Victims of the C-130 crash in Patikul, Sulu received various tributes in Northern Mindanao in honor of the 49 lives cut short by the tragedy.
Three civilians on the ground also died in the July 4 disaster, the worst in the military’s modern-day air history.
Army 4th Infantry Division, led by its new commanding officer, Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., joined activities to honor the fallen soldiers.
At the 4ID headquarters here, a simultaneous interfaith memorial service, dubbed “Buklurang Panalangin bilang Parangal sa mga Kasundaluhang Nasugatan at mga Nagbuwis ng Buhay sa Trahedya sa Pagbagsak ng C-130” (Joint prayer to honor soldiers who got injured or lost their lives in the C-130 crash), was held for the fatalities who once served Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions.
“We are gathered here this afternoon to offer our prayers and give our highest salute to our brothers, not only those who perished from the said accident but also those who survived and still recuperating,” Brawner said in his speech.
Brawner and his family took the C-130 flight from Villamor Air Base in Pasay to the Lumbia Airfield here on that fateful day, his first day as the new 4ID chief.
The intercession prayers were led by Lt. Col. Adzaramien Sahisah, an imam; Lt. Col. Dionisio Acaso, a Catholic priest; and evangelical pastor Michael Onahon.
The prayers were followed by a wreath-laying ceremony and the traditional 21-gun salute, the highest symbol of respect and thanksgiving to the soldiers.
Six soldiers were initially honored at the Philippine Air Force’s Technical Operations Group-10 headquarters here and brought to the 4ID gymnasium for a Mass and overnight vigil on July 7.
The bodies were sent off to their hometowns with full military honors the following day.
“May our mighty Creator grant the families strength and comfort in this time of immense grief. We are honored and grateful for the patriotic service of our fallen heroes,” Brawner said.
An interfaith memorial service was also conducted by the city government and the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.
Bishop Jose Cabantan officiated the Mass organized by the City Peace Development and Security Council and Interfaith Forum for Peace, Harmony and Solidarity.
Phividec (Philippine Veterans Investment Development Corporation) Industrial Authority Administrator Jose Gabriel La Viña visited the 4ID headquarters during the vigil and extended free college and technical-vocational grants to the victims’ siblings or children.
They were also offered jobs at Phividec in Misamis Oriental.