Tragic helicopter crash: 25-yr-old pilot dies in Nueva Ecija crash; Sen. “Bato” Dela Rosa was last passenger

Tabuk City, Kalinga - A 25-year-old woman pilot tragically lost her life in a helicopter crash shortly after flying Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa from Imus, Cavite, to Baguio City. 

Captain Julia Flori Po, according to the Philippine News Agency, died after the helicopter with body number RP-C3424 she was flying crashed into a swamp in Purok Arimung-mong, Barangay San Miguel, Guimba, Nueva Ecija, on Saturday, February 1, 2025. 

Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa during a media interview on Monday, February 3, confirmed that he was the last passenger who boarded the helicopter before it crashed in Nueva Ecija at around 5 pm on said day. 

“Yes, yes. It transported me to Baguio, and then when it returned, it happened. It also went somewhere in Pangasinan. It took off and then it crashed in Gimba, Nueva Ecija,” he said, adding that Julia was the one who volunteered to fly him.

Dela Rosa expressed his sadness over the tragic accident, especially since Julia is still young and her family is very close to him and former president Rodrigo Duterte. 

“It really breaks my heart. Imagine kagabi andun ako sa wake, yakap-yakap ko ‘yung father at saka yung mother nung piloto. 25 years old, very young,” the senator added. 

As for the reasons why the helicopter crashed, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), in a news release, said they are still investigating the circumstances behind the incident.

“CAAP in coordination with local authorities is conducting a thorough investigation. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” the agency disclosed.