With just two weeks to go before the start of the Tokyo Olympics, Filipino boxer Eumir Marcial said that he and the other 18 members of Team Philippines offer their campaign to the men and women that lost their lives in a tragic C-130 plane crash last week.
“We offer our best performance in our respective events,” said Marcial. “To our countrymen and our fellow soldiers, especially those who suffered in the tragic C-130 place crash.”
More than 50 soldiers died in the C-130 plane crash over the weekend in the Island of Jolo.
The statement of Marcial – an Airman First Class – appeared in a post by the Philippine Air Force, which has his photo beside weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, an Airwoman Sergeant of the Air Force.
The 30-year-old Diaz will also see action in the Games, her fourth straight stint in the Olympics.
In a Facebook post Friday, July 9, the 23-year-old Marcial said his thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who perished.
“I once rode a C-130 together with Sgt. Diaz and I have never imagined such an incident to actually happen,” said Marcial, who is currently training in preparation for the Games at the United States Olympic Boxing Center in Colorado Springs.
“What happened hurt us and we know that it is more painful for the families, spouses, and children who have lost their head of the family. We pray that you all will overcome this in steadfast and by the grace and guidance of God.”
“Thank you for the service ma’am and sir,” he added.