The Philippine Air Force (PAF) confirmed on Wednesday its missing FA-50 fighter jet was located by ground troops near the Mount Kalatungan Complex in Bukidnon province. The two pilots aboard the aircraft were found dead.

“With deep regret and profound sadness, the PAF announces the loss of the two pilots,” said PAF spokesperson Col. Maria Consuelo Castillo in a press briefing.

The aircraft went missing on Tuesday while providing air support to Philippine Army troops engaged in combat with communist rebels in northern Mindanao. It was performing reconnaissance and air strikes in support of the military operation.

A full-scale search and rescue operation, which began immediately after the aircraft disappeared, involved the PAF, Philippine Army, and local civilian volunteers.

The mountainous terrain around Mount Kalatungan posed a significant challenge to the search teams, who had to navigate through dense fog and rugged terrain.

The operation tracked the aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter, locator beacons, with aerial support from other PAF jets.

“Despite challenging conditions, including dense fog and difficult terrain, PAF helicopters successfully deployed Army special forces and civilian volunteers for ground searches,” Castillo said.

The wreckage of the FA-50 was located at around 11 a.m.

The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) confirmed that the two pilots were found inside the wreckage at the crash site.

EastMinCom spokesperson Lt. Col. Salvacion Evangelista said the aircraft had crashed into dense forest and mountain trees, and that there was evidence of an attempt by the pilots to eject or deploy parachutes.

The FA-50 is a multi-role jet fighter used in air defense, counterinsurgency, and patrol operations. It is part of the PAF’s modernization program and has been involved in a number of important operations, including air patrols over the South China Sea, where tensions between the Philippines and China have been rising.

“We are committed to providing all necessary support to the bereaved families during this difficult time. Meanwhile, we request the nation’s prayers for the eternal repose of our fallen pilots, whose service and heroism we deeply honor,” Evangelista said.

The PAF grounded its entire FA-50 fleet following the crash, pending a full investigation into the cause of the accident.

Castillo assured the public that a thorough inquiry will be conducted into the crash, with military authorities focused on ensuring the safety of its fleet.

The investigation will involve safety experts, including the manufacturer, and will examine aircraft maintenance records, pilot profiles, weather conditions, and flight procedures.

Meanwhile, the PAF will use its remaining SIAI Marchetti S-211 jet trainers for maritime patrols while the FA-50 fleet is grounded.

Castillo explained that the S211s are primarily used for training future fighter pilots but can also be used for maritime patrols.

The S211s are capable of close-air support missions, carrying guns, rockets and bombs.

Pilots had extensive training

The two pilots, who were not identified in the initial statements, had extensive training and experience in both day and night air operations, according to Castillo.

The pilots were described as highly skilled and well-trained in combat missions.

The crash occurred in a region that has been a hotspot for insurgent activity, as government forces continue their operations against the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The area is known for its difficult terrain and the presence of rebel groups.