Filipino military Olympians Eumir Marcial and Hidilyn Diaz pay tribute to victims of Jolo plane crash

The boxer and weightlifter, both gold medal hopes, have virtual meeting with Armed Forces of Philippines chief of staff General Cirilito Sobejana

More than 50 people were killed and dozens injured when a C-130 Hercules transport plane overshot the runway and exploded in southern island of Jolo

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Eumir Marcial with his ticket to the Tokyo Olympics. Photo: Philippine Athletes at Multi Sport Event

Published: 4:11pm, 8 Jul 2021Updated: 4:33pm, 8 Jul 2021

The Philippines’ two major gold medal hopes for the Tokyo Olympics said they would do their best to honour fellow military personnel who died or were injured in a plane crash on Sunday.

Boxer Eumir Marcial and weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz – both enlisted personnel of the Philippines Air Force – paid tribute to their fallen comrades during a virtual meeting with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, General Cirilito Sobejana, on Tuesday.

The C-130 Hercules transport plane with 96 on board overshot a runway on the southern island of Jolo on Sunday. It burst into flames, killing more than 50 people, including three civilians on the ground. Dozens were injured.

“We offer our best performance in our respective events to our countrymen and our fellow soldiers, especially those who suffered in the tragic C-130 plane crash,” Marcial said on behalf of both athletes, according to the AFP website.

At least 49 soldiers survived the noontime crash, according to reports, and are being treated in hospital. Reports say some survived by jumping out of the plane before it exploded and was engulfed in fire.

Marcial is ranked as an Airman First Class, while 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist Diaz is an Airwoman Sergeant. Both athletes are among the favourites for the gold medal in their respective sports in Tokyo.