The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said it has finally identified all of the 50 military personnel who perished in the July 4 crash of the Lockheed C-130 “Hercules” transport aircraft in Patikul, Sulu.
“The AFP in cooperation with the PNP-SOCO (Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operations) have identified all 50 cadavers of military personnel who perished in the ill-fated C-130 crash in Sulu as of August 20,” said AFP public affairs office chief, Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata, in a statement.
Among those recently identified were Cpl. Dexter E. Estrada, Cpl. Reynel A. Matundin, Cpl. Gulam H. Ismael, Pfc. Bengie S. Malanog, Pvt. Ian R. Azuelo, Pvt. Erwin M. Canton, Pvt. Mansueto B. Lingatong III, Pvt. Mar Jhun T. Capagngan, and Pvt. Michael C. Dalore from the Philippine Army; and Airman 2nd Class Glen Mar G. Biscocho from the Philippine Air Force.
“The AFP has already transported the remains of the personnel to their hometowns so they can be reunited with their families,” Zata said.
He added that the AFP condoles with the families of deceased comrades in this time of grief.
“Rest assured that they will be provided with the necessary support and assistance as well as the benefits due to the soldiers who died in line-of-duty,” Zata said.
Aside from the 50 soldiers, three civilians on the ground also died, while 46 military personnel and four civilians were wounded in the incident.