AFP in mourning over loss of pilots
The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday mourned the death of the two Philippine Air Force (PAF) fighter jet pilots who died in a crash in Bukidnon, saying they “gave their lives in the line of duty.”
The pilots’ bodies were extracted from the crash site of the ill-fated FA-50 fighter jet on Wednesday night.
In Malacañang, President Marcos called for a speedy investigation of the crash that killed Maj. Jude Salang-oy and 1st Lt. AJ Dadulla.
“Their unwavering dedication, bravery, and ultimate sacrifice are a testament to the extraordinary courage of every Filipino soldier who answers the call to serve our nation,” the AFP said in a statement.
“As we grieve this profound loss, we also draw strength from their heroism—a reminder that our freedom and peace are built upon the sacrifices of those who stand guard,” it added.
Their bravery, AFP also said, “will forever serve as a beacon, inspiring every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine in the AFP.”
At a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President wanted to know “what went wrong and what the remedies are for such situations.”
On Tuesday, the FA-50 fighter jet was reported missing after other PAF pilots lost contact with the aircraft during a tactical night operation.
After the crash was confirmed, the PAF grounded its remaining 11 FA-50s in line with the investigation.
Bodies, black box retrieved
Also on Thursday, forensic experts began examining the pilots’ remains that were retrieved near the crash site on the slopes of Mt. Kalatungan in Bukidnon late Wednesday night.
The search and rescue team also found the flight data recorder, commonly known as the black box.
Col. Antonio Dulnuan Jr., acting commander of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the “charred bodies” were about 20 meters apart when found.
Airlifting the bodies was ruled out due to the weather and forbidding terrain. They had to be carried by the responders on foot from the crash site and through dense jungle for about six hours.
The bodies were brought to a funeral parlor in Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday morning.
Dulnuan said the aircraft’s fuselage was “still recognizable (although) it had lost its wings.”
Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, the PAF spokesperson, said investigators would “look at the general area (and) the aircraft parts that are remaining (in the crash site).”
They had also done an initial investigation on “the processes, tactics, techniques, and procedures that [were] being carried out for the mission,” she added. “That’s something that we have to reassess also.”
Castillo said the probe would be comprehensive and “look at all angles (such as) material factor, mechanical factor, human factor.”
She added that investigators would also look at environmental factors, such as wind conditions and precipitation at the time of the accident.
While the two PAF pilots were “very proficient and skilled,” their medical and mental state records will also to be checked.
Honoring Salang-oy
Salang-oy’s family in Kalinga province had begun preparing for his wake and burial.
The pilot’s local community helped shape him into “an officer and a gentleman” and would now honor his life and service to the country, according to Kalinga Rep. Allen Mangaoang.
Salang-oy’s parents traveled from Kalinga on Wednesday night to Pampanga for his remains, the lawmaker told the Inquirer on Thursday.
Mangaoang described the Salang-oys as a well-respected family in Barangay Taloctoc, Tanudan town, where they are known to value education as a way out of poverty.
The community may perform a ritual in honor of the pilot, a tradition reserved for those who died tragically as heroes, he said. —WITH REPORTS FROM JOSELLE BADILLA, RYAN ROSAURO AND VINCENT CABREZA
