Friday, August 29, 2008 Families of plane crew receive P200T, to get another P250T as ordered by GMA
THE search for a Philippine Air Force (PAF) C130 that crashed in Davao City last Monday continues, although rough seas made it difficult to spot any bodies or survivors.
Families of the nine officers and crew who remained missing yesterday gather at the air base in Mactan every day to get information on the search, said Col. Gerardo Jamorabo. He serves as the director for operations of the 220th Airlift Wing based at Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base.
Each family already received P200,000 as ordered by PAF Commanding General Pedrito Cadu-ngog, and they are now waiting for the release of an additional P250,000 for each family as promised by President Arroyo.
Jamorabo added that the P450,000 in financial assistance is separate from whatever benefits the families will receive for the victims’ service in government.
“The benefits of the soldiers will be received by the victims’ families in due time,” Jamorabo said.
“Every now and then, we give the families information on the latest developments. The other day, our commanding general (Cadungog) personally came to Cebu, comforted them and gave them financial assistance,” Jamorabo said.
He added that Col. Rolando Hautea Jr. is personally supervising the search and retrieval operation, and also at the site is the PAF Investigating Board headed by Maj. Gen. Jovito Gamad.
“It’s unfortunate that little has been recovered as of today (Aug. 28). We hope that the team could find more evidence in this ongoing operation,” Jamorabo said.
Since Tuesday, fishermen have found combat boots, body parts and a torn uniform. The wreckage is believed to be at least 600 feet underwater.
Jamorabo added that the PAF welcomes the financial assistance offered by Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza.
The 220th Airlift Wing where the fallen C130 belonged has three types of airlift planes: Nomads for light loads, Fokkers for medium loads and the C130 for heavy loads.
Jamorabo said they used to operate four C130s but only one is available after the crash, because the other two are undergoing maintenance at the Clark International Airport in Pampanga.
The 220th AW, however, will soon have new aircraft, he added.
“Actually, we are in the process of procuring light lift aircraft to eventually replace the Nomads. It has already been approved and the bidding documents are being prepared,” Jamorabo said. (EOB)
