Philippines: 2 fighter jet pilots found dead in FA-50 crash

Manila: The remains of two pilots aboard the missing FA-50 fighter jet were discovered on Wednesday inside the aircraft, which crashed in the Kalatungan mountain range in Bukidnon province.

Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command, confirmed that the pilots were found around 11 am on March 5, 2025.

“Yes,” Bergante responded when asked if the pilots were inside the aircraft. “Just now, around 11 am,” he told local media in Filipino language.

Search and rescue teams from the special forces were deployed to retrieve the pilots’ remains.

In a separate statement, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo confirmed the tragic loss.

“The Philippine Air Force FA-50 aircraft reported missing has been located by ground troops in the Mt. Kalatungan Complex, Bukidnon, today, March 5, 2025,” Castillo announced.

“With deep regret and profound sadness, the PAF announces the loss of the two pilots aboard.”

The PAF has temporarily grounded its FA-50 fleet pending a thorough investigation into the accident.

Castillo assured that support would be extended to the bereaved families. “We request the nation’s prayers for the eternal repose of our fallen pilots, whose service and heroism we deeply honor,” she said.

The FA-50 fighter jet went missing during a tactical night operation on March 4.

It was en route to Mactan Airbase in Cebu when it lost communication with another aircraft “minutes before reaching the target area.”

The ill-fated jet was on a mission to provide air support against rebels in Bukidnon. Troops and civilian volunteers braved rough weather to locate the wreckage and recover the pilots.

The PAF acquired its FA-50 fleet from Korea Aerospace Industries for Php18.9 billion.

The Philippines currently has 12 FA-50PH fighter jets, and has announced plans to buy 12 more. The FA-50 is the only combat-capable aircraft in the Philippine Air Force's inventory.