PATAG, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army will honor the thirty seven (37) fallen soldiers during the unfortunate C130 mishap in Patikul, Sulu last 04 July 2021.
In recognition of their patriotism, sacrifices and service to the country, the 4ID and other AFP units will provide traditional military honors to all fallen soldiers upon their arrival at their respective home provinces.
It can be recalled that the C130 Hercules cargo plane of the Philippine Air Force was transporting Army and Air Force personnel from Laguindingan Airport when it accidentally crashed in Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu. Based on the flight manifest, a total of 96 passengers were on board the C130 aircraft composed of 84 Army personnel and 12 Air Force personnel. 44 of which were Privates who just graduated from Candidate Soldier Training while 40 were Non-Commissioned Officers who volunteered to be assigned with the 11th Infantry Division that is based in Sulu.
MGen Romeo S Brawner Jr, the newly installed 4ID Commander, disclosed that out of the 84 Army personnel, there were 47 survivors, and 7 of the 37 personnel who perished were already identified. “As of this time, we already provided the dental records of the fallen soldiers to help fast track the identification of the other 30 cadavers and we ensured that the families of our fallen heroes as well as those who are injured are informed. We acknowledge the worries of the family members and the pain of losing a loved one.”
The 37 fatalities from the Army came from the following provinces:
Agusan del Norte – 2
Agusan del Sur – 5
Bukidnon – 5
Camarines Sur – 1
Camiguin – 1
Lanao del Norte – 2
Misamis Oriental – 3
Misamis Occidental – 1
North Cotabato – 1
Panabo City – 1
Sulu – 3
Surigao del Norte – 1
Surigao del Sur – 1
Tawi-tawi – 1
Zamboanga Sibugay – 1
Zamboanga City – 2
Zamboanga Del Sur – 6.
In his earlier statement, MGen Brawner joins the whole nation in mourning the sudden loss of our soldiers and reassures his steadfast support to the survivors. “The 4ID extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the fallen soldiers during the C130 accident in Patikul, Sulu. May our mighty Creator grant them strength and comfort in this time of immense grief. We are honored and grateful for their patriotic service”.
“We assure the general public and the families that the whole 4ID is closely coordinating with the Western Mindanao Command for any updates and for the necessary assistance we shall offer to the families of our fallen heroes. Let’s continue to pray that no more deaths will be added in the list”, MGen Brawner stated.
