Pilots in Bukidnon crash honored
The two Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots who died after their FA-50 fighter jet crashed at a mountain in Bukidnon were honored at the Villamor Air Base on Saturday afternoon.
The flag-draped caskets of Maj. Jude Salang-oy and 1st Lt. April John Dadulla arrived at the Villamor Air Base via a C-130 aircraft at about 3 p.m.
The families and relatives of the pilots were present for military honors led by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and PAF chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura.
President Marcos was not able to attend the arrival honors due to “an urgent matter,” according to Malacañang, but Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. represented the Chief Executive.
The two slain pilots were awarded the Distinguished Aviation Cross for the aerial operation that led to their deaths in a nighttime operation past midnight on March 4.
