Plane crash in Sulu is 3rd AFP aircraft crash this year

The plane crash in Sulu on Sunday that killed at least 45 people and injured 53 others is the third air crash involving an Armed Forces of the Philippines aircraft this year. All three incidents resulted in loss of life.

According to a report on "24 Oras" on Sunday, the C130 military aircraft with tail number 5125 took off from Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City and was about to land in Jolo port in Sulu when it crashed at 11:30 a.m.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Cirilito Sobejana said that the plane may have missed the runway.

On January 16, a PAF UH-1H helicopter crashed near Bukidnon's Barangay Bulonay. The seven people aboard were killed.

On June 23, a brand-new S-70i Black Hawk Utility Helicopter of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing figured in an accident off Capas, Tarlac, during night flight training. Three pilots and three airmen were killed.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana denied that the AFP purchases and uses defective equipment.

"With the investigations of the past mishaps still ongoing, such speculations are as of yet baseless and disrespectful to the affected men and women of the Philippine Air Force, AFP  and their families," he said.

"We call on the public to refrain from spreading highly speculative statements about the unfortunate incident," he added.

Just before midnight, the Defense Secretary also posted a screenshot of a Facebook post showing the plane's passengers before the crash.

pic.twitter.com/SyCcJXyEMq

— Delfin Lorenzana (@del_lorenzana) July 4, 2021

The military has ruled out an attack as a possible cause for the crash. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/BM, GMA News