The 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division of the Philippine Army commemorated the fifth anniversary of the C-130 plane crash on July 4, 2026, with a solemn ceremony honoring the soldiers who lost their lives in one of the deadliest military aviation tragedies in Philippine history.
Held at the headquarters of the 11th Infantry Division in Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Barangay Busbus, Jolo, Sulu, the memorial gathered military leaders, officers, enlisted personnel, survivors, and the families of the fallen in tribute to the troops whose service and sacrifice continue to inspire the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, commander of the 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Orion, led the commemoration alongside Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Rey G. Ga, Assistant Division Commander for Administration and Operations, together with Alakdan Division personnel, survivors of the tragedy, and the loved ones of those who perished.
The ceremony began with an interfaith service featuring Catholic, Christian, and Islamic prayers, followed by a moment of silence in honor of the fallen. A Roll of Honor was then read to recognize each soldier who died in the crash, before participants offered flowers as a symbol of their courage, dedication to duty, and lasting legacy.
Peña and Ga also led the wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial marker, where prayers were offered in remembrance of the fallen soldiers whose patriotism and selfless service continue to serve as an example to members of the military.
The program included a traditional volley of fire, the sounding of TAPS, and a survivor’s testimony from Sgt. Al-Ameen M. Sahibuddin, who reflected on the tragedy and paid tribute to the courage, brotherhood, and sacrifice of his comrades.
In his message, Peña urged troops to uphold the legacy of the fallen through dedicated service to the country.
“Their sacrifice reminds us that freedom and peace come at a great cost. We honor not only their memory but also the values they lived by—duty, honor, courage, and selfless service. Their legacy will forever remain in the hearts of every Alakdan warrior and the Filipino people,” Maj. Gen. Peña said.
He also called on soldiers to honor their fallen comrades by living out the values they embodied—professionalism, courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to defending the nation.
The commemoration concluded with the presentation of tokens to the families of the fallen, a photo opportunity, and fellowship, reaffirming the 11th Infantry Division’s commitment to preserving the memory of its heroes and ensuring that their sacrifice continues to inspire future generations of soldiers.