45 killed in Air Force crash in Sulu

Note: As of this posting, the number of casualties has risen to 52—49 soldiers on board the military aircraft and 3 civilians on the ground; 51 others—47 soldiers and 4 civilians were wounded, according to the authorities.

THE Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) confirmed that at least 45 persons, majority of them soldiers, were killed after an Air Force C-130 transport plane overshoot the runway in Patikul, Sulu last Sunday, July 4, 2021.

CNN Philippines, quoting military officials from the Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF-Sulu), reported that as of 5:30 p.m. the death toll stands at 42 soldiers.

The DND, in a separate update, also reported three fatalities among civilians on the ground, as authorities continue search and rescue operations.

According to the military, the incident happened at 11:30 a.m. in Barangay Bangkal in Patikul, Sulu.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said onboard the aircraft were three pilots, five crew members, and the rest were soldiers traveling to Jolo, Sulu from Cagayan de Oro.

The soldiers were supposed to reinforce military personnel in the area in the fight against local terrorist groups.

Based on initial information, the plane overshot the runway as it tried to land at the Jolo airport and crashed in the nearby town of Patikul, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said.

Forty-nine wounded soldiers have so far been rescued and hospitalized, five others remain unaccounted for, while four civilians also sustained injuries.

“Per eyewitnesses, a number of soldiers were seen jumping out of the aircraft before it hit the ground sparing them from the explosion,” JTF Sulu said.

It added that troops and civilian volunteers rushed to the site for search and rescue minutes after the crash.

Some of those injured are being treated at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo town, while others had to be brought to Zamboanga for further treatment.

The military said the passengers include new soldiers about to be deployed to Sulu as part of the government’s anti-terrorism campaign.

“We remain to be hopeful that we could find more survivors,” JTF Sulu Commander MGen. William Gonzales said.

In a statement, Malacañang said it is “deeply saddened” by the crash, adding “we are one in praying for the safe recovery of the passengers.”

Lorenzana also called on the public to refrain “from spreading highly speculative statements” on the incident amid claims that equipment purchased by the military are defective.

Less than two weeks ago, a newly acquired S-70i Black Hawk Utility helicopter of the PAF also crashed during a night flight training near Capas, Tarlac — killing three pilots and three crew members.

“With the investigations of the past mishaps still ongoing, such speculations are as of yet baseless and disrespectful to the affected men and women of the Philippine Air Force, AFP and their families,” Lorenzana said.

He added a “full investigation” shall be conducted as soon as the ongoing ground rescue and recovery operation is completed.