February 22, 2002, Philippine Star, Philippine official: No change in joint exercise schedule despite crash,

February 22, 2002, Philippine Star, Philippine official: No change in joint exercise schedule despite crash, 

National Security Adviser Roilo Golez today said there will be no change in the schedule of the Balikatan [Shoulder to Shoulder] 02-1 joint military exercises despite the distressing crash of a US helicopter early this morning.

Golez surmised that the routes of some aircrafts may have to be diverted but said he found no reason for a major disruption to schedule of the war games.

He also said all Chinook helicopters will be grounded while an investigation is ongoing to find out the reason for the crash.

Search-and-rescue operations on the ten US servicemen aboard the ill-fated Chinook were ongoing as ordered by the Armed Forces Central Visayas Command and with the help of the Philippine Coast Guard.

Golez reassured the public that the Philippine government will only shoulder operational expenses.