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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Hindi ko kakayanin mawala ka': Live-in partner of Sulu crash survivor awaits darling's return

'Hindi ko kakayanin mawala ka': Live-in partner of Sulu crash survivor awaits darling's return

Published Jul 7, 2021 08:36 pm

On the morning of July 4, Shanie Martinez Mehong received a text from her live-in partner -- a Philippine Army personnel -- that he already boarded a C-130 transport plane en route to his latest deployment in Sulu.

Mehong's partner, Private First Class Nathaniel Bongcayao, was excited as he shared to her videos of him boarding the plane at Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City.

Hours later, Mehong received another text message from Bongcayao: "Palangga, sunog na ang katawan ko (Darling, my body got burned)."

Private First Class Nathaniel Bongcayao survives a C-130 military plane crash in Patikul, Sulu on July 4, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Sky-Shine Padilla)

At around 11:30 a.m. last Sunday, a Lockheed C-130 Hercules plane of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) which carried 96 military personnel crashed in Patikul, Sulu.

In the said plane crash, 52 individuals died, including 49 soldiers and three civilians. Fifty-one others were injured.

Among the survivors was 28-year-old Bongcayao, a member of the Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the Army's 11th Infantry Division (11ID). He has been serving in the military for three years.

Bongcayao bravely jumped away from the burning airplane to save himself from dying.

'Come home'

Mehong, in an interview with the Manila Bulletin on Wednesday, July 7, shared her ordeal after learning that her live-in partner figured in an aviation accident.

Private First Class Nathaniel Bongcayao poses in front of a C-130 military plane moments before it crashed in Patikul, Sulu on July 4, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Sky-Shine Padilla)

Mehong said she immediately asked where Bongcayao was upon receiving the bad news. From their house in Tandag, Surigao del Sur, Mehong was ready to do whatever it takes to get to her partner and take care of his wounds.

By that time, Bongcayao could not immediately get back to Mehong as he was already transported to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City for treatment.

Shanie Martinez Mehong and Private First Class Nathaniel Bongcayao celebrate the christening of their three-year-old son, Baby Evo, on April 28, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Shanie Martinez Mehong/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Mehong could only look at their three-year-old son, baby Evo, as she prayed in silence that Bongcayao would survive.

"Sobrang thankful po ako kay Papa Jesus kasi iniligtas niya po ang asawa ko para po sa baby namin (I was so thankful to Jesus because He saved my husband for our baby)," she said.

Just last April 28, Bongcayao and Mehong celebrated the christening of baby Evo, the last time the lovers saw each other prior to the incident.

Now, all that Mehong wants is for Bongcayao to come home.

"Wala pa pong sinabi sakin ang asawa ko kung kailan sila makakauwi (My husband has yet to inform me when he will come home)," she said.

"Sobrang excited ako na makita at mayakap ang asawa ko. Hindi ko po alam anong gagawin ko kung kasaling may nangyaring masama. Hindi ko kakayanin mawala ka (I am excited to see and hug my husband. I don't know what I would do if something bad happened to him. I cannot afford to lose you)," she added.

Private First Class Nathaniel Bongcayao (right, in fatigue uniform) and Shanie Martinez Mehong with their family in Tandag, Surigao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of Shanie Martinez Mehong/ MANILA BULLETIN)

While waiting for Bongcayao's return, Mehong said she would continue to pray for the souls of those who perished in the incident, as well as for the continued strength of those who are still fighting for their lives in hospitals.

She vowed to cherish her live-in partner more especially since he was given a second chance at life.

Marriage plans will also be surely discussed by the lovers, according to Mehong.

Related Tags

Sulu C-130 crash nathaniel bongcayao shanie martinez mehong survivors tales philippine army
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