PAF Deploys Black Hawk to Contain Homonhon Island Forest Fire

Posted on Apr. 21, 2026 at 8:47 am

TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Air Force dispatched an S-70i Black Hawk helicopter over the weekend to help extinguish a spreading grass and forest fire on Homonhon Island, a remote island barangay of Guiuan known for its rugged terrain, diverse wildlife, and historical significance as the site of Ferdinand Magellan’s first landing in the Philippines in 1521.

The grass fire ignited on April 19 and rapidly expanded across parts of the island due to dry weather conditions and wind, prompting immediate action from firefighting and emergency response teams.

Homonhon Island is situated off the southeastern coast of Eastern Samar and can be reached from the mainland of Guiuan by boat, with sea travel typically taking one to two hours, depending on sea conditions and the type of vessel used.

The forest fire in Barangay Canawayon is still ongoing at present. Continuous firefighting, rescue, and response operations are being actively conducted through the collaborative efforts of Canawayon residents, Bureau of Fire Protection personnel, and the assistance of Globan and Verum Mining Company water trucks, as well as EMIR employees.

Residents are strongly advised to stay vigilant, adhere to safety guidelines, and prepare for potential emergency measures as the situation evolves.

The deployment of the Black Hawk is part of firefighting operations within the Tactical Operations Group 8 area of responsibility, overseen by the Tactical Operations Wing Central.

Operating in challenging terrain inaccessible to ground responders, the helicopter was outfitted with a Heli bucket system for precise water-dropping operations over fire-affected areas, as per the PAF’s statement.

The Air Force reported that the Black Hawk has completed nine sorties thus far, significantly aiding ongoing suppression efforts on the island.

The firefighting mission was carried out in cooperation with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, the Bureau of Fire Protection in Eastern Samar, and relevant local government units to ensure a unified and prompt response to the escalating situation.

Despite sustained air and ground operations, the fire has not been declared extinguished as of Monday, with responders continuing their suppression efforts.

The PAF, in collaboration with partner agencies and local government units, remains actively involved in endeavors to contain and fully extinguish the fire.

(Photo courtesy: OCD Eastern Visayas)