A Philippine Air Force (PAF) investigating team has arrived at the crash site of an FA-50 fighter jet in Mt. Kalatungan Range, Bukidnon, to determine the cause of the accident.
PAF Spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said multiple angles are being examined, including the aircraft’s maintenance and flight records. Initial investigations began at the PAF headquarters before authorities proceeded to the crash site.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident to prevent similar occurrences. The fighter jet went missing during a flight mission on Tuesday and was found crashed in the mountainous region on Wednesday. The bodies of the two pilots were recovered at the site.
Malacañang extended condolences to the bereaved families of the pilots. Meanwhile, all FA-50 fighter jets have been temporarily grounded while investigations are ongoing. However, the PAF clarified that if a national emergency arises, the fleet may still be deployed, provided that the aircraft are deemed safe for flight.
