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JUDE PREFERS REAL RESCUE WORK TO CELLULOID ACTION

Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, Oct. 18,1998 - Actor Jude Estrada, a professional helicopter pilot, is now head of Task Force Kawanggawa, a preparatory task force that will handle rescue and rehabilitation activities for La Niña.

The presidential son flew to Palayan City yesterday with Philippine Air Force (PAF) officials on a medical and dental mission organized by the PAF's Reserve Airlift Tactical Support Group (RATSG).

Jude, a commissioned pilot of the PAF with rank of captain, is squadron commander of the PAF's Reserve Air Rescue Squadron, which is under RATSG. The medical mission, organized by the RATSG in coordination with the city government of Palayan headed by Mayor Leonora Fajardo, treated some 2,000 indigents.

Jude trained as pilot for one year in California. His superiors at the PAF have noted the presidential son is performing exceptionally well. Maj. Boy Garrucho, Jude's safety pilot, describes Jude as above-average as a pilot.

"I believe he deserves a ranking of 90 percent," said Garrucho, a company pilot of Sta. Lucia Realty. Jude ranks high because of his decision-making ability, Garrucho added.

Lt. Col. Rey Garcia, RATSG commander and Jude's immediate superior, said he was amazed by the latter's progress as a pilot.

"His development from plain civilian to military man is a big transition," Garcia said,

PAF officials said that among the helicopters being flown by Jude are the French six-seater Ecuierel and Alouette and the American model seven-seater Bell Long Ranger. He flies three times a week, often making test flights in Plaridel, Bulacan and in Tanay, Rizal.

His dream passenger? President Joseph Estrada, of course.

As busy as he is flying real-life rescue and relief missions with the onslaught of the typhoons brought by La Nina, Jude is not inclined to reveal any plans for a return to playing celluloid fiction heroes.

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