Tragedy after tragedy for the PAF

The latest C-130H received by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) crashed last Sunday in Patikul, Sulu. As of the latest news 49 soldiers and three civilians on the ground were killed while 47 soldiers and four civilians on the ground were injured. We all grieve with and extend our condolences to the families of those who have perished, and we pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. The plane was received from the US this February. It was one of two C-130Hs that were refurbished to extend its airworthiness. One has yet to be delivered. According to AFP spokesman Major General Edgard Arevalo, the PAF has two flying C-130s including the one that crashed while two are undergoing maintenance in Portugal. Another C-130H from the US is expected this year. The C-130 Hercules is vital to the operations of the PAF whether in combat or rescue and relief operations during disasters and calamities.

The PAF has had a series of tragedies since 2020. Just two weeks ago, a newly-acquired S-70i Blackhawk crashed in Tarlac, killing seven people. In April this year, one died when an MD520 scout helicopter crashed. The Senate wants to investigate the crash of the C-130H to find out the problems and hopefully come up with measures to ensure it does not happen again. But Maj. Gen. Arevalo stressed the plane was in good condition and the pilots who flew it are veterans in flying the C-130. The black box of the C-130H has already been found which will help shed light as to what transpired moments before the plane crashed. I wonder if any of the investigations on past crashes have already yielded results.

There is no argument that all branches of the AFP need extensive modernization. The previous administration initiated it with the purchase of two frigates and twelve FA-50PH warplanes from South Korea. The frigates and the fighters have recently been delivered. Much more is needed for the AFP to be at par with the armed forces of our Southeast Asian neighbors. Matching China's military strength is out of the question. Where to get the funding for the continued modernization is the big question.

The US Air Force has also issued statements about the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. It is reliable, safe, able to fly and land on short and rough runways. It was in 1956 when the Hercules first entered American service and to this day the US still uses the latest versions of it, with new technology fitted to the aircraft. It is also used by no less than 60 countries. The plane crash should be investigated to provide closure to the bereaved families and peace to those who perished.