The Office of the Vice President (OVP) is ready to extend any assistance to help in the search and rescue operation for possible survivors in the crash of a C-130 transport plane in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday, July 4.
Vice President Leni Robredo said she trusts the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other concerned agencies conducting the SAR operation.
“Handang tumulong ang aming tanggapan sa anumang paraan kung kinakailangan (Our office is ready to help in any way if needed),” she said in a statement.
At least 29 soldiers were killed after the Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130 plane crash landed on Jolo island at around 11:30 a.m. Sunday. There were 50 soldiers who were reportedly injured while 17 others were still unaccounted for.
The ill-fated plane was carrying 96 people, including three pilots, five other crew members, and 88 passengers.
Those rescued were brought to the hospital at the 11th Infantry Division in Busbus town in Sulu.
The vice president condoled with the families and loved ones of the soldiers who died in the plane crash.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa balitang naligtas na ang ilan sa mga pasahero, at ipinagdarasal ko ang kaligtasan ng mga hindi pa natatagpuan (I’m thankful to the news that some of the passengers were rescued and I’m praying for the safety of those who are still missing),” she said.
Robredo called on Filipinos to pray for all the passengers, their families, and those conducting the search and retrieval operation for possible survivors.