Philippines to buy more C-130s despite crash in Sulu

The Philippines will continue its procurement of new aircraft even after the crash of a C-130 in Sulu over  the weekend, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Wednesday.

At a pre-SONA media launch virtual presser, Lorenzana said the government was looking to finish 80% of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines by the end of 2021.

Aside from the four C-130 aircrafts already in AFP’s fleet, Lorenzana said Congress has already approved the purchase of two more. Documents are being processed for their purchase.

Four N-212 and a C-295 are set to be bought by the country, according to Lorenzana.

Aside from this, Lorenzana said the Philippine Air Force is also planning to buy a fighter jet, but they are still working on their preferred proponent.

On Sunday, a C-130 aircraft delivered to the Philippines in January crashed after missing the runway in Patikul, Sulu.

The death toll due to the crash went up to 52 as of Wednesday. Of whom, 50 were soldiers and three were civilians. Meanwhile, 47 servicemen and four civilians were injured.

Investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the mishap. —NB, GMA News