CHR seeks probe on C-130 crash, urges gov’t to provide aid to victims’ families

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation on the C-130 plane crash in Patikul, Sulu, and provide aid and support to the families of the victims.

“Lubos na nakikidalamhati ang Commission on Human Rights sa mga pamilya at mahal sa buhay ng mga biktimang sundalo at sibilyan sa pagbagsak ng C-130 na eroplano sa Sulu,” CHR Deputy Spokesperson Marc Louis Siapno said in a statement.

(The Commission on Human Rights expresses its condolences to the families and loved ones of the soldiers and civilians who were victims in the recent C-130 crash in Sulu.)

“Hangad natin ang puspusan na imbestigasyon para hindi na maulit pa ang ganitong trahedya. Sa kanilang paglilingkod, marapat lang na sila rin ay mabigyan ng sapat na proteksyon para sa kanilang kaligtasan. Hiling din natin na maibigay sa mga naulilang pamilya ng mga sundalo at sibilyan ang lahat ng tulong at suporta na kailangan nila, kabilang silang mga nagpapagaling na nasa kritikal na kondisyon,” he added.

(We seek a thorough investigation to prevent a repetition of this tragedy. The military also deserves to be given protection while they are serving the country. We also ask authorities to give the bereaved families all the help and support that they need, including those who are in critical condition.)

The CHR recognized the military’s dedication to protecting the country from terrorism and other forms of threats.

“Bawat buhay ay mahalaga. Para sa ating mga kasundaluhan, kinikilala natin ang kanilang dedikasyon sa kanilang tungkulin na panatilihing ligtas ang bansa laban sa terorismo at iba pang uri ng mga banta sa ating seguridad,” he said.

(Every life matters. To our soldiers, we recognize their dedication in maintaining the security of our country against terrorism and other forms of threats.)

On Tuesday afternoon, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Cirilito Sobejana said some of the survivors in the deadly C-130 crash in Sulu were still in critical condition.

As of Monday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the death toll from the Sulu C-130 plane crash was at 52 - 49 soldiers and three civilians. At least 47 servicemen and four civilians were injured.

Lorenzana ordered a full investigation into the incident.

The black box or flight data recorder of the C-130 aircraft had been recovered.

Sobejana said the conversations in the cockpit can be retrieved from the black box.

On Sunday, a Philippine Air Force C-130 crashed at around 11:30 a.m. when it was about to land in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul in Sulu. — DVM, GMA News