MANILA – The tragic death of 25-year-old pilot Julia Flori Monzon Po in a helicopter crash in Nueva Ecija has left many in mourning. The young aviator had volunteered to transport Senator Ronald Dela Rosa and his security detail from Imus, Cavite to Baguio City for a scheduled event. Senator Dela Rosa shared that Po had personally offered her services for the trip, a gesture he appreciated given their long-standing acquaintance with her and her family.
After dropping off the senator in Baguio, Po made a stop in Binalonan, Pangasinan to refuel before heading back to Manila. Tragically, her helicopter crashed into a swamp in Guimba town shortly after takeoff. Dela Rosa explained that he had requested to be dropped off in Baguio to avoid any delays due to the impending closure of the clouds, as he had another commitment in Binmaley, Pangasinan that evening where night flying was not permitted.
The senator described the flight to Baguio as smooth with favorable weather conditions. He visited Po’s wake at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City the following night, expressing his deep sorrow over the loss of such a young and promising life. “It’s truly heartbreaking. Last night at the wake, I was embracing her parents. She was only 25, so young,” Dela Rosa said, reflecting on the tragedy. He added that seeing someone with such a bright future cut short left him devastated.