The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Sunday, July 11, that it has identified the remains of eight more military personnel who were part of the 52 killed in the C-130 plane crash in Sulu.

This brings the total number of identified remains to 28 out of 49 military personnel killed in the July 4 crash, the AFP said in a statement.

AFP said the 8 soldiers whose identities were recently confirmed include:

• Private First Class Carlos D. Dapanas Jr., Philippine Army (PA)
• Private First Class Keth Kane S. Alegarme, PA
• Private First Class Marchi E. Bonzales, PA
• Private First Class Philip Dante T. Camilosa, PA
• Corporal Jay-ar V. Obenita, PA
• Private Archie S. Barba, PA
• Private Carlos Jhun C. Paragua Jr., PA
• Technical Sergeant Nelson B. Hadjiri, PA

Their families were already officially informed, the AFP said, while the process of transferring their remains are being handled.

“The AFP shall continue its utmost efforts in identifying the remaining cadavers,” it said.

“We will continue to coordinate with the PNP SOCO in order to ensure that they are promptly returned to their loved ones,” AFP added.

A total of 52 people, including 3 civilians, were killed when a C-130 Hercules military plane crashed in Patikul, Sulu on July 4. It is considered as the worst air disaster in Philippine military history.

The aircraft was carrying 96 people, mostly were trainees from the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City.

AFP said 47 injured personnel are undergoing treatment in hospitals in Sulu and Zamboanga City. – Rappler.com