Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16)— The death toll in the aftermath of the military plane crash in Sulu climbed to 53 after another survivor succumbed to injuries, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday.
In a statement, the AFP confirmed the death of Private Jesfel Mequiabas.
Mequiabas died early morning of Friday, almost two weeks after the tragic July 4 plane crash in Patikul town.
“The AFP has reached out to his loved ones and his remains are being prepared to be transported to their home town (Misamis Oriental),” the military said.
Mequiabas was among the 50 military personnel who died after the crash, which also claimed the lives of three civilians on the ground.
The aircraft’s black box or flight data recorder — which may help shed light on the incident — has been sent to the United States for analysis, results of which may take about a month.
