An old video of a helicopter in flight is being falsely claimed to show the test drive of a recent “gift” of Russia to the Philippines. The country received no such present from Russia.
A YouTube channel imitating GMA Network’s 24 Oras posted on Feb. 17 the two-minute and three-second video, the title of which read:
“24 ORAS EXPRESS REGALO NG RUSSIA SINUBUKAN NA ! PILIPINAS (GIFT FROM RUSSIA NOW TESTED ! PHILIPPINES) VINES NEWS VIRAL.”
Its thumbnail bore a “breaking news” label and featured two choppers, one with a Philippine flag digitally added at the center. The video featured clips of a helicopter being maneuvered to perform aerobatics. In-video text indicated that Russia gave the helicopter for free to its “best friend” – the Philippines – and “as a help to the Philippines’ air forces.”
This is false. The helicopter shown is actually Russia’s Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopter. Russian military YouTube channel Techreporter.ru uploaded the same clips in its “Ka-52 aerobatics” compilation video dated Aug. 6, 2018.
Additionally, the false video featured an inset photo of a woman in camouflage uniform. It shows Russian model Elena Deligioz, known for cosplaying in military uniforms and playing airsoft.
In 2020, the Department of National Defense signed a deal with Russia for the procurement of 16 units of Mi-17 heavy-lift helicopters. It was terminated in 2022 after sanctions were imposed on Russia for its war against Ukraine.
On Oct. 20, President Ferdinand Marcos said the Philippines may get its helicopter supply from the United States instead.
YouTube channel Ella Vloggs’ false video has 38,090 views as of writing. Netizens also shared the link on Facebook.
Ella Vloggs (created on Feb. 15, 2019) started as a family vlogging channel that also posted reaction videos to Filipino television series and later, trending events like the 2022 elections. It began posting military content in February 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine.
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