MANILA: (Bernama-PNA) The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday (March 5) announced that its 11 remaining FA-50PH jet fighters have been ordered grounded following the crash of the South Korean-made aircraft that killed two pilots on Tuesday (March 4).
The Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported that this was after PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, in an online press briefing, announced that ground troops have located the missing FA-50PH with tail number 002 in the vicinity of the Mount Kalatungan Complex in Bukidnon province.
She said the Air Force would conduct a "thorough investigation" to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Despite the grounding of the remaining FA-50PHs, Castillo assured the public that the PAF would be able to monitor and defend the country's airspace using its other aircraft, radar systems and its ground-based air defence systems.
FA-50PH with tail number 002 was reported missing shortly after midnight of March 4 as it was about to take part in "tactical night" operation along with other similar jet fighters.
Castillo said that aircraft lost contact with the others "several minutes before they reached their target area of operation."
"A full-scale search and rescue operation, initiated on March 4, 2025, involved the PAF, the Philippine Army, and local civilian volunteers in the mountainous terrain of Bukidnon. The operation prioritised the pilot recovery," she added.
Using signals from the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter and locator beacons, PAF aircraft conducted aerial searches as part of their attempts to spot the downed aircraft and its crew.
Despite challenging conditions including dense fog and difficult terrain, Castillo said that PAF helicopters successfully deployed Army special forces and civilian volunteers for ground searches.
Despite these gallant efforts, Castillo said the two pilots aboard the ill-fated jet fighter did not survive the mishap.
"With deep regret and profound sadness, the PAF announces the loss of the two pilots aboard," she said.
Castillo did not provide the identities of the fallen aviators and cited the need to first inform their families.
"We are committed to providing all the necessary support to the bereaved families during this difficult time," she said.
"Meanwhile, we also request the nation's prayers for the eternal repose of our fallen pilots, whose service and heroism we deeply honour."
Castillo said that the crashed FA-50PH was a "force provider" and was constantly called upon to provide air requirements to operating units in the field.
"Now as to the confirmation to which specific operation our aircraft contributed to or supported, it would be up to our 'force employers' in this case, the EastMinCom (Eastern Mindanao Command), to provide the confirmation for this," she added. - Bernama-PNA
