CEBU CITY — Operations are underway to find a Philippine Air Force (PAF) fighter jet that went missing during what was called a Tactical Night Operations past midnight Tuesday, March 4.
In a statement, the PAF said an FA-50 fighter jet lost communication with the rest of the flight involved in the mission minutes before reaching the target area.
“The other aircraft repeatedly attempted to re-establish contact with the missing aircraft until their return to Mactan, Cebu,” the PAF said.
The PAF said it is conducting extensive and thorough search operations, utilizing all available resources, to locate the missing jet fighter aircraft.
“Our primary concern is the safe return of our aircrew. We are hopeful of locating them and the aircraft soon, and ask you to join us in prayer during this critical time,” the PAF said.
Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo, spokesperson of PAF, did not provide more details pending operations to locate the fighter jet.
“We cannot divulge any other information to ensure the security and safety of the ongoing operations to include the ongoing search and possible recovery operations,” Castillo said.
Castillo said there are two pilots for one aircraft.
Tactical night operations are part of the PAF’s regular support to the ongoing operations of the Unified Commands.
Castillo added that it was the first major incident involving an FA-50 fighter jet.
“Currently, we cannot disclose yet the tail number of the aircraft,” Castillo said.
Castillo said there is no declaration yet to ground the PAF’s 11 other fighter jets.
“We are more concerned about the safety of the aircrew right now, and we are still very optimistic that they are safe,” Castillo said.