Tabuk City, Kalinga – An iKalinga soldier is one of the two pilots aboard FA-50 fighter jet of the Philippine Air Force which crashed during an anti-insurgency mission earlier this week.
One of the casualties in the incident is Major Jude Salang-oy, his family member confirmed to GURU Press Cordillera. Salang-oy is from Tabuk City, Kalinga but currently residing in Luna, Apayao.
The iKalinga military pilot and his colleague was found dead inside the totally wrecked jet on Wednesday, March 5, at the vicinity of the Mt. Kalatungan Complex in Bukidnon following a full-scale search.
“We were supposed to be rejoicing kasi tatta met lang donning ni uncle na,” the family member lamented, describing that his uncle, the Brigade Commander of 51st Engineer Brigade in Quezon City, joined the list of generals from Tabuk City.
Fighter jet gone missing during anti-insurgency
Salang-oy was aboard the FA-50 fighter jet deployed to provide combat support to troops battling suspected members of the New People’s Army in Bukidnon. However, the jet was said to have lost contact with the rest of the flight ‘several minutes before they reached the target area of operations’ past midnight on Tuesday, March 4.
This prompted a search and recovery operation which posed some challenges to the rescuers and volunteers due to the mountainous terrain and weather conditions. Through signals from aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter and locator beacons, the jet was found.
Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command Commander, Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante, in a press conference, said that Salang-oy and his fellow pilot were found inside the aircraft which was totally wreaked.
The death of the two pilots was confirmed by the Philippine Air Force, in a statement, on Wednesday, saying, “with deep regret and profound sadness, the PAF announces the loss of the two pilots aboard.”
The PAF assured a thorough investigation into the accident.
“We are committed to providing all the necessary support to the bereaved families during this difficult time. Meanwhile, we also request the nation’s prayers for the eternal repose of our fallen pilots, whose service and heroism we deeply honor,” the PAF further wrote.
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