The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) identified on Friday, July 9, another soldier who died in a C-130 military plane crash in Patikul, Sulu over the weekend.
AFP Chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana identified the 20th fatality in the Sulu crash as Airman First Class Fortunate Regidor, of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), who was already being prepared for air transport.
Last Wednesday, the AFP released the names of 19 of its members who perished in the plane crash. The tragedy claimed the lives of 52 individuals and injured 51 others.
With 20 bodies already identified, there remained 29 military personnel and three civilians whose remains have yet to be cross-matched and confirmed via DNA testing and dental records by the investigators.
They were Technical Sgts. Nelson Hadjiri and Salaji Abdurahman; Corporals Alhamin Salahuddin, Dexter Estrada, Gulam Ismael, Philip Dante Camilosa, Reynel Matundin, Jay-ar Obenita, Jemmer Mondido, Jerome Balivado;
Privates First Class Keth Kane Alegarme, Nazer Albaracin, Alzid Hawrani, Benjie Malanog, Lester Al Lagrada, Bensheen Sabaduquia, Carlos Dapanas Jr., Marchi Bonzales;
Sgt. Jelson Sadjail; Privates Joey Loterte, Erwin Canton, Mar Jhun Capagngan, Kevin Damole, Michael Dalore, Carlos Jhun Pargua Jr., Ian Arsuelo, Mansueto Lingatong III, Archie Barba; and Airman Second Class Glen Mar Biscocho.
As of writing, their bodies were undergoing examination and preservation in different hospitals and morgues in Zamboanga City.
As for the 47 injured military personnel, Sobejana said they were all being monitored and treated at Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Sulu, and at Zamboanga City Medical Center, Ciudad Medical Center, Doctors Hospital, Camp Navarro General Hospital, and West Metro Hospital all in Zamboanga City.
These include two Staff Sergeants, five Sergeants, five Corporals, six Privates First Class, and 29 Privates.
Meanwhile, the names of the three civilians who died and four who got injured have yet to be released by the AFP.
Assistance
According to the AFP Chief, those who were killed in action (KIA) will receive a Command Special Financial Assistance which includes the sum of their base pay, hazard pay, and bonuses; a funeral service support amounting to P80,000; and monthly pension based on their rank and length of service.
Their beneficiaries will also receive support under the Office of the President’s Comprehensive Social Benefits Program which include Special Financial Assistance worth P500,000; and shelter, health, education and employment assistance.
"No amount can ever replace the lives of our brave comrades who paid the ultimate sacrifice in line of their duty to protect our people and the state. Extending financial assistance to their families and loved ones is the least that we can do for the invaluable services they have rendered to our country," Sobejana said.
Meanwhile, wounded in action (WIA) personnel will receive full reimbursement of hospitalization expenses, special financial assistance from the Office of the President worth P250,000 for major injury and P100,000 for minor injury.
Further, the Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefits Association, Inc. (AFPMBAI) gave P12,000 each to the wounded personnel while cash advance releases are being processed for those who were killed.
Each of the wounded Army personnel will also receive P10,000 as approved by Major General Andres Centino, Commanding General of the Philippine Army (PA); and P15,000 from the 11th Infantry Division (11ID).