DAVAO CITY – The city government of Davao will fly the flag at half-mast for five days starting today, July 5 until July 9 to honor the soldiers who died after a Philippine Air Force (PAF) C130 transport plane crash-landed in Sulu on Sunday.
"The City Government of Davao offers its deepest condolences to the families of those who perished in the Sunday C130 plane crash in Sulu. We are also offering our prayers to the survivors," the city government said in a statement.
"May you find strength and comfort in the millions of Filipinos who share your grief and pain," it added.
The latest update from the Western Mindanao Command as of 9:18 pm on Sunday showed that 49 military personnel were injured, while 42 soldiers died. The WMC said five military personnel on board the C130 are still unaccounted for.
The WMC also added that four civilians were injured and three died.
Meanwhile, National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has ordered a full investigation of the incident "as soon as the rescue and recovery operation is completed."
"The AFP is pulling its resources together and tapping all its units for the ongoing medical evacuation efforts. I felt deflated upon learning of the 17 casualties but somehow, I’m now feeling a little optimistic as 40 have been rescued so far, and brought to the nearest military hospitals," Lorenzana said in a statement.
"As we commiserate with the pilots, crew, and passengers of the ill-fated aircraft as well as their families, I ask everyone to join us in praying for them," Lorenzana added.