Copter crash in Philippines kills two
Pililla Mayor John Masinsin verified to the media that two passengers, a Malaysian and a Filipino, were killed in the crash. Three others, including the critically injured pilot, were rushed to Rizal Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.
ATT Desk Report 
A civilian helicopter crashed in Pililla, Rizal province, nearly two hours southeast of Manila, killing two people and injuring three others on Tuesday morning, with a Malaysian national confirmed among the fatalities.
The aircraft was carrying five people—two Malaysians and three Filipinos—when it experienced an apparent forced landing due to engine trouble.
Philippine News Agency reports the Bell 505 helicopter went down in a green vacant lot in Barangay Quisao's Upper Barak area at around 7:27 am local time while en route from Manila to Quezon province.
Pililla Mayor John Masinsin verified to the media that two passengers, a Malaysian and a Filipino, were killed in the crash. Three others, including the critically injured pilot, were rushed to Rizal Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.
The pilot was reportedly conscious but disoriented following the incident. Authorities noted that there was no fire or gas leak, and the engine was no longer running when responders arrived.
The Malaysian fatality has been identified as Jacob Mathan, 35, Farm Director of Malaysia's Farm Fresh Bhd. According to Farm Fresh group managing director Loi Tuan Ee, the helicopter was conducting a routine visit to a potential farm site when it encountered engine trouble. Mathan, who joined the company as an intern 13 years ago, rose through the ranks to become farm director.
The company's Philippines chief executive director, Shawn Pu, was injured in the crash and is now in stable condition.
Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Datuk Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino confirmed that the embassy has established the identity of the deceased Malaysian and notified the next of kin. "The embassy is also providing consular assistance to the next of kin and liaising with the local authorities to facilitate the necessary consular arrangements," he told Bernama.
Embassy officers have also visited the injured Malaysian to provide support and assistance.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has launched an investigation through its Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board to determine the cause of the crash. The Rizal Provincial Police Office is coordinating with relevant agencies to establish circumstances surrounding the incident.
Pililla Police chief Maj Robert Abundo noted that the pilot remains unable to provide full information about the incident due to his disoriented condition.
