The Bangsamoro government said the military plane that crashed in Sulu brought COVID-19 medicines and equipment to the region.
It also extended its condolences and sympathy to the families of those killed in the C-130 military cargo plane crash on Sunday, July 4.
“We condole with the families and loved ones of those who perished in the plane crash in Patikul, Sulu. Our heart goes out to you,” said Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, spokesperson for the Bangsamoro government and head of the Rapid Emergency Action Response on Disaster Incidence (READi) under the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG).
The C-130 plane crash in Sulu left 47 dead and 49 soldiers wounded. Meanwhile, 3 civilians on the ground also died, and 4 others were injured.
Sinarimbo recalled that they boarded the same C-130 plane with his team from MILG.
“It was generously lent to us by the AFP Chief General Cirilito Sobejana to ferry out our management team, some medical equipment, and supplies for the island provinces,” he said.
The official added the military plane was played a great role in fetching employees who had been stranded on an island for two days.
Military plane that crashed brought COVID-19 supplies to provinces
“The soldiers have been very generous and accommodating. Little did we know that a tragedy of this nature will later happen,” he said.
“We express our sympathy and solidarity to the leadership of AFP in this time of tragedy. Farewell to our soldiers. May your families find the courage and the strength in the thought that you have served your country well,” Sinarimbo said.
Meanwhile, the remaining C-130 planes were not allowed to fly, said Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo, the spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Three are undergoing maintenance, he added.
The military plane “missed the runway while trying to regain power,” AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana earlier said.
“Seasoned pilots ito at experienced crew ito. Sa initial information na meron tayo, tama naman ang kaniyang bilis…Tama ang approach speed, nasa tamang spot siya lumapag sa runway,” he said.
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