The Department of National Defense (DND) is conducting an investigation into the mid-air collision involving two Philippine Air Force (PAF) SF-260 trainer aircraft that killed four military pilots at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City on October 23.
In a statement Monday, October 26, the DND said investigators would examine the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine its cause and identify possible safety lapses.
“An investigation is ongoing and will be conducted thoroughly and objectively to establish the facts, determine the causes, and identify any gaps that require corrective action and prevent similar tragedies,” the department said.
The collision occurred at approximately 3:51 p.m. during a routine training flight at Fernando Air Base.
PAF spokesperson Col. Alvin Jay Capinguian confirmed that both aircraft crashed within the military installation.
“Both aircraft went down within the base perimeter, with no other casualties reported,” Capinguian said.
Following the incident, the PAF ordered the temporary grounding of its remaining SF-260 aircraft as a precautionary measure while the investigation continues.
The SF-260 is a light aircraft used for military pilot training and aerobatic operations.
The Air Force identified the four pilots who died in the crash as Capt. Raymart Cabangcala of Pangasinan, 1st Lt. Angeleo Adrian Peñaflor of Cagayan, Capt. Ma. Melvin Acebuque of Baguio City, and Maj. David Joshua Rojo.
The PAF said it was coordinating assistance for the bereaved families of the fallen personnel.
Meanwhile, the DND paid tribute to the pilots, recognizing their dedication and service to the country.
“Their service and sacrifice for the nation will not be forgotten,” the department said.
Authorities have yet to announce the cause of the collision as investigators continue gathering evidence and assessing possible corrective measures to prevent similar incidents.
