After C-130 plane crash, Duterte wants big funding, benefits for AFP

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he wants to give more financial benefits to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as he condoled with the military over the plane crash in Sulu that killed at least 52 people, including 49 military personnel.

"Bago ako maiwan, gusto ko maglagay ng malaking pera para sa Armed Forces of Philippines. Yan ang mabawi ko sa sundalo ko lalo na yung namatay [I'd like to pour more money into the AFP. That is how I'll honor my fallen soldiers]," said Duterte during his visit at the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City, where he honored the military personnel who died in the July 4 crash.

The Chief Executive, who conferred Order of Lapu-Lapu on some of the fatalities, further said the military will receive retirement benefits from the Government Service Insurance System.

"I hope we finish this before I make my exit, malagyan kayo ng GSIS for your lahat ng retirement and everything and you have your own bank," Duterte said.

He also said that the soldiers' families will be protected and that the education of their children will be ensured.

"I assure you that I will add more benefits for your family. Importante naman. Very important really is that the family you leave behind will have the same privileges at ang importante ang eskwela, which we have set up a foundation for to see them through to college," Duterte said.

Duterte also held back his tears as he sent his sympathy to the families of military personnel who died in the crash.

"The best that we can really do is that itong namatay that they shall not have died in vain. They died for our country and it behooves upon us to continue the help. That they were alive as they are now," he said.

According to a statement from Senator Bong Go, who accompanied the President to Zamboanga City, the soldiers will be provided with medical treatment and support until they recover.

The Philippine Air Force C-130 plane crashed in Patikul, Sulu just before noon on Sunday, killing 49 passengers on the plane and three civilians on the ground. — BM, GMA News