The Philippine Air Force (PAF) transported the remains of Major Jude S. Salang-Oy, one of the two pilots who died during an aviation accident in Bukidnon last week, to Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga.
The Air Force, led by Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, rendered solemn departure honors for Salang-Oy at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Sunday, March 9, according to PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo.
Salang-Oy’s remains were brought to Basa Air Base, the home of the 5th Fighter Wing where he was assigned, so that his fellow fighter pilots could pay their last respects.
“The remains of the fallen fighter pilot will have a three-night vigil at Basa Air Base, allowing fellow airmen to offer their prayers, respect, and tribute,” Castillo said.
Meanwhile, the remains of Salang-Oy’s co-pilot, First Lieutenant April John B. Dadulla, will be flown to Basa Air Base on Tuesday, March 11, and then ferried to Cagayan de Oro City with his family.
Castillo said the PAF continues its thorough investigation into the crash of the FA-50 being flown by Salang-Oy and Dadulla.
She also disclosed that the grounded fleet of FA-50s of PAF could be deployed whenever the need arises.
“Our aircraft are available anytime that they are needed to respond to any emergencies or issues of national concern,” she said.
The PAF earlier grounded the entire fleet of FA-50, all 11 units of the said fighter jet, pending the results of the investigation on the crash.
However, the grounding of the FA-50s had a big impact to the operations of the PAF as the fighter jets were used in multiple missions such as anti-insurgency operations and patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
It can be recalled that an FA-50 fighter jet with tail number “002” flown by Salang-Oy and Dadulla crashed on Mt. Kalatungan on March 4 while on tactical night operations.
The wreckage of the fighter jet and the remains of the two pilots were found a day after. Among the angles being pursued by investigators as to the cause of the crash include mechanical and human factors.