PATAG, Cagayan de Oro City—The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4ID), Philippine Army afforded military honors to 37 soldiers killed in a plane crash in Patikul, Sulu last July 4.
Major General Romeo S. Brawner Jr, the newly installed 4ID Commander, said this is in recognition of their patriotism and sacrifices.
He explained that upon every arrival of the soldiers’ caskets at their respective home provinces, they will always be paid full honors because they gave up everything just to serve the country.
In his earlier statement, Brawner said he joins the whole nation in mourning the sudden loss of the soldiers and reassured his steadfast support for the survivors.
“The 4ID extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the fallen soldiers during the C130 accident in Patikul, Sulu. May our mighty Creator grant them strength and comfort in this time of immense grief. We are honored and grateful for their patriotic service,” the 4ID commander said.
Based on the flight manifest, the C130 Hercules cargo plane of the Philippine Air Force was transporting Army and Air Force personnel from Laguindingan Airport when it accidentally crashed in Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu. A total of 96 passengers were on board—of which 84 were from the Army, while 12 came from the Air Force.
The flight check-in information also showed that of the 84 Army personnel, 44 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.
Brawner disclosed that 47 of the 84 Army troops survived, while 37 died.
Meanwhile, 4ID Public Affairs chief Maj. Francisco Garello Jr. reported that the 37 who perished came from the following provinces: Agusan del Norte-1; Agusan del Sur-4; Bukidnon-5; Butuan City-2; Camiguin-1; Camarines Sur-1; Lanao del Norte-2; Misamis Oriental-2; Misamis Occidental-2; North Cotabato-1; Panabo City-1; Sulu-3; Surigao del Norte-1; Surigao del Sur-1; Tawi-Tawi-1; Zamboanga Sibugay-1; Zamboanga City-2; and Zamboanga del Sur-6.
The 4ID commander acknowledged the worries of the family members and the pain of losing a loved one. He said they already submitted the fallen soldiers’ dental records to help speed up the identification of some 30 cadavers while ensuring that their [fallen soldiers] families, as well as those of the injured, will be informed.
“We assure the general public and the families that the whole 4ID is closely coordinating with the Western Mindanao Command for any updates and help we shall give them. Let us keep praying that no more deaths will be added to the list,” MGen Brawner said. (FPGJ, DPAO, 4ID, PA/PIA-10, Bukidnon)
