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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PAF identifies 2 pilots killed in Benguet crash

PAF identifies 2 pilots killed in Benguet crash

Published May 20, 2026 09:59 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine Air Force (PAF) identified the two pilots killed in the crash of an Aermacchi SF-260 trainer aircraft in Tuba, Benguet as First Lieutenant Ruth Angelique R. Pasos and Second Lieutenant Cherky E. Embudo.
  • Both pilots were assigned to the Air Education and Training Command at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas.
  • They were conducting a navigation training mission to Baguio City when the aircraft lost communication minutes before arriving at Loakan Airport.
First Lieutenant Ruth Angelique R. Pasos and Second Lieutenant Cherky E. Embudo (Courtesy of Philippine Air Force)
First Lieutenant Ruth Angelique R. Pasos and Second Lieutenant Cherky E. Embudo (Courtesy of Philippine Air Force)
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday night, May 20, identified the two pilots killed in the crash of an Aermacchi SF-260 trainer aircraft in Tuba, Benguet during a military training flight.
In a statement, the PAF identified the fatalities as First Lieutenant Ruth Angelique R. Pasos and Second Lieutenant Cherky E. Embudo, both assigned to the Air Education and Training Command at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas.
Pasos and Embudo perished in the mishap that occurred during a sortie under the Military Pilot Training program.
“The Philippine Air Force extends its deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, loved ones, friends, and fellow airmen of our fallen pilots,” the PAF said.
“Their courage, dedication, and commitment to duty will always be remembered by the Philippine Air Force and the nation they faithfully served,” it added.
The military earlier said the aircraft went down in Barangay Cabuyao around 10:30 a.m. with two pilots onboard.
The aircraft had departed from Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, a primary hub for pilot training, as part of a formation flight headed for Baguio City for a navigation mission over northern Luzon. Such flights are routine for the Air Force to test the situational awareness and flight planning of trainees over mountainous terrain.
The aircraft lost communication minutes before it was supposed to arrive at Loakan Airport in Baguio City. Search teams later found the wreckage in a mountainous area in Tuba.
The PAF did not immediately release details on what caused the crash but an investigation was already conducted to shed light on the incident.
“Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their memory will continue to inspire generations of Filipino airmen,” the PAF said.
The SF-260 is one of the PAF’s primary trainer aircraft used to prepare military pilots before they transition to helicopters and fighter aircraft.
The platform has long been part of the PAF’s pilot training program because of its light frame and aerobatic capability.
The crash occurred just as the PAF was expanding its air defense and territorial security missions amid growing operational demands. In recent years, the military has pushed to strengthen pilot training as it acquires new aircraft and upgrades its aerial capabilities.

Related Tags

Philippine Air Force crash Benguet Aermacchi SF-260
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