BARMM: Plane that crashed brought COVID-19 medicines, equipment to island provinces

COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro government on Sunday expressed its condolences and sympathy to the families of those killed in the C-130 military cargo plane crash earlier in the day, and said that the aircraft had been crucial in delivering COVID-19 medicines, supplies and equipment to the region.

“We condole with the families and loved ones of those who perished in the plane crash in Patikul, Sulu, Our heart goes out to you,” said Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, spokesperson for the Bangsamoro government and head of the Rapid Emergency Action Response on Disaster Incidence (READi) under the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG).

The Philippine Air Force plane, which had 96 people on board, crashed at 11:30 a.m. as it was making a landing in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul. At least 42 of those on board the plane were killed, along with at least three people on the ground.

Sinarimbo said that just three weeks ago, they boarded the same C-130 plane with his team from MILG.

“It was generously lent to us by the AFP Chief General Cirilito Sobejana to ferry out our management team, some medical equipment and supplies for the island provinces,” he said.

He added that the same plane was instrumental in fetching employees who had been stranded on an island for two days.

“The soldiers have been very generous and accommodating. Little did we know that a tragedy of this nature will later happen,” he said.

“We express our sympathy and solidarity to the leadership of AFP in this time of tragedy. Farewell to our soldiers. May your families find the courage and the strength in the thought that you have served your country well,” Sinarimbo said.

Meanwhile, Patikul residents near the crash site said they were concerned about the possibility of explosions and fire.

Almar Hajiri Aki, a 21-year-old resident of Dan Putih village in Barangay Bangkay, immediately responded to the crash.

“I thought the plane exploded in our house where my grandmother stays,” he said.

Almar, together with his neighbors, were the first responders to pull out wounded soldiers from the explosion site, along with some soldiers who rushed to the area.

“We managed to help the pilots. I kept on filming that time. Though I pity their situation, we feared also more explosion of ammunition or bombs inside the plane, but when the soldiers came closer, we also joined them,” he said.

An old jeepney truck and a tricycle were used to transport the conscious wounded victims, he said.

As of 8:40 p.m., the injured number 53, consisting of 49 military personnel and four civilians. Five military personnel were also unaccounted for. — BM, GMA News