The two military pilots who died in a jet crash in Bukidnon earlier this month have been laid to rest, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said Tuesday, March 18.
The remains of Major Jude Salang-Oy were buried in Tabuk City, Kalinga on March 15 while First Lieutenant April John Dadulla was interred in Cagayan de Oro City on March 17.
"The PAF stood in solidarity with their families and loved ones during the solemn moment. Their dedication, bravery, and commitment to duty will forever be remembered as an inspiration to our airmen and the entire nation," PAF public affairs office assistant chief Major Joseph Richard Calma said during a press briefing Tuesday, March 18.
The PAF continues its investigation on the incident.
The flight data recorder of the ill-fated FA-50 fighter jet with tail number "002" was sent to the United States for data extraction and analysis.
No timeline has been given as to the completion of the probe, which aims to determine what caused the crashed.
“The PAF remains committed to ensuring transparency and due diligence in this matter and will provide updates as soon as verified information becomes available,” Calma said.
The FA-50 fighter jet being flown by Salang-Oy and Dadulla went missing on March 4 while on tactical night operations in support of ground operations by the Philippine Army against New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Bukidnon.
The wreckage was found a day later on top of Mt. Kalatungan in Talakag town.
Both pilots were assigned at PAF's 5th Fighter Wing based at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga.