The Philippine Air Force (PAF) honored FA-50 fighter pilot Major Jude Salang-oy, one of the two airmen who died in the crash last week, as his remains were flown to Pampanga on Sunday to receive tributes from his comrades.
PAF Chief Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura led the departure honors at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City before the transfer to Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga.
A three-night vigil will be held at Basa Air Base, where fellow airmen will have the opportunity to offer prayers and pay their final respects to Maj. Salang-oy.
Meanwhile, the remains of First Lieutenant April John Dadulla are set to arrive at Basa Air Base on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, before being transported to his hometown in Cagayan de Oro City.
“The Philippine Air Force continues its thorough investigation into the FA-50 crash on Mt. Kalatungan, Bukidnon, which claimed the lives of Major Salang-oy and First Lieutenant Dadulla,” the PAF said in a statement.
“The PAF remains steadfast in its commitment to flight safety and will implement measures to prevent such tragedies in the future,” it added.