Remains of ill-fated FA-50 jet pilots arrive in Pasay

The remains of the two pilots of the ill-fated FA-50 fighter jet arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was not able to attend the arrival honors for Major Jude Salang-Oy and First Lieutenant April John Dadulla due to an urgent matter.

Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo represented the Chief Executive.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine Air Force commanding general Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura, and the families of the fallen pilots were also present to receive the remains, which were flown from Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City on a C-130 aircraft. 

''In recognition of their extraordinary courage and selfless service, both officers were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Aviation Cross, the highest honor for valor and exceptional contributions to military aviation. Their heroism in the face of danger reflects the very best of the Air Force’s values,'' the PAF said in a statement. 

''To honor the fallen fighter pilots, vigil nights will be observed at Villamor Air Base and Basa Air Base, to allow fellow airmen to pay their respects and tribute. The interment details are still to be finalized by their respective families,'' it added.

The FA-50 fighter jet with tail number 002 went missing early Tuesday morning during a tactical night operation in support of ground troops, according to the PAF.

On Wednesday morning, the aircraft was found totally wrecked with two cadavers in the vicinity of the Mt. Kalatungan Complex.

Marcos wanted an immediate probe into what happened to the FA-50, according to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro during a press briefing on Thursday. 

PAF spokesperson Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo said on Friday that an investigation team had arrived at Mt. Kalatungan to check the wreckage, the point of impact, and other potential clues as to what caused the fatal crash.

Castillo said strict security is being implemented to preserve the crash site. —VAL/VBL, GMA Integrated News