The Distinguished Aviation Cross was awarded to two Philippine Air Force (PAF)pilots, Major Jude Salang-Oy and 1st Lieutenant April John Dadulla, in recognition of their bravery and flying skills. The two died after their FA-50 fighter jet crashed in Mount Kalatungan, Bukidnon on March 4. The next day, the wreckage of the plane was found, confirming that the two pilots were no longer alive.
Their remains arrived at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City on Saturday, March 8, at around 3 p.m., aboard a C-130 plane from Lumbia Airfield, Cagayan de Oro City. They were warmly welcomed by their families and service colleagues, and given military honors by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the government. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo were present, but President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was unable to attend due to an "urgent matter."
According to PAF spokesperson Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo, the Distinguished Aviation Cross is the highest award for military pilots who have demonstrated bravery and exceptional flying skills. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing, with Castillo saying that the investigating team walked for more than a day to reach the crash site on Mount Kalatungan. The President issued a directive to ensure a thorough investigation and to follow the chain of command in the investigation.
As part of the tribute, a vigil was held at Villamor Air Base and Basa Air Base, Pampanga, where other PAF personnel and officers may visit. The pilots' families have requested that their private mourning be respected and that they will also decide where the burial will be held. Meanwhile, Major Salang-Oy's son will receive educational assistance from the Air Force in support of the bereaved family.
There are questions about whether the FA-50 fighter jet was used in military airstrikes in Mindanao. According to Colonel Castillo, the PAF is supporting the AFP's military operations, but he did not directly confirm whether the jet was involved in the airstrike. The loss of the jet occurred almost simultaneously with AFP airstrikes in the Pantaron mountain range, Northern Mindanao, on March 4. According to Colonel Antonio Duluan Jr. of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, they requested PAF support to weaken the defenses of suspected NPA rebels in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.
