Villagers’ response, an act of solidarity amid adversity

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (July 8, 2021) - “The Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is extremely grateful to the assistance extended by our brothers and sisters Tausug in Sulu who were among the first responders that rescued several survivors of the air mishap on July 4, 2021,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines experienced one of the worst tragedies in history when the newly acquired Lockheed C-130 Hercules with tail number 5125 crash-landed in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu on Sunday.

During this hard time, the armed forces received overwhelming support from the villagers who unhesitatingly responded to the crash site and rescued injured victims, and brought them to safety.

“To the survivors and all of us, our brothers and sisters Tausug are our heroes. They risked their own lives to save their fellow Filipinos whom they consider as their protectors from the malefactors,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. further stated.

Aside from the villagers, the CAFGUs and cadre from Bangkal Patrol Base are also among the first responders who aggressively extricated more than 20 wounded soldiers from the incident site.

“Their heroic deeds are worthy of praise and recognition. This exemplifies that at times when we, protectors of the people and the state are in trouble, we have the peace-loving people to depend on. Muslims or Christians, we are Filipinos with one flag and one country,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. continued.

“Rest assured that the Western Mindanao Command will work doubly to bring lasting peace and sustainable development in Sulu, and to keep all our brothers and sisters Muslim in the province safe and secured,” he expressed.

As of this writing, 47 soldiers are undergoing medical treatment at the private and public hospitals in this city. (By JONG CADION with reports and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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