The Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) today paid tribute and promised aid to the families of at least 37 soldiers who were killed in an Air Force plane crash over the weekend, military officials said.
“We assure the general public and the families that the whole 4ID is closely coordinating with the Western Mindanao Command for any updates and for the necessary assistance we shall offer to the families of our fallen heroes,” said newly-installed 4ID commander Major General Romeo S Brawner Jr..
“Let’s continue to pray that no more deaths will be added to the list,” Brawner added.
The Hercules C-130 transport plane on Sunday was carrying 96 people, most of them recent Army graduates, when it overshot the runway while trying to land on Jolo island in Sulu province, a haven for the military.
4ID public affairs chief Major Francisco P. Garello said that in recognition of their patriotism, sacrifices, and service to the country, the 4ID and other AFP units will provide traditional military honors to all fallen soldiers upon their arrival at their respective home provinces.
Based on the flight manifest, Garello said that a total of 96 passengers were on board the C-130 aircraft composed of 84 Army personnel and 12 Air Force personnel.
Garello said 44 of them were privates who just graduated from Candidate Soldier Training while 40 were Non-Commissioned Officers who volunteered to be assigned with the 11th Infantry Division based in Sulu.
Newly assumed public affairs chief Garello on Tuesday also said that the 37 fatalities from the Army came from the following provinces such are Butuan City (two), Agusan del Norte (one), Agusan del Sur (four), Bukidnon (five), Camarines Sur (two), Camiguin (two), Lanao del Norte (two), Misamis Oriental (two), Misamis Occidental (two), North Cotabato (one), Panabo City (one), Sulu (three), Surigao del Norte (one), Surigao del Sur (one), Tawi-Tawi (one), Zamboanga Sibugay (one), Zamboanga City (two) and Zamboanga Del Sur (six).
Out of the 84 army personnel, there were 47 survivors, and seven of the 37 personnel who perished were already identified, according to Brawner.
“As of this time, we have already provided the dental records of the fallen soldiers to help fast track the identification of the other 30 cadavers,” said Brawner, adding that they ensured the families of the fallen heroes as well as those who are injured are informed.
Brawner said they acknowledge the worries of the family members and the pain of losing a loved one.
“The 4ID extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the fallen soldiers during the C-130 accident, May our almighty Creator grant them strength and comfort in this time of immense grief. We are honored and grateful for their patriotic service,” said Brawner. (Ben Balce, Associate Editor Mindanao Gold Star Daily)