A Philippine Air Force (PAF) helicopter sent to conduct rapid damage assessment and needs analysis mission to typhoon affected areas crashed in Loreto, Agusan del Sur on Tuesday.

In a statement, the PAF said one of its Super Huey helicopters encountered an air mishap near the vicinity of the 60th Infantry Battalion at Loreto.

A search and rescue operation was immediately launched after the helicopter that had departed from Davao lost its communication during its flight to the tactical operations group in Butuan City.

In another statement, the Eastern Mindanao Command did not say how many pilots and crew were onboard the aircraft but it confirmed that rescue and recovery operations are ongoing.

"The Command is working closely with the emergency response teams in the area. EastMinCom appeals for the public's understanding, prayers, and cooperation as efforts to locate the crew continue," it stated.

PAF said that "a thorough investigation is being conducted to determine the circumstances and cause of this accident" while focusing all its efforts on the ongoing search and rescue operations".

"We are praying for the safety of the pilots and crew involved in this unfortunate air mishap," it said. Robina Asido/DMS