Malacañang on Monday condoled with the bereaved families of fallen members of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), assuring them of the administration’s support and assistance.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended the wake of Captain Raymart Cabangcala at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City and personally offered his condolences to the family and paid his respects to the fallen pilot. Marcos visited Cagayan and Ifugao on Monday.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, representing the President, meanwhile, visited the wake of Major David Joshua Rojo, Captain Ma. Melvin Acebuque, and First Lieutenant Angelo Adrian Peñaflor at the Fernando Air Base in Lipa City in Batangas, and paid his and the administration’s sympathies and respect.
Recto said the entire nation mourns with the family of the fallen PAF pilots and recognizes their courage, dedication, and love for the country which will be a part of their memory and legacy.
“No speech can ever soothe the pain of such a loss. No honor, no matter how great, can ever replace another embrace, another smile, or another moment spent with your loved ones,” Recto said.
“We know that we have lost more than just gallant pilots. Families have lost a son, a spouse, a brother, and a loved one. There are dreams that will now go unfulfilled, and happy moments that can never be relieved. This pain is beyond the reach of any words,” Recto also said.
Recto also assured the bereaved families that the President and the entire government stand with them in their grief and are ready to provide support during this time of loss.
The PAF pilots perished in a mid-air collision during a training flight at the San Fernando Air Base last October 23.