THE 4th Infantry Diamond Division (4ID) paid tribute to the soldiers who were killed in the military plane crash in Sulu on July 4, 2021.
Major General Romeo Brawner Jr., 4ID commander, assured the families of at least 37 fallen soldiers that they will be given necessary assistance.
"We assure the general public and the families that the whole 4ID is closely coordinating with the Western Mindanao Command for any updates and for the necessary assistance we shall offer to the families of our fallen heroes," Brawner said.
"Let’s continue to pray that no more deaths will be added in the list," he added.
According to 4ID public affairs chief Major Francisco Garello, the 4ID and other Armed Forces of the Philippines units will provide traditional military honors to all fallen soldiers upon their arrival at their respective home provinces in recognition of their patriotism, sacrifices and service to the country.
On Wednesday morning, July 7, six remains of 4ID soldiers arrived at the former Cagayan de Oro airport in Barangay Lumbia from Zamboanga City aboard C295.
They were identified as Sergeant Butch Maestro, Private Vic Monera, Private Raymar Carmona, Private Mel Mark Angana, Private Mark Nash Lumanta, and Private Marcelino Alquisar.
The bodies in caskets draped in the Philippine flag were brought to the 4ID Gym in Camp Evangelista, Barangay Patag, this city in the afternoon. A mass was conducted and attended by the families of the six fallen soldiers.
On Sunday, July 4, 2021, the C-130 plane with 96 military personnel onboard missed the runway and crashed in Patikul, Sulu, immediately killing 47 soldiers and three civilians. Three other soldiers died while undergoing treatment.
The 96 passengers were composed of 84 army personnel and 12 Air Force personnel. Among them were 44 privates who had just completed training, while 40 were non-commissioned officers who volunteered to be assigned with the 11th Infantry Division based in Sulu.
According to Brawner, seven of the soldiers who died were already identified.
"We already provided the dental records of the fallen soldiers to help fast track the identification of the other 30 cadavers and we ensured that the families of our fallen heroes as well as those who are injured are informed," Brawner said.
"We acknowledge the worries of the family members and the pain of losing a loved one," he added.
On Tuesday, Garello said the 37 fallen soldiers were from Butuan City (2), Agusan del Norte (1), Agusan del Sur (4), Bukidnon (5), Camarines Sur (1), Camiguin (1), Lanao del Norte (2), Misamis Oriental (2), Misamis Occidental (2), North Cotabato (1), Panabo City (1), Sulu (3), Surigao del Norte (1), Surigao del Sur (1), Tawi-Tawi (1), Zamboanga Sibugay (1), Zamboanga City (2), and Zamboanga del Sur (6).
"The 4ID extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the fallen soldiers during the C130 accident in Patikul, Sulu. May our mighty Creator grant them strength and comfort in this time of immense grief. We are honored and grateful for their patriotic service," Brawner said.