Another soldier in C-130 crash in Sulu has died, says AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said another critically wounded soldier in the C-130 crash in Sulu has died, bringing the death toll to 53, including 50 soldiers and three civilians.

In a statement, AFP public affairs office chief Captain Jonathan Zata said Private Jesfel Mequiabas of Misamis Oriental died around 2:30 a.m. on Friday.

“He [was] one of the critically wounded survivors of the C-130 mishap in Patikul, Sulu,” Zata said.

“The AFP has reached out to his loved ones and his remains are being prepared to be transported to their home town,” he added.

At least 29 fatalities have been identified and the other cadavers are still undergoing the process of identification, according to Zata.

On July 4, the ill-fated C-130 came from Cagayan de Oro and was going to Sulu to bring troops when it crashed around 11:30 a.m. in Barangay Bangkal in Patikul, Sulu.

Investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the crash. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News