Palace, VP mourn casualties from Sulu military plane crash

Malacañang on Sunday offered prayers for the recovery of the passengers of the Philippine Air Force C-130 aircraft that crashed in Sulu on Sunday.

According to a report on "24 Oras," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace was one in praying for the safe recovery of the passengers.

At least 45 people died, while 53 others were injured in the incident. 

The military said that as of 8:40 p.m., the fatalities consist of 42 military personnel who were on board the plane and three civilians who were on the ground in Patikul town.

There were 96 personnel on board the plane, of whom 49 are injured and five are unaccounted for.

Among civilians on the ground, at least three are dead and four are injured.

Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo expressed her condolences to the victims' families.

"Nakikiramay ako sa mga pamilya at mahal sa buhay ng mga nasawi sa pagbagsak ng C-130 aircraft kaninang tanghali sa Jolo, Sulu," she said in a statement.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa balitang naligtas na ang ilan sa mga pasahero, at ipinagdarasal ko ang kaligtasan ng mga hindi pa natatagpuan," she added.

[I am thankful for the news that several of the passengers were rescued, and I am praying for the rescue of those who are still unaccounted for.]

"Buo ang aking tiwala sa AFP at iba pang ahensiya na kasalukuyang nagsasagawa ng search and retrieval operations. Handang tumulong ang aming tanggapan sa anumang paraan kung kinakailangan," she said.

[I have full faith in the AFP and the other agencies conducting search and retrieval operations. Our office is ready to help in any way if needed.]

Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon said in a statement that the loss of life in training and non-combat situations is "difficult to accept although it is a part of the inherent risks in serving in the military.

"Their willingness to sacrifice their lives in the performance of their duty, whether while fighting the enemy or in training, is more than enough reason for the nation to give gratitude and honor to them," he said.

"With this latest incident, it becomes twice as urgent to determine the causes of these crashes whether human error, equipment failure, or weather disturbance is to blame," he added.

Diplomats mourn

Diplomats and other foreign officials also also extended their condolences to the Philippines.

"Saddened for the loss of lives in plane crash in Jolo. Our condolences to @TeamAFP and families and loved ones of the deceased. Wishing prompt recovery to the injured," said the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines in a tweet, while French Ambassador called the crash a "brutal and unexpected accident."

"All our thoughts go to the families and loved ones," said Ambassador Michele Boccoz.

US Charge d'Affaires John Law also offered the US Embassy's condolences, saying the US was proving medical support and was ready to provide further assistance.

The UK Ministry of Defence also quoted UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who said, “My thoughts are with the loved ones of those affected by the military aircraft crash in the Philippines.

“My condolences are also with the wider defence community in the Philippines who I know will keenly feel this loss.”

A statement from Defence Secretary @BWallaceMP

“My thoughts are with the loved ones of those affected by the military aircraft crash in the Philippines.

“My condolences are also with the wider defence community in the Philippines who I know will keenly feel this loss.”

— Ministry of Defence ???????? (@DefenceHQ) July 4, 2021

Outgoing UK Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce and his successor Laure Beaufils also expressed their sympathies.

"Tragic news from Sulu. My thoughts are with the loved ones of all those who lost their lives and the many who were injured. Desperately sad for everyone affected," Pruce said.

"I'm very saddened to hear of the plane crash in Sulu. My thoughts are with all of those affected and the loved ones of those that have been killed," said Ambassador Designate Beaufils. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM/BM, GMA News