Navy extends cash aid to kin of troops killed in C-130 crash


MANILA – The families of the 12 Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel killed in the crash of the C-130 transport aircraft in Jolo, Sulu last year received around PHP261,000 in cash from the Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday.

"The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Caesar Bernard Valencia handed over the check donation amounting to PHP261,543.75 to Air Force Vice Commander, Major Gen. Arthur Cordura in a ceremony held at the Agunod Hall, Villamor Airbase on Monday, January 24," Navy spokesperson, Commander Benjo Negranza said in a statement.

He added that the funds came from the one-day subsistence allowance donated by Navy personnel.

Negranza said this effort conveys the PN's appreciation and utmost respect for the selfless service rendered by their comrades and an earnest way to lessen the burden of the bereaved families.

A similar activity was conducted last week for the benefit of Philippine Army (PA) uniformed personnel who survived, as well as for the next of kin of those who perished in the same accident.

During the activity, the PN donated some PHP1.83 million to the next-of-kin and PA personnel who survived the mishap.

On July 4, 2021, a Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" aircraft flew from Cagayan de Oro City to transport newly trained soldiers from the Army's 4th Infantry Division to Sulu to bolster the military’s campaign against Abu Sayyaf bandits.

The plane crashed after a landing attempt, resulting in the death of 38 Army troops, 12 PAF personnel, and three civilians.

Some 46 military personnel and four civilians were also injured in the mishap. (PNA)

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