President Marcos reacts to Air India crash that killed hundreds

• President Bongbong Marcos expressed deep condolences over the crash of Air India Flight AI-171 that killed over 200 people

• The Philippine president extended sympathy to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government, and the families of the victims

• Marcos emphasized the solidarity of the Filipino people with India during this time of mourning

• He honored the victims and hoped the investigation would bring comfort and clarity to those left behind

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. released a heartfelt statement following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, India, which claimed the lives of over 200 people. There was one survivor in the crash, a male passenger who was captured on video walking away from the crash with wounds on his body.

In his message, the President said: “Filipinos are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad. On behalf of the Filipino people, I extend our most heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India, and especially to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives.”

President Marcos expressed solidarity with the Indian nation, emphasizing the shared grief between the two countries. “Our thoughts are with every family, across India and beyond, grieving this profound loss. We stand in full solidarity with the people of India in this moment of sorrow.”

He also honored the memory of the victims and acknowledged the importance of the ongoing investigation. “May the victims be remembered with dignity, and may the ongoing efforts to understand this tragedy bring comfort and clarity to those left behind,” he said.

The President’s statement comes amid global mourning over the devastating crash, which is being regarded as one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.

You can read his full statement below:

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is the 17th President of the Philippines, assuming office on June 30, 2022, following a long tenure in various government roles—ranging from vice governor and governor of Ilocos Norte to congressman and senator . Born on September 13, 1957, in Batac, Ilocos Norte, he is the only son of former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and First Lady Imelda Marcos.

In other news, President Bongbong Marcos held a dialogue with farmers in Bulacan in order to discuss the plans of the government to improve the rice industry. As he approached the group, many were excited to talk to him, some even brought him gifts. The President personally received the gifts placed in a plastic, and as it fell, he bent down to pick it up, not waiting for his staff to pick it up for him.

Earlier, President Marcos ordered his cabinet to tender their courtesy resignations post-midterm elections. The president said he wanted to “recalibrate” his administration after the recent midterm polls. PBBM emphasized that the directive is not personal but focused on “performance, alignment, and urgency,” aiming to realign government with public expectations for “results—not politics, not excuses”.