By Froilan Gallardo
Special Correspondent

FIFTY-THREE-year-old Carlos Dapanas Sr., watched in silence as the military honor detail brought the white wooden casket of his son, Army Private Carlos Dapanas Jr, inside the gym in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City yesterday.

His son was among the 87 Army soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division who boarded the ill-fated Philippine Air Force C-130 that crashed in Patikul, Sulu on July 4.

Army Private Carlos Dapanas Jr., was only recognized after a PNP SOCO team took a small swab tissue from the elder Dapanas in Tipanoy, Iligan City last Friday

Last Sunday the PNP SOCO team informed the elder Dapanas that they found a match.

Five soldiers who were identified through the same DNA process were brought to Cagayan de Oro on board a Philippine Air Force C-295 medium transport plane.

This brought the number of soldiers who were brought here after being identified to 11.

Major Francisco Garello, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division said they have resorted to DNA tests after some families of the crash victims expressed doubts of the identities.

“We have now resorting to the more reliable DNA test as well the dental records for matching,” Garello said.

Garello said 20 remains have already been identified through DNA tests and dental records while 29 more bodies are still being processed.

He said at least 47 survivors are recuperating in various hospitals in Zamboanga City.

Garello said 87 soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division boarded the plane in Laguindingan Airport for Patikul, Sulu last July 4.

Police Patrolman Melgazar Dapanas, younger brother Army Private Carlos Dapanas Jr, have to be consoled by a colleague after he was filled with emotions while viewing the casket.

The young Dapanas’ wife, Emabel, and their less than a year old baby girl were also in tears.

Emabel cannot open the casket of her husband. The military has advised the families not to open the caskets because many of the victims were burnt beyond recognition.

“I have to accept this no matter how painful it is for the sake of our child.