All AFP assets in tip-top shape

The military cargo plane was one of the two aircrafts purchased from the US this year that were meant for various operations including territorial defense security and stability and humanitarian assistance during calamities and disasters

As President Rodrigo Duterte paid tribute to the soldiers who perished in last Sunday’s Hercules C-130 plane crash in Sulu, Armed Forces of the Philippines

(AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana on Tuesday assured that all procured assets of the military, particularly planes and helicopters utilized for different operations, are airworthy and in good condition.

Sobejana made the pronouncement following last Sunday’s crash involving a C-130 Hercules plane in Patikul, Sulu that left 53 dead — 50 soldiers and three civilians — and dozens more seriously injured.

Fourth this year

The tragic incident was the fourth this year involving AFP air assets, and it came in close proximity to the 24 June crash of one of the newly acquired S-70i Black Hawk utility helicopter during a night flight training near Capas, Tarlac.

“That’s what we always make sure of, that our aircrafts are all airworthy,” the military’s top official said in a radio interview.

“Our Air Force planes… I always reiterate my instructions and directives to the commanding general of the Philippine Air Force to always review the airworthiness of aircrafts and the safety measures,” he added.

US joins probe

Sobejana then noted the possible involvement of authorities and agencies from the United States in the ongoing probe to determine the real cause of the C-130 crash.

The military cargo plane was one of the two aircrafts purchased from the US this year that were meant for various operations including territorial defense security and stability and humanitarian assistance during calamities and disasters.

“Well, that’s automatic given the plane came from them. They will involve themselves in the investigation. I’m sure they will take part in the investigation,” stated Sobejana.

The AFP chief likewise disclosed that the flight data recorder, also known as “black box”, of the ill-fated aircraft had already been retrieved and is now with the investigating team led by the PAF’s Air Mobility Command.

“The investigators are now inspecting it and listening to the last conversations between the pilots and crew. We are waiting for the result,” Sobejana said.

“They will also look at all angles — before landing, during landing, and even when the plane had already crashed. They are also interviewing witnesses and have cordoned off the one-kilometer radius (of the crash site) for us to recover the debris as that will be included in the probe,” he added.

Condolences pour in

Meanwhile, some crash survivors remain in critical condition with several of them under close watch in intensive care units (ICU) in different hospitals.

Authorities are also working non-stop to confirm the identities of those who perished with most of them “charred beyond recognition”.

“So far, with the 49 cadavers of the soldiers, we have already established seven identities. The remaining 42, we are currently testing so that we could soon bring them home to their families,” Sobejana stated.

They will also look at all angles — before landing, during landing, and even when the plane had already crashed.

As Duterte bestowed military awards to both the fatalities and the injured soldiers, he received a letter of condolences from Russian President Vladimir Putin, asking to “convey words of sympathy and support to the victims”.

Witnesses described the President as very emotional during his visit to the soldiers, who were all fresh graduates of military training and were to be deployed against terror groups in Mindanao before their death.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go also assured the victims’ families of government assistance.

“They will receive assistance from the government, as well as from the President and me, as a Senator,” Go said.