FALLEN AIRMEN.聽Major Jude Salang-oy (left) and 1Lt. April John Dadulla, pilots of the ill-fated Philippine Air Force FA-50PH fighter jet, went missing on March 4, 2025. Their wreckage and bodies were discovered at the Mount Kalatungan range in Bukidnon province, as confirmed by the military on Wednesday (March 5, 2025).聽(Contributed photos)
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� 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 鈥済ave their lives in the line of duty.鈥�
The pilots鈥� bodies were extracted from the crash site of the ill-fated FA-50 fighter jet on Wednesday night.
READ: PAF fighter jet pilots鈥� remains extracted from Bukidnon crash site
In Malaca帽ang, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for a speedy investigation of the crash that killed Maj. Jude Salang-oy and 1st Lt. AJ Dadulla.
鈥淭heir 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,鈥� the AFP said in a statement.
鈥淎s we grieve this profound loss, we also draw strength from their heroism鈥攁 reminder that our freedom and peace are built upon the sacrifices of those who stand guard,鈥� it added.
READ: Palace says Marcos wants swift probe into fighter jet crash
Their bravery, AFP also said, 鈥渨ill forever serve as a beacon, inspiring every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine in the AFP.鈥�
At a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President wanted to know 鈥渨hat went wrong and what the remedies are for such situations.鈥�
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鈥� 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鈥檚 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the 鈥渃harred bodies鈥� 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鈥檚 fuselage was 鈥渟till recognizable (although) it had lost its wings.鈥�
Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, the PAF spokesperson, said investigators would 鈥渓ook at the general area (and) the aircraft parts that are remaining (in the crash site).鈥�
They had also done an initial investigation on 鈥渢he processes, tactics, techniques, and procedures that [were] being carried out for the mission,鈥� she added. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 something that we have to reassess also.鈥�
Castillo said the probe would be comprehensive and 鈥渓ook at all angles (such as) material factor, mechanical factor, human factor.鈥�
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 鈥渧ery proficient and skilled,鈥� their medical and mental state records will also be checked.
Honoring Salang-oy
Salang-oy鈥檚 family in Kalinga province had begun preparing for his wake and burial.
The pilot鈥檚 local community helped shape him into 鈥渁n officer and a gentleman鈥� and would now honor his life and service to the country, according to Kalinga Rep. Allen Mangaoang.
Salang-oy鈥檚 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. 鈥擶ITH REPORTS FROM JOSELLE BADILLA, RYAN ROSAURO AND VINCENT CABREZA