Task force begins underwater search for missing C-130 crew

MANILA, Philippines - A task force searching for missing crew members of a C-130 cargo plane that crashed off Davao Gulf started an underwater search Wednesday morning using a specialized camera to look for traces of the victims. Radio dzBB reported that as of 9 a.m., members of Task Force C-130 lowered an underwater closed-circuit camera to look for traces of the crew, but have so far found nothing positive. The task force centered its operations on Davao Gulf, where the C-130 was believed to have crashed shortly after takeoff Monday night. Earlier in the day, Coast Guard rescuers prepared to dive into the waters of Davao Gulf and received last-minute instructions before starting the search operations. Listed as passengers of the ill-fated C-130 plane were: • Maj.Manuel Sambrano, the plane’s pilot; • Capt. Adrian de Dios, co-pilot; • Flight Technical Sergeant Constantino Lobregas; • Staff Sergeant Petronilo Fernandez, • Staff Sergeant John Arriola; • Staff Sergeant Gerry Delioso; • Staff Sergeant Felix Pedro Patriarga; • Staff Sergeant Patricio Claur Jr; and • Staff Sergeant Aldrin Ilustrisimo. Navy Capt. Rosauro Gonzales, who is in charge of the ongoing search for the ill-fated aircraft, had earlier said that the wreck was traced about 2.5 nautical miles southwest of Samal Island and is about 600 feet under water. - GMANews.TV