The missing FA-50 fighter jet of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) was found at Mt. Kalatungan mountain range in Talakag, Bukidnon, the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

4ID spokesperson, Lt. Col. Francisco Garello, said the bodies of the two pilots were found near the wreckage.

Garello said troops of the 403rd Brigade found the missing aircraft during search and rescue operation.

In a report by GMA News Online, the FA-50 fighter jet went missing during a tactical night operation in support of ground troops.

PAF spokesperson, Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo, said the aircraft went missing early Tuesday morning after it lost communication with the rest of the flight.

“Shortly after midnight on March 4, 2025, an FA-50 fighter jet, went missing during a Tactical Night Operations. The aircraft lost communication with the rest of the flight involved in the mission minutes before reaching the target area,” she said.

Garello said the jet provided air support to the troops fighting at least 60 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Silae, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon past 12 midnight on March 4.

“To soften the ground and to preserve our forces and avoid casualties our troops on the ground requested an air support and artillery fire support,” Garello said.

He said three FA-50 fighter jets from Mactan, Cebu Air Base were launching air strikes in the area. However, the ill-fated fighter jet with tail number 002 lost communication with the other aircrafts.

In a statement, PAF said its FA-50 fleet was grounded and assured a thorough investigation into the accident.

“The PAF has grounded its FA-50 fleet and will ensure a thorough investigation into the accident. We are committed to providing all the necessary support to the bereaved families during this difficult time,” PAF said.

(With reports from GMA News Online, James Paolo Yap, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)