Fighter jet pilots’ remains flown to Manila today

MANILA, Philippines — The remains of the two pilots of a fighter jet that crashed on a mountain in Bukidnon on Wednesday are expected to be flown to Manila today.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said the bodies of Maj. Jude Salang-oy and 1/Lt. April John Dadulla would be taken to the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, where their relatives would be waiting.

The military will render full military honors in recognition of the service of the pilots, who were in an FA-50 fighter jet when the plane went missing at past midnight on Tuesday.

The pilots were on a mission to provide air support to ground troops that the military said were battling communist rebels.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the remains of the pilots were first brought to Cagayan de Oro for forensic examination.

Meanwhile, a PAF team has reached Mount Kalatungan to investigate the crash site of the FA-50.

Castillo said security at the crash site has been tightened.

Castillo said Salang-oy was a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2014 and had served the PAF for more than 10 years.

Dadulla belonged to the PAF Officer Candidate Course Class of 2020 and had displayed exceptional skills and proficiency, which qualified him to fly the most advanced PAF fighter aircraft.

“Until their last moments, both pilots embodied unwavering dedication and commitment to serving the nation. The Philippine Air Force extends its hearfelt sympathy to the families, friends and loved ones of Salang-oy and Dadulla,” Castillo said.

Earlier, President Marcos had ordered a speedy investigation of the incident.

Vice President Sara Duterte condoled with the families of Salang-oy and Dadulla. — Elizabeth Marcelo, Emmanuel Tupas