Velasco vows to push for PAF modernization after deadly C-130 crash

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco on Monday vowed to support efforts that will push for the modernization of the Philippine Air Force fleet following the tragic C-130 crash on Sunday that claimed the lives of 50 individuals, mostly soldiers.

In a statement, Velasco expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of those who died in the incident.

“There are simply no words that can be said to console those left behind by our brave military personnel, as well as the three civilians who died as a result of this disaster,” Velasco said.

“I can only give my word that we in the House of Representatives will include in the 2022 budget the modernization of the PAF’s fleet as well as ensure the proper training of personnel in handling modern equipment,” Velasco added.

According to Velasco, Congress was supposed to include the purchase of more C-130 planes in the 2021 national budget, however, there was not enough time to deliberate on the modernization of the PAF’s fleet when he took over as Speaker in October last year.

He noted that sessions were suspended at the time, and President Rodrigo Duterte even had to call for a special session to prevent a re-enactment of the 2020 national budget.

Velasco called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to conduct a thorough probe into the incident with the aim to prevent such disasters from happening again. He also urged for a review of PAF pilots’ protocols as well as an inquiry into the safety of runways around the country, especially in provinces.

“We acknowledge the importance of our uniformed personnel, as our dear President Duterte himself has done so several times,” Velasco said.

“The least we can do is to ensure that this never happens again,” he added.

Forty-seven soldiers and three civilians died in the incident while 49 other troops and four civilians were hurt and brought to hospitals for treatment.

Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana already directed a full investigation into the matter.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan said assistance were already provided to the victims’ families. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News