Tragedy has struck the Philippine Air Force (PAF) as the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) confirmed the deaths of two pilots aboard a missing FA-50 fighter jet. The aircraft, which disappeared during a routine Tactical Night Operations, was located in the rugged terrain of Mount Kalatungan in Bukidnon. This somber announcement has cast a pall over the nation, highlighting the inherent risks faced by those who serve in the armed forces.
The search and rescue operation, which had been underway since the aircraft went missing, concluded with the recovery of the pilots’ remains. The discovery has ended a period of uncertainty and anxiety for the families of the airmen and the military community.
It can be recalled that a couple of hours earlier, Philippine Air Force spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo revealed in a press briefing that they lost contact with the fighter jet shortly after midnight on March 4.
“Shortly after midnight on March 4, 2025, an FA-50 fighter jet went missing during a Tactical Night Operations. The aircraft lost communication with the rest of the flight involved in the mission minutes before reaching the target area,” Colonel Castillo said. She added that they attempted to reestablish contact with the missing fighter jet but failed to do so.
This is the first major incident involving PAF’s FA-50 fighter jets, according to Colonel Castillo. She also disclosed that the Air Force had launched an extensive search operation immediately after losing contact.
“The PAF is conducting extensive search operations, utilizing all available resources, to locate the missing jet fighter aircraft. Our primary concern is the safe return of our aircrew,” Castillo stated during the press briefing on March 4.
“We are hopeful of locating them and the aircraft soon, and ask you to join us in prayer during this critical time,” she added. “We are hopeful that we will still be able to recover. We are more concerned about the safety of the aircrew right now. And we are still very optimistic that they are safe.”
However, the search efforts ended in tragedy. As revealed by EASTMINCOM, the remains of the two pilots were recovered from the crash site. The challenging terrain of Mount Kalatungan, known for its dense forests and steep slopes, made the search operations more difficult.
The loss of these pilots is a significant blow to the Philippine Air Force and the nation as a whole. FA-50 fighter jets play a crucial role in the country’s defense capabilities, and the pilots who operate them are highly trained professionals. Authorities are now focused on conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
According to a report by GMA News, quoting Super Radyo Davao, the aircraft was found in the rugged terrains of Mount Kalatungan in Bukidnon. Investigators will now analyze the wreckage and flight data to ascertain the cause of the crash.