Relatives of victims still seeking justice

Davao City — It has been two years now since Air Philippines Flight 541 crashed into a resort island off Davao City, killing all 131 on board in the country’s worst aviation disaster.

But to this day, the families of the victims are still trying to get those who they hold responsible for the death of their loved ones.

Yesterday, for the second time, they held a Mass at the crash site in Sitio Camanlangan on Samal island to commemorate the country’s worst aviation disaster.

They were accompanied by dozens of former rescue workers who helped in the gruesome search for bodies. One hundred thirty-one yakal trees were planted at the crash site, each representing a victim.

They also visited the mass grave at Davao Memorial Park, where the remains of unidentified victims were buried.

Flight 541 was packed with Easter holidaymakers when it crashed on the morning of April 19, 2000, shortly after it tried to land in Davao. Investigators said trouble began when the 29-year-old Boeing 737-200 overshot the Davao airport runway.

While circling for another attempt to land, the twin-engined plane clipped coconut trees on Samal island only a few kilometers away from Davao before slamming into the ground. Rescue officials said it was doubtful that anyone survived the impact and the following explosion.

A few months later, aviation officials determined the crash was caused by a mechanical problem. But the families of the victims are not convinced.

They have been asking the government – so far, to no avail – for another probe, this time by another investigative panel that would include an American aviation expert.

"It was not a thorough investigation and we do not think that all the necessary areas that needed to be covered was ever dealt with," one of the relatives said.

They want to know not only what caused the crash but, more importantly, who should be held liable.

North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel Piñol, who lost four relatives in the tragedy, said they are not giving up in their legal battle against those who they think should be held responsible for the crash.