Pilot killed in Batangas midair collision laid to rest at Libingan ng mga Bayani

MANILA —  Maj. David Joshua Rojo, one of the four air force pilots killed in a midair collision in Batangas, was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Thursday, October 29.

As a fallen member of the of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Rojo was given a military funeral.

“The remains of our fallen are draped under the Philippine Flag because that’s what they’ve been doing. They’ve been serving the Philippine flag,” Col. Alvin Jay Capinguian, Philippine Air Force spokesperson said.

Before the flag is handed over, it is pressed against the chests of the pallbearers as a symbol of unity and brotherhood among members of the armed forces.

The flag is then passed from one pallbearer to another, with the last one handing it to the commanding general, who presents it to the wife or next of kin of the fallen officer.

The flag is presented as a symbol of the nation’s gratitude for the service rendered by the fallen service member.

A three-volley salute follows, accompanied by the somber playing of Taps, as Maj. Rojo is laid to his final resting place.

Capinguian said members of the armed forces may be laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani or at another burial site preferred by their families.

While Maj. Rojo was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, the families of 1Lt. Angeleo Adrian Penaflor, 1Lt. Raymart Cabangcala, and 1Lt. Ma. Melvin Acebuque opted for other burial arrangements.

“The [families have] opted to have them interred sa kani-kanilang mga probinsya para malapit sa kanila (in their provinces to be nearer to them) ,” Capinguian, said.

The Philippine Air Force has committed to supporting the families of the fallen pilots by processing the benefits and claims they are entitled to.

The support extends beyond financial assistance to include emotional support for the bereaved families.