Brunei stands united in face of tragedy

Azlan Othman

Family members of the late Lt (U) Pg Arif Iskandar bin Pg Hj Shabuddin weep openly during the burial.

 

Rezona binti Hj Tajuddin, the wife of the late Lt (U) Pg Arif Iskandar bin Pg Hj Shabuddin, pouring the 'ayeng asah-asahan' onto his grave.

 

The Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan prays during the funeral of the late S/Sgt (U) Mohd Amin bin Awg Mahmud.

 

Hundreds of family members, relatives and friends of the victims of the tragedy pray for the departed at the Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Muslim Cemetery in Kiarong. - PHOTOS: AZLAN OTHMAN

 

The nation stood united yesterday as they mourned the tragic loss of 12 Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) personnel who lost their lives after the Bell 212 helicopter they were in crashed in a remote area of the Belait District Friday afternoon.

"In the early morning hours of yesterday, the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) continued its search and rescue operation for the missing personnel involved in the Bell 212 crash.

"As of noon yesterday, all personnel involved in the crash had been accounted for, bringing the tally of fatalities to 12 with two survivors," the Ministry of Defence said in a press statement yesterday.

The ministry added that between Friday night and Saturday morning, all the victims had been transported to the Surau of the Bolkiah Garrison, in preparation for their burial, under the supervision of personnel from the RBAF Religious Department. Family, relatives, friends, as well as officers and personnel of the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, were also present to pray for the victims.

Meanwhile, the two survivors of the crash are currently being treated at the RIPAS Hospital and were currently in stable condition.

Yesterday, thousands gathered at Muslim cemeteries in several locations, including the Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Muslim Cemetery and Rangas Muslim Cemetery near the RIPAS Hospital, to pay their final respects.

The mood and atmosphere were sombre as tahlils for the departed and verses of al-Quran were read at the cemeteries, where grieving family members broke down in tears.

Rezona binti Hj Tajuddin, the wife of the late Lt (U) Pg Arif Iskandar bin Pg Hj Shabuddin, the pilot of the helicopter, told the Bulletin that she could not believe at first what she was hearing when news first broke out around 7pm on Friday night.

"I was informed about the ill-fated mishap by the army personnel. But I wanted to see it for myself with my own eyes to get the truth," she said, as she held her only child - an 18-month-old girl - at the cemetery.

The father-in-law of the late Lt (U) Pg Arif Iskandar - Hj Tajuddin bin Amit - said they were informed about the incident around 7pm on Friday and were told to go directly to the Rimba Air Base. The body of the deceased was then escorted to the Bokiah Garrison Surau to undergo prayer rituals.

Meanwhile, another burial ceremony was held yesterday morning at Rangas Muslim Cemetery for the late S/Sgt (U) Mohd Amin bin Awg Mahmud.

Siti Salmah binti Hj Murni, the adoptive mother of the late S/Sgt (U) Mohd Amin bin Awg Mahmud told the Bulletin that she last saw the deceased on Sunday.

"I received a call from my in-laws after prayer on Friday informing me about the helicopter crash. I pray to Allah the Almighty for the deceased to be placed amongst the pious. The late S/Sgt (U) Mohd Amin left behind a wife and six children.

The Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin was also present at the burials at the Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah and Rangas Muslim cemeteries.

 Borneo Bulletin SUNDAY - July 22, 2012.

Friends remember kind-hearted Azahar Sulong

Nazirul Hakeem A & Efna ARS

Ex-UBD Student Representative Council memebers and some of the late Azahar Sulong's friends reciting Tahlil and Doa Arwah at his grave at An Naim Cemetery.

Friends of the young officer cadet, 19970 PKDT Mohd Azahar Sulong, who lost his life in Friday's helicopter crash, have expressed their shock in losing a close friend.

The late Azahar Sulong was the Chairman of Residential College Organisation (RESCO) intake 2008/2009, ex-committee member of the Student Representative Council of UBD as well as a former member of the UBD Table Tennis Club.

He was described by his friends as a great leader and a team player who was willing to do everything he could to help his colleagues.

According to one of his childhood friends, his body was buried at around 2.30am yesterday at the An Naim Cemetery in Anduki.

A group of his UBD friends was also at the cemetery yesterday morning to pay their last respects and to recite tahlil and Doa Arwah for the late Azahar Sulong.

Most of them expressed their shock at the news of the helicopter tragedy and his demise.

The late Azahar Sulong, the second child in the family, was a born leader, kind-hearted and much more.

"I still remember his words to me before he was selected to be in the 8th intake of the Officer's Cadet School (OCS)," said one of his friends.

"He told me that, 'as soon as I enter the OCS, I will help my family, especially my parents, to renovate our house, just so it could accommodate my siblings and my parents.

"I want to make our new home as a place where we, as a family can gather together, and strengthen our bonds'.

"As a friend, he always tried to make people happy.

"He cared about people's feelings and never failed to share what he had with whoever was with him. And he always forgave people for their mistakes.

"Three years of being around him at Universiti Brunei Darussalam revealed to me a person who was humble and hard to forget."

In an interview, one of the late Azahar Sulong's friends who paid his last respects at the Anduki cemetery, Afiq Ahmad Mahmud said, "I was shocked when I first heard the news, and I did not believe it. When I saw the (casualty) name list that was spread in Brunei, I saw my friend's name. I was speechless and felt very sad."

When we visited his residence at Jln Parak, RPN Kg Panaga, we were immediately touched by the sorrow of the family.

Relatives and close friends offered kind words, prayers and warm embraces to the grieving parents and siblings.

The shock of the sudden demise of their beloved son and brother still affects the family and we hope that they will find the strength to face this challenge.

The late Azahar Sulong was a strong willed-person who had an optimistic view of life.

According to the Belait Fire and Rescue Department, its Labi station was on standby on Friday night for a call from RBAF requesting their assistance.

Postings are on the social media, particularly Facebook, to express grief and condolences for the demise of the fallen heroes, especially among former UBD graduates whose friends died in the tragedy.

It reminded us that life is so fragile that we can never expect what will happen next.

Borneo Bulletin SUNDAY - July 22, 2012.

 

Burial ceremony for chopper crash victim

Syafiq Affendy

 

Family members and friends paying their final respects to 21700 PKDT Dk Nurazimah Pg Hassanan.

 

During the burial ceremony. - PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM

The bodies of the two victims initially listed as missing following Friday's helicopter crash in Ulu Belait were retrieved yesterday by members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Family members and friends of one of the deceased, 21700 PKDT Dk Nurazimah Pg Hassanan, gathered at the Bolkiah Garrison Surau yesterday to pay their final respects to the officer cadet, who was among the 14 on their way back from training aboard the Bell 212 helicopter.

Among those present was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah.

The burial ceremony for the departed took place at Kg Pulaie Cemetery after the mass Jenazah prayers.

Fourteen members of the RBAF were involved in accident, from which only two survived.

 Borneo Bulletin SUNDAY - July 22, 2012.

Mass tahlil today at Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah

Siti Hajar and Hakim Hayat

Two days following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of a dozen brave young men and women and rendered the nation in mourning, members of the public are invited to attend a mass Tahlil recitation at noon today at the Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kg Kiarong.

Organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the event, especially for the country's fallen 12 heroes and heroines, from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, will commence following the mass Zohor prayer scheduled to begin at 12.28 noon.

"May their souls be blessed by Allah the Almighty and be placed with those who will receive Allah the Almighty's mercy," said the Religious Affairs Ministry in the announcement.

A Ministry of Defence statement yesterday stated that all fatalities have been accounted for following an extensive search and rescue operation at the helicopter crash site in Ulu Belait, whilst the other two survivors were reportedly in stable condition at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital in the capital.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat said he was deeply saddened by the tragic crash and said his thoughts and prayers were with the families of the deceased and hoped for a speedy recovery for the two survivors.

The Ministry of Defence (MinDef) also extended a message of condolences to the families of the victims.

On the cause of the crash, MinDef said, "While the exact circumstances of this tragic incident remain to be determined, the Ministry of Defence is taking appropriate action to ascertain the facts."

Borneo Bulletin SUNDAY - July 22, 2012.

 

Sultan pays last respects to chopper crash victim

Hakim Hayat

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Their Royal Highnesses as well as family members, friends and relatives of the late Captain (U) Mohd Ismael performing the 'Jenazah' prayers for the deceased yesterday.

 

 

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, and His Royal Highness Second Lieutenant Prince 'Abdul Mateen, at the residence of the late Captain (U) Mohd Ismael's family yesterday. - PHOTOS: INFOFOTO

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to pay his last respects to Captain (U) Mohd Ismael bin Dato Seri Setia Haji Samid,31, one of the victims of Friday's tragic Bell 212 helicopter crash in Ulu Belait, at the former's residence in Kg Jerudong.

Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office; His Royal Highness Second Lieutenant Prince 'Abdul Mateen; as well as family members, relatives and friends of the late Captain (U) Mohd Ismael.

His Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses joined in performing the mass 'jenazah' prayers for the deceased led by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

The body of the deceased was later laid to rest at the Jame' 'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Muslim Cemetery in Kg Kiarong. Also present at the funeral was Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.

 Borneo Bulletin SUNDAY - July 22, 2012.

Emotions run high at Rimba airbase

Hakim Hayat, Siti Hajar, Aziz Idris, Fadhil Yunus, Danial Norjidi & Syafiq Affendy

 

File photo of a Bell helicopter. - DEAN KASSIM

 

 

Some of the deceased were transported to the Ministry of Defence surau at Bolkiah Garrison at Friday midnight where their last rites were performed. Following this, the caskets holding the remains of the deceased were claimed by their respective family members before their burials. - HJ MINOR ABSAH

Tragedy struck the nation on the eve of Ramadhan when a Bell 212 Helicopter carrying 14 Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) personnel crashed in Ulu Belait, claiming the lives of 10 people and injuring two others. Another two people are still missing.

The names of the deceased, survivors and those missing had not been confirmed by the RBAF at press time. According to a spokesperson, the names will only be released once all the bodies have been identified.

The bodies of the 10 victims were transported to the Royal Brunei Airforce Base in Kg Rimba last night, while the two survivors were rushed to the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital to receive medical attention. Hospital officials said they were in a stable condition.

Family members of victims told the Borneo Bulletin they had received calls informing them of the tragedy at about 6pm yesterday. Most of them rushed to the RIPAS Hospital after learning of the incident but were re-directed to the Rimba Airbase by officials.

Following the incident, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to give his support to families of the deceased. The monarch sent his message of condolences and comforted grieving families waiting at the Royal Brunei Airforce Base last night. Around 7pm at the Airforce Base Helipad, three Medi-Vac (Rescue) helicopters were seen landing, carrying the bodies of the victims wrapped in a white cloth. The bodies were quickly transported to a surau at the airbase for identification by family members.

As the sounds of the engine of the rescue helicopters reverberated across the airbase, family members and relatives were seen waiting anxiously for the news of their loved ones. Emotions ran high when the names of the deceased were announced.

Also present at the Airbase were Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Commander of the RBAF and other senior officials from MinDef and RBAF.

His Majesty, accompanied by His Royal Highness Second Lieutenant Prince 'Abdul Mateen, witnessed the scene when the bodies were transported in and offered his last respects by joining in special prayers with families of the deceased.

Shortly after speaking with and comforting family members at the airbase, His Majesty headed to the RIPAS Hospital to meet the two survivors and their families.

Earlier this year, a RBAF helicopter Bell 212 was involved in an accident while landing in the vicinity of Bukit Belalong, Temburong District. The aircraft was doing a routine task on February 28, 2012 when the accident occurred around 9.46am. It was not carrying any passengers other than three crew members, including the pilot. The pilot and one crew member were unhurt, while another sustained minor injuries which did not require further medical treatment.

The Bell 212 has been the workhorse of the Royal Brunei Air Force. Apart from being involved in military exercises, it was also pressed into service to deal with bushfires in 2009.

The Ministry of Defence announced on November 15, 2011 the contract award for the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Support Helicopter Project to Sikorsky International Operations Incorporated, USA.

The delivery of the 12 S-70i Black Hawk helicopters will replace the current fleet of Bell 212 helicopters and enhance the Royal Brunei Air Force's rotary wing capabilities in air mobility, Search and Rescue (SAR) and enhance surveillance of Brunei's waters and borders.

One of the focus areas that were identified in Defence White Paper was the immediate upgrade of its medium-lift helicopters (Bell 212), which have been serving the RBAirF for the past three decades.

Borneo Bulletin Weekend - July 21, 2012 - Saturday.

 

 

How is my squad, asks Officer Cadet after regaining consciousness

Siti Hajar, Hakim Hayat, Syafiq Affendy, Aziz Idris, Fadhil Yunos & Danial Norjidi

Despite sustaining grievous injuries, one of the Officer Cadets, who miraculously survived in what could be the worst tragedy in the history of Brunei's defence, in and out of consciousness, recognised his close relatives and asked, "How is my squad?"

The selfless Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) personnel is testament to the cohesion of the armed forces and sheer grit even in the face of adversity.

Friends and acquaintances of the tragic helicopter survivors expressed their relief for the safety of the two young Officer Cadets who had miraculously survived the accident that has left the nation in grief.

It was made to understand that the two Officer Cadets were rushed to Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital in the capital where one of them from the eighth intake under the Officer Cadet School is currently receiving treatment for a fractured arm, an injured leg and a number of scratch and bruises sustained during the crash and the other, it was explained by a hospital personnel, is in stable condition and had to undergo surgery.

Family members of one of the survivors said that the young Officer Cadet was heavily sedated but was still able to respond.

Among the first words following the incident apart from the Muslim greeting 'Asalamualaikum' when the Officer Cadet saw close relatives, was the query to the condition of the other Officer Cadets on the chopper.

The Officer Cadet's Facebook page, meanwhile, has been flooded with messages from friends with many praying for his speedy recovery.

Borneo Bulletin Weekend - July 21, 2012 - Saturday.