The soldiers who survived the C-130 crash in Sulu last Sunday shared how they escaped the tragic plane crash that took the life of at least 50 people.
Private Cyrille de Castro used her 2 hands to cover her head when the plane caught fire.
“Nalaglagan ako ng apoy sa kamay kasi prinotektahan ko ulo ko… Tumalon ako sa mga gamit, doon po ako dumaan,” she said.
Survivors of the C-130 crash are currently recovering at Camp Navarro General Hospital and other hospitals.
The remains of 30 of the dead soldiers were laid to rest at the Tangan gym inside the Naval Forces Western Mindanao.
Nineteen bodies have been identified by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
A graduating grade 6 pupil was one of the civilians whose body was burnt after a C-130 plane hit his uncle’s house in Patikul.
13-year-old Khandawi Ahaddi was just watching TV at home while waiting for his mother, who was attending a wedding.
Survivors of the C-130 crash share experience
“Paglabas niya lang ng bahay, nakita niya ‘yung eroplano papunta na sa kanya ang apoy na galing sa tambutso. Naano na siya. Nasunog na siya… Pagbangon niya, lahat ng nakapalibot sa kanya apoy na lahat. Di na niya alam kung saan siya tatakbo kasi hindi na niya makita ‘yung daan. Tapos tumakbo na ‘yung tatay niya,” said Marcelina Ahaddi, the victim’s mother.
Marcelina was even more worried because while in the hospital in Jolo, Khandawi allegedly could not open his eyes.
Khandawi was supposed to graduate from grade 6 on July 12. He also failed to attend the pictorial for the yearbook on Monday.
According to Marcelina, the AFP has promised to cover all hospital expenses.
Meanwhile, the identities of 19 soldiers who were victims of a C-130 crash in Patikul, Sulu, have been determined.
Up to 12 bodies have been returned to their families. One of them is already buried. Seven more of the identified remains are prepared for air and land transport to be taken home to their respective families.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.