The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) asked the government to conduct a “thorough investigation” into the Air Force C-130 plane crash in Patikul, Sulu last July 4 to ensure that a similar tragedy would not happen again.
After concluding its rescue and retrieval operations on Monday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed that 52 soldiers and civilians died in the crash. This was considered as one of the deadliest military air disasters recorded in Philippine history.
In a statement, CHR Deputy Spokesperson Marc Louis Siapno said that the country's soldiers deserve to be given adequate safety and protection especially since they are risking their lives to offer the same protection for civilians.
The CHR likewise offered its condolences to the families and loved ones of the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives and got injured because of the crash.
"Bawat buhay ay mahalaga. Para sa ating mga kasundaluhan, kinikilala natin ang kanilang dedikasyon sa kanilang tungkulin na panatilihing ligtas ang bansa laban sa terorismo at iba pang uri ng mga banta sa ating seguridad, (Every life is important. For our troops, we recognize their dedication to their duty to keep the country safe against terrorism and other types of threats to our security)," he said.
"Hiling din natin na maibigay sa mga naulilang pamilya ng mga sundalo at sibilyan ang lahat ng tulong at suporta na kailangan nila, kabilang silang mga nagpapagaling na nasa kritikal na kondisyon, (We also request that the bereaved families of soldiers and civilians be given all the help and support they need, including those who are recovering from critical condition)," Siapno added.