The international community has expressed its condolences to Filipinos over the death of 50 persons, mostly military personnel, in a C-130H plane crash Sunday in Patikul, Sulu.
In a statement, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the US government is ready to provide support to the government's response effort.
"Our thoughts are with those who were injured and the families of those who were lost. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Philippine allies at this difficult time and are ready to provide all appropriate support to the Philippines’ response effort," the statement read.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III also offered his condolences to the Philippine government and the families of those who died in the crash.
"We will continue to provide @dndphl [Department of National Defense Philippines] support and assistance in response to this tragedy," he said in a statement.
In a statement posted on its official Twitter account, the Russian Embassy in the Philippines said "we are deeply saddened" by the ill-fated plane crash.
"The Russian Embassy expresses its sincere condolences to the families of victims and wishes the soonest recovery to the injured," it said.
The European Union, Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson, French Ambassador Michele Boccoz and Canadian Ambassador Peter MacArthur also sent their condolences to the Filipinos.
Senator Imee Marcos said the fate that befell the soldiers in the C-130 plane crash in Sulu was “truly heart-rending.”
She noted they were supposed to be the future of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, but true to their calling, they gave their lives in the line of duty and service to our country.
"I offer my sincerest condolences to the families of the 47 Philippine Army soldiers and three civilians who perished in the crash," she said.
"Our unsung heroes spent their every day saving lives, rescuing the injured, helping entire communities survive with food packs and medical supplies," added Marcos.
"But we couldn't save them when they needed help. Stop buying flying coffins! No more soldiers' widows and orphans!"
Senator Panfilo Lacson said before the Senate even thinks of exercising oversight on the AFP procurement, he, as chairman of the committee on national defense and security, urged his colleagues to pray for the souls of those who perished and for the full and speedy recovery of those hurt.
Senator Risa Hontiveros said the government should ensure that all benefits due their families will be released without delay and they be accorded the proper military honors.
"Grief this expansive calls for clarity and commitment. Let us do better in protecting the very people who protect our country," Hontiveros said.
Lawmakers on Monday condoled with family and loved ones of those who died in the crash.
“There are simply no words that can be said to console those left behind by our brave military personnel, as well as the three civilians who died as a result of this disaster,” Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said.
House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin G. Romualdez said he grieved with the families of the soldiers who perished in the C-130 plane crash in Sulu. "These heroes of our time will be remembered for their great courage and service to our country,” he said.
"Full government assistance and benefits should be extended to the loved ones of our fallen soldiers and survivors at the soonest time possible,” he added.
Deputy speaker and Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez for his part urged the Department of National Defense (DND) and the military to extend all possible help to soldiers who died or were injured in the C-130 plane crash in Sulu yesterday.
Rodriguez said the DND and AFP should assist the civilians and their families as well.
