Two pilots were found dead inside a missing FA-50 fighter jet that crashed on Wednesday morning in the Kalatungan mountain range in Bukidnon province.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed the deaths of the two pilots in a statement. PAF spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo said the jet had been located by ground troops near Mt. Kalatungan.
“The Philippine Air Force FA-50 aircraft reported missing has been located by ground troops in the vicinity of the Mt. Kalatungan Complex, Bukidnon, today, March 5, 2025,” Castillo said.
“With deep regret and profound sadness, the PAF announces the loss of the two pilots aboard,” she added.
The PAF has already sent its condolences to the bereaved families and will provide necessary support “during this difficult time,” according to Castillo.
“We also request the nation’s prayers for the eternal repose of our fallen pilots, whose service and heroism we deeply honor,” she added.
The FA-50 fighter jet, which went missing during a tactical night operation on March 4, was en route to Mactan Airbase in Cebu. The aircraft lost communication with a fellow jet shortly before reaching the target area around midnight.
The jet had been providing air support to government troops combating communist rebels in Bukidnon when the incident occurred.
Despite difficult weather conditions, soldiers and civilian volunteers began the search on Tuesday, with a military helicopter aiding in the recovery effort.
In a separate press briefing, Lt. Col. Salvacion Evangelista, spokesperson for the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command, said the crash occurred in the mountains of Barangay Miarayon in Talakag town.
Due to the incident, the PAF said it has grounded its FA-50 fleet and will conduct a thorough investigation into the crash.
The PAF currently operates 11 FA-50 jets, part of a fleet purchased from Korea Aerospace Industries for P18.9 billion in 2014.