The Armed Forces of the Philippines Western MIndanao Command has awarded the rescuers in the C-130 crash during ceremonies at the covered court of Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista in Busbus, Jolo, Sulu last Thursday.
Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, and Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of Joint Task Force Mindanao, awarded plaques and medals to first responders and other parties involved in the rescue of crash survivors of the C-130 military plane crash in Patikul, Sulu.
“Amid the tragic incident last July 4, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the distinctive personalities who voluntarily and selflessly helped the victims of the accident, “ said Lt. Gen.Vinluan Jr.
Awardees who received the citations include the members of the Civilian Active Auxillary of the Bangkal CAA Patrol Base, military personnel from the different units under the Joint Task Force Sulu, the Provincial Government of Sulu, Municipal Government of Patiikul, Sulu Provincial Police Office, Ministry of Social Services and Development, Integrated Provincial Health Office, Philippine Red Cross-Sulu Chapter, Notre Dame of Jolo College, Bureau of Fire Protection-Jolo/Indanan/Patikul, 7th Special Action Battalion of the PNP-SAF, Sulu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Sulu, Kabalikat Civicom 997 Jolo Chapter, and the civilians who were the first responders of the incident.
The mlitary also recognized the efforts of Patikul, Busbus and San Raymundo Jolo barangay officials.
Maj. Gen. Gonzales expressed his gratitude to the rescuers, especially ordinary citizens who braved the dangers involved in the rescue.
“While we grieve for the loss of our fallen comrades, we were comforted by the stories of the valor of our Tausug brothers and sisters, our new heroes,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan Jr.
Vinluan lauded the rescuers for keeping the Bayanihan spirit alive.