LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Responders are now carrying the remains of four Cessna plane crash victims down the steep slope of Mayon Volcano, Camalig, Albay Mayor Caloy Baldo said on Wednesday morning, March 1.
RESPONDERS slowly move down the slope of Mayon Volcano with the bodies of the four Cessna plane crash victims. (Mayor Caloy G. Baldo FB)
Baldo said 20 responders were assigned for each body as proposed by the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO).
“Responders are now on the move, carrying the Cessna 340A crash victims down the slopes of Mayon. Responders were advised to take turns to avoid exhaustion,” he said.
The bodies were retrieved last Saturday, Feb. 25, and expected to be taken to the command center in Camalig but due to bad weather and loose, slippery, and steep terrain, the mission was delayed.
A series of re-planning was made to bring the cadavers down, which include adding additional manpower.
While waiting, a Mass was held on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 26, and Tuesday night, in Barangay Anoling in Camalig.
Residents recited a traditional prayer called “Perdon” for the success of the mission.
“Residents of Camalig, Albay gather together to recite a traditional prayer in the wake of the Cessna 340A tragedy. A silent and sincere call for forgiveness and protection that has been passed down through generations in Camalig. Perdon highlights the importance of faith and unity in times of crisis, and serves as a source of comfort and strength for those who are suffering,” Baldo said.