The Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced on Friday that its investigation team has reached the crash site of a downed FA-50PH fighter jet in Mount Kalatungan, Bukidnon province, and the bodies of the two pilots have been recovered.

According to PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, the team faced challenges due to “poor signals” in the remote area, adding that investigators trekked for more than six hours to reach the crash site.

The pilots’ bodies were recovered and transported down the mountain in a five-hour descent, then taken to Cagayan de Oro for forensic examination.

Castillo said investigators will examine the wreckage and the aircraft’s “point of impact.” Security has been tightened at the site to ensure an accurate investigation.

The PAF has not yet released the cause of the crash, the first involving an FA-50PH since the aircraft were acquired from South Korea between 2015 and 2017. The Philippines acquired 12 FA-50PHs from Korea Aerospace Industries for P18.9 billion.

On Friday afternoon, the PAF officially identified the fallen pilots as Major Jude S. Salang-Oy and First Lieutenant April John B. Dadulla.

“Both brave fighter jet pilots lost their lives in a fatal crash at Mt. Kalatungan, Bukidnon during a tactical night operation in support of ground troops on 4 March 2025,” the PAF said in a statement.

PAF said Salang-Oy was a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Siklab Diwa” Class of 2014 and served the Philippine Air Force “with distinction for over a decade, flying numerous critical missions throughout his career.”

Dadulla, on the other hand, was a proud member of the Philippine Air Force Officer Candidate Course “SINAGLAWIN” Class of 2020.

The PAF said Dadulla “displayed exceptional skills and proficiency, qualifying him to fly the most advanced PAF fighter aircraft.”

“Until their last moments, both pilots embodied unwavering dedication and commitment to serving the nation,” it said.

Meantime, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the fallen pilots exemplified the “extraordinary courage” of Filipino soldiers.

“Their unwavering dedication, bravery, and ultimate sacrifice are a testament to the extraordinary courage of every Filipino soldier who answers the call to serve our nation,” Trinidad said in a statement Thursday night.

To recall, the pilots were flying FA-50PH tail number 002 and were to provide air support to government troops when they went missing on 4 March. The wreckage was found the following morning.

“As we grieve this profound loss, we also draw strength from their heroism — a reminder that our freedom and peace are built upon the sacrifices of those who stand guard,” Trinidad said.

He offered condolences to the pilots’ families and said the AFP shares their grief.

Castillo also confirmed that the aircraft’s black box, or flight data recorder, has been recovered.