House deputy speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda urged the government to ensure aid and other compensation for the families of soldiers who perished and were hurt in the C-130 plane crash in Sulu on Sunday, July 4.

"We mourn together with the families they have left behind for this tragic loss of lives. As government officials, we have the moral responsibility to look after those they have left behind, and those who are still in the hospital fighting for survival and recuperating,” Legarda said in a statement Monday, July 5.

She noted that the Republic Act No. 6963 prescribes the special financial assistance and benefits for families of military personnel who died or were permanently incapacitated while in the line of duty.

She said that under the law, families of deceased or permanently incapacitated soldiers shall receive special financial assistance for the next six months after the personnel’s death or incapacity.

The surviving spouse or an employable child should be given priority in employment in a government or agency or office where their qualifications are fitted, the law also provided.

Moreover, all surviving children of the deceased or permanently incapacitated military or police personnel are entitled to scholarships up to college in a nonexclusive institution.

Legarda also appealed that equal assistance should be extended to the families of civilians who died and were injured at the crash site.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families of our fallen soldiers and also civilians who have met an untimely death yesterday. These young soldiers were supposed to report to their battalions to perform their mission with utmost dedication and integrity, even sacrificing their personal needs, comfort and time,” the congresswoman said.

"No amount is enough to compensate for the lost lives and for those who were injured but, their families deserve to receive financial and other forms of assistance as a way of conveying our gratitude and to ensure that the families left behind will be provided with the necessary government support,” she added.

At least 52 individuals died after the air force's transporter aircraft carrying 96 military personnel crashed while it was landing at the Jolo airport on Sunday morning. The fatalities included three civilians who were crushed by the wreckage of the plane.