Malacañang condoles with families of Air Force pilots killed in crash

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday extended its condolences to the families of four Philippine Air Force pilots who died in a midair collision during a training flight in Batangas, assuring them of the government’s support as they mourned their loss.

The pilots died on Oct. 23 in a midair collision involving two aircraft during a training flight near Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas.

READ: 4 PAF pilots killed in Batangas plane crash; SF-260 fleet grounded

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Executive Secretary Ralph Recto visited the wake of Major David Joshua Rojo, Capt. Ma. Melvin Acebuque and 1st Lt. Angelo Adrian Penaflor at Fernando Air Base on Monday, Oct. 26, to pay his respects and condole with their families.

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In his message, Recto said no words or honors could ease the pain of losing their loved ones.

“Alam naming hindi lamang magigiting na piloto ang nawala sa atin. May mga pamilyang nawalan ng anak, asawa, kapatid, at mahal sa buhay,” Recto said.

(We know that we have lost not only brave pilots. There are families who have lost children, spouses, siblings, and loved ones.)

Recto added that the pilots’ courage, dedication and love for the country would remain part of their legacy.

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He assured the bereaved families that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the entire government stood with them in their grief and were ready to support them during their time of mourning.

Marcos also visited the wake of Capt. Raymart Cabangcala at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on the same day. Katherine Cielo Guimera/INQUIRER.net trainee /mr