Air Force says no overloading in C-130

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday denied speculations that there was overloading among passengers in its C-130 plane, which crashed before landing at Jolo port, Sulu over the weekend.

"The said C-130 was not overloaded. It was well within the operational limits and capacity when it left Laguindingan Airport with 96 passengers compared to its maximum capacity of 120 passengers; this is contrary to the circulating rumor that the aircraft was overloaded," Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Maynard Mariano said in a statement.

Philippine military previously dismissed claims of foul play in the fatal C-130 crash.

Latest military figures showed that 53 people were killed and 46 others sustained injuries in the plane crash.

So far, 7 of the 50 soldiers who died in the plane crash were already identified. 

Results of the probe, however, are still pending as the investigation team of PAF's 220th Airlift Wing Aircraft Accident Investigation Board are still probing the crash in Sulu.

"The team is composed of personnel of various specializations like pilots, maintenance, medical and other technical fields," Mariano said.

"The team is gathering evidence and conducting interviews, among others, to determine the cause of the accident. The PAF has grounded its C-130 fleet pending the result of the investigation," he added.

Meanwhile, the remains of airmen Captain Nigello Emeterio and Technical Sergeant Mark Anthony Agana were brought to Clark Air Base in Pampanga via NC212i aircraft.

Immediate assistance to these victims were also ongoing, the country's air force said.

Appropriate military honors were also provided for the affected air force personnel, PAF also said.

Likewise, PAF said it "condoles with the families of soldiers and airmen who perished in the crash."

It also assured  families of air force personnel will receive their benefits and assistance.

PAF also bared that it underwent a Safety Transformation for Enhanced Performance and Unit Preservation or STEP UP program.

It also previously launched the PAF Safety Climate Assessment and Notations (PAF SCAN) "to gauge prevailing safety culture in units in terms of just, informed, learning and reporting cultures; and launched online safety courses for Squadron Commanders and other personnel, among others."—LDF, GMA News