Malabed’s remains arrive in PH —PNP

The remains of Police Colonel Pergentino “Bong” Malabed Jr., who was among the fatalities in an air collision in Washington D.C., arrived in the Philippines on Friday morning, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

PNP public information office acting chief Police Colonel Randulf Tuaño told GMA News Online that Malabed’s remains landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) around 7:40 a.m. 

Foyer honors were rendered to Malabed.

Around 11 a.m., Malabed’s remains arrived at Camp Crame for arrival honors, a religious service, and a public viewing with vigil guards, according to Tuaño.

Malabed received the Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod (PNP Distinguished Service Medal) and Medalya ng Katangi-tanging Gawa (PNP Outstanding Achievement Medal).

Necrological services are set to be held at the Multi-Purpose Center of Camp Crame.

On February 27, the PNP said Malabed will be taken to his final resting place at Memorial Gardens in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.

"PCOL Malabed dedicated his life to the service of the Filipino people. His untimely passing is a great loss to the PNP, but his legacy of professionalism and commitment will always be remembered,” PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil earlier said.

“We stand with his family during this difficult time, ensuring that he is given the highest honors befitting a dedicated officer," he added.

His family will also receive over P2.6 million in benefits.

On January 22, Malabed, as the chief of PNP's Supply Management Division, flew from the Philippines to India for the pre-delivery inspection of 2,675 units of all-purpose vests.

Malabed took five of the vests and flew to the United States to subject the items for further testing on January 27.

Based on the unofficial report of the Office of the Police Attaché in Washington D.C., Malabed was originally scheduled to return to the Philippines on February 2 but he decided to travel to South Carolina via Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to visit his brother.

Malabed was among the people on board an American Airlines passenger jet that collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 30 (US time). All 67 people onboard both aircraft died in the incident.—AOL/RSJ, GMA Integrated News