The remains of Air Force Capt. Raymart Cabangcala, one of four pilots killed in a midair collision involving two military trainer aircraft, were brought home to Urdaneta City on Friday, Oct. 30.
A helicopter carrying his remains landed at the Urdaneta National High School oval, accompanied by his mother, Myrna, and sister Mayross, who flew in from Albania.
Cabangcala was among four PAF pilots who died when two SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 trainer aircraft collided during a training flight on Oct. 23.
His wake is being held at St. Peter Chapel in Barangay Anonas until Nov. 2, after which his remains will be transferred to the family home on Nov. 3.
Only immediate family members were allowed to view his remains before the casket was closed.
Cabangcala’s brother-in-law, Mark Andrew Alvarez, said the family planned to commemorate what would have been the pilot’s 31st birthday on the evening of Nov. 3 at their home.
‘The family wanted the last night to be held at the family house, where we will hold a birthday party for him,’ Alvarez said.
Cabangcala will be laid to rest on Nov. 5 at Forest Lake Memorial Park in Barangay Pinmaludpod.