11 fatalities from C-130 crash brought to their respective homes –PAF

The remains of 11 airmen who died from the C-130 plane crash last week were brought to their respective residences, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said Saturday.

According to the PAF, one cadaver was still undergoing verification.

“The PAF and the AFP reassure the public that all necessary support and assistance will be provided to our injured personnel as well as complete benefits to the dependents of our soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” the Air Force said in a statement.

Meanwhile, a simultaneous Interfaith Memorial Service was conducted in honor of the C-130 crash fatalities.

“We are giving the highest tribute we can offer, to our comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice,” AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Erickson Gloria said in a statement.

“We bear upon our shoulders the sacred responsibility of remembering their resolute faith and passion as they sought to fulfill their sworn mandate to protect and serve the Filipino people,” he added.

After the memorial service, Gloria led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Heroes Memorial in Camp Aguinaldo.

This was followed by the flag retreat and a 21-gun salute.

“Our comrades-in-arms should never die in vain. I, therefore, implore every member of the AFP to carry on with the fight for a peaceful and progressive Philippines. Together, let us solemnly salute each of our fallen heroes for their unrivaled sacrifices for the country,” Gloria said.

Fifty-three people were killed when the Air Force C-130 crashed at 11:30 a.m. in Barangay Bangkal in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had ordered a "full investigation" into the crash.

Meanwhile, the black box or flight data recorder of the plane will be sent to the United States to aid the investigation. — DVM, GMA News