Authorities have recovered the remains of a Philippine Air Force fighter jet and its two pilots after the aircraft crashed during a combat mission in Bukidnon province, southern Philippines.
The FA-50 jet lost contact during an overnight operation on Tuesday aimed at supporting troops engaged in a firefight against suspected communist rebels in the town of Cabanglasan. While other aircraft involved in the mission returned safely to Cebu, the FA-50 failed to make it back.
Military officials said special forces discovered the wreckage on Mount Kalatungan, describing the crash site as “a total wreck.” The bodies of the two pilots were also found near the crash area.
It remains uncertain whether the pilots attempted to eject before the crash. An investigation has been launched to determine what caused the incident.
Following the accident, the Air Force temporarily grounded its remaining 11 FA-50 jets. These aircraft, acquired from South Korea starting in 2015 under a ₱18.9 billion ($331 million) modernization deal, are used in various operations, from combat missions to patrols in contested areas like the South China Sea.
The military continues operations against the New People’s Army, whose numbers have significantly decreased over the years. Although peace talks resumed in 2023, formal negotiations have yet to restart under the current administration.
