AFP uncover C-130 blackbox; start identifying fallen soldiers

MANILA, Philippines – A top-official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced yesterday (July 7) that the blackbox of the ill-fated C-130 plane that killed 49 soldiers and 3 civilians on July 4, has been recovered.

AFP spokesperson Major General Edgard Arevalo told the media, that soldiers given the task to find the blackbox, has finally recovered it yesterday at the crash site in Patikul, Sulu.

Arevalo said the blackbox will help in the investigation of the taskforce that will be created to probe why this one of the five military ‘workhorses’ malfunction while the pilots were having a landing maneuver in Jolo’s airstrip.    

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the blackbox will be sent to the US and they will ask their US counterparts to help retrieve the communications of the three pilots before the plane malfunction while still flying.

“The flight data and voice recorders have been found and they will be sent to the U.S. for analysis. Until the blackbox is analyzed everything is haka-haka. Let’s wait for the official report,” the country’s defense chief said yesterday.

IDENTIFICATION STARTS

Menwhile, identification of the names of 49 fallen soldiers and three civilians have started yesterday. Those who were already identified were immediately sent to their respective provinces.

As of yesterday, fallen soldiers who were already identified namely: Capt Higello Emeterio, 1st Lt Sheena Alexandria Tato, Major Emmanuel Makalintal, Major Michael Vincent Benolerao, 1st Lieutenant Joseph Hintay, Tech Sgt Mark Anthony Agana, Tech Sgt Donald Badoy, Tech Sgt Jan Neil Macapaz, Staff Sgt Michael Bulalaque, Sergeant Jack Navarro, Sgt Butch Maestro, PFC Christopher Rollon, PFC Felixzaldy Provido, Privates Raymar Carmona, Vic Monera, Mark Nash Lumanta,  Marcelino Alquizar, Mel Mark Angana and civilian Jomar Gabas.    

Gen Cirilito Sobejana, AFP chief of staff said they will use DNA testing and dental records of the fallen soldiers to identify them, especially those beyond recognition.

“Yung ating basehan kung paano natin ma-identify yung beyond recognition ng ating mga cadaver ay through DNA testing at saka ‘yung dental records nila,” Gen Sobejana said.

Based on initial listing of those who have been identified, all the three pilots – Major Emmanuel Makalintal, Major Michael Vincent Benolerao, and 1st Lieutenant Joseph Hintay, also expired later at the hospital. Earlier reports said they have survived and on critical condition in hospitals in Sulu.