Kin, students remember Pinoy boy scouts in 11th World Jamboree crash

Fifty-six years after the plane crash that killed Filipino boy scouts who represented the Philippines in the 11th World Jamboree, members of their families and a new breed of scouts gathered at the Manila North Cemetery to remember the memories of the 24 young boys short lives.

The sister of deceased Scout Roberto Castor, Fe Castor-Pangan, emotionally shares how this rites help them in coping with their loss of loved ones which happened five decades ago. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/hj85ZizA3T

— Dona Magsino (@donamagsino) November 1, 2019

“On their way bumagsak ‘yung eroplano nila sa Bombai, India. At that time, 11 years old lang ako, so naaalala ko pa rin at ng mga magulang ko, sampu ng 24 boy scouts relatives na nandito kam lagi, nagkakaroon kami ng pagtitipon. Nagba-bonding kami,” said Fe Castor-Pangan, sister of Scout Roberto Castor.

Over 50 scouts held a vigil and an overnight camp out around the 24 victims' cenotaph on Thursday.

On Friday morning, a ceremony was held in honor of the scouts.

Their relatives also fin these activities as a therapy to cope with their loss five decades ago.

“Naaalala ko ‘yung memories ng kapatid namin. Hindi man namin  makita na buhay at bumalik sila, through scouting, nakikita ko sa mga kabataan na ‘yan. Sila ‘yung inspirasyon namin na nawala man ‘yung kapatid namin, physically nakikita namin kaya nakakagaan din sa amin,” Fe said with teary eyes.

The scouts who participated said that they appreciate observing Undas at Manila North Cemetery.

“Nandon pa rin po ‘yung aming respeto sa kanila at sila po ‘yun aming mga halimbawa at mabuting ehemplo,” said Eagle Scout Jaime Esguerra from Sienna College.

The scouts urge other youths to join their force to learn important life skills, and have deeper sense of independence and patriotism. —LBG, GMA News