Legarda Expresses Sympathy to Casualties of C130 Plane Crash in Sulu

Three-term Senator, now Deputy Speaker, Loren Legarda today expressed her deep sympathy and condolences to the military men and civilians who were killed when a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft carrying troops from Cagayan de Oro crashed yesterday after missing the runway upon landing in Patikul, Sulu.

“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,” Legarda, a Colonel of the Philippine Air Force Reserve Command, lamented.

“Being in the military is not an easy task. It entails sacrifices and uncertainties. You would need dedication and commitment to be able to uphold your duties. Our soldiers died in the line of duty, fulfilling their sworn oath to serve and protect the country. 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.

The three-term Senator noted that under Republic Act No. 6963, which prescribes allowed assistance and benefits to families of deceased or permanently incapacitated soldiers, families of deceased or permanently incapacitated soldiers should receive special financial assistance for the next six months after the personnel’s death or incapacity.

The surviving spouse, or an employable child if the spouse is employed, should be given priority in employment in a government or agency or office where his/her qualifications are fitted.

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 said that equal assistance should be extended to the civilians and their families who have died and were injured at the crash site.

“Our soldiers are firmly committed to their duty to protect the country and the citizens. They put their lives on the line everyday so we can live in peaceful and safe communities. We salute your bravery. 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,” Legarda concluded.***