk helicopter collided with the commercial airliner traveling from Wichita to Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport on January 29, creating a fiery explosion and plunging both aircraft into the icy Potomac River. The crash left no survivors.
Malabed, 51, was the head of the police’s supply management division, and was in Wichita conducting an inspection of armored vests, according to ABS-CBN. He graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy in 1998.
“His untimely passing is a profound loss to the PNP, where he served with honor, integrity and dedication throughout his career,” ABS-CBN reported, quoting PNP public information chief Col. Randulf Tuaño in a press briefing.
Tuaño also said in the briefing the national police will provide Malabed’s family with all the necessary support during this time.
In a Facebook post, Malabed’s wife, Rio Alanis Taganas-Malabed, said she is spending time with loved ones and honoring her husband.
“On behalf of the other members of the Malabed family, I extend my gratitude to all for coming our way during this difficult time. I further ask for your understanding in quietly observing our moments as we prepare to bring my husband back home,” she said.
In another post, she wrote a message to Malabed after his passing.
“...you always make me proud with your dedication to your service until the end. I love you so much,” Taganas-Malabed said.
Waya Araos-Wijangco said in a Facebook post she met Malabed in 2014 while she worked with the IBM Corporate Service Corps. At the time, Malabed was the chief of police of Sta. Rosa Laguna, about an hour south of Quezon City.
Malabed was working with Araos-Wijangco to improve the police image in the community. She said he had a masters degree in development management, and had a real heart for service and concern for people
“I knew he was different,” she said in the post. “...He spoke about his dream of shaping a more human and humane police force.”
Malabed’s relatives arrived in the U.S. Sunday night and are being informed about what is needed to bring home his remains, according to ABS-CBN News. U.S. authorities have not yet issued a statement about when his remains would be transported back to the Philippines.
