The two Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots who died after their FA-50 fighter jet crashed in Bukidnon on March 4 have been laid to rest, the PAF said Tuesday.
Major Jude Salang-oy was buried in Tabuk City, Kalinga on March 15, while First Lieutenant April John Dadulla was buried in Cagayan de Oro on March 17.
According to Major Joseph Richard Calma,
"The PAF stands in solidarity with their families and loved ones in their grief. Their dedication, courage, and sacrifice will remain an inspiration to our soldiers and the entire nation."
The PAF is still conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
The flight data recorder of the crashed FA-50 jet has been sent to the United States for data extraction and analysis. This will provide details such as altitude, airspeed, and flight path to determine what problems the pilots faced.
Also included in the investigation is Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the manufacturer of the aircraft.
""The PAF remains committed to being transparent and thorough in this investigation," Calma added."
The FA-50 jet with tail number “002” crashed into Mount Kalatungan in Bukidnon at midnight on March 4 while it was providing close air support to ground troops conducting operations against members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Other, Cabanglasan town.
The wreckage of the plane and the bodies of Salang-oy and Dadulla were found the next day.
