PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa cheated death after the helicopter he and seven other police officials were riding crashed in San Pedro, Laguna on Thursday morning.CHOPPER CRASH The helicopter that carried Philippine National Police Chief Archie Gamboa is cordoned off after it crashed in Laguna on Thursday, March 5. Gamboa and seven other passengers are safe. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTOREAD: Chopper carrying PNP Chief Gamboa crashes in LagunaLt. Col. Serafin Petalio 2nd, Laguna provincial director, said Gamboa and his men were rushed to the West Lake Hospital although radio dzBB reported that the PNP chief was transferred to a hospital in Metro Manila.Gamboa sustained abrasions on his right shoulder, Petalio said.On board with Gamboa were: Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesman; Maj. Gen. Mariel Magaway, Directorate for Intelligence; Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Ramos, Comptrollership; Lt. Col. Zalatar, pilot; Lt. Col. Macawili, co-pilot; Staff Master Sergeant Estona, crew; and Capt. Gayrama, aide de camp of Gamboa.Petalio confirmed reports that the chopper hit electrical wires, which the pilot failed to see because of the dust.The pilot, however, managed to maneuver the chopper and prevented it from crashing into the mountains, Petalio said.Gamboa inspected the Laperal compound of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) in San Antonio, Laguna and was headed to Camp Vicente Lim when the accident happened after takeoff.
