CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50 fighter jet that went missing past midnight Tuesday, March 4, crashed and has been located in Bukidnon.
Both its pilots were confirmed dead by a search team, a military spokesperson said Wednesday, March 5.
Authorities have yet to disclose the identities of the pilots or the cause of the crash. An investigation is underway.
Lieutenant Colonel Salvacion Evangelista, spokesperson for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the crash site was at Mount Kalatungan in the village of Mirayon.
Mirayon is a far-flung barangay in Talakag town.
Evangelista said the bodies of the pilots were found near the wreckage using locator beacons.
The FA-50 disappeared just after midnight on Tuesday during a tactical flight. It went missing about the same time the Air Force carried out airstrikes against the New People’s Army in Cabanglasan town in Bukidnon.
In a statement to media, PAF spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo said a joint effort by the Air Force, Army, and civilian volunteers led to the discovery of the aircraft and its crew.
“Despite challenging conditions, including dense fog and difficult terrain, PAF helicopters successfully deployed Army special forces and civilian volunteers for ground searches,” she said.
The PAF has also grounded its entire FA-50 fleet pending the probe into the accident. The Philippines has 11 other FA-50 aircraft in its inventory.
“We are committed to providing all the necessary support to the bereaved families during this difficult time. Meanwhile, we also request the nation’s prayers for the eternal repose of our fallen pilots, whose service and heroism we deeply honor,” Castillo said. – With reports from Bea Cupin/Rappler.com