Fallen pilots given full military honors

Full military departure honors were accorded to the remains of the fallen "Gurdians of the Skies," Major Jude S. Salang-Oy and 1st Lieutenant April John B. Dadulla, at Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City on 8 March 2025.

The remains of the FA-50 fighter pilots were ferried aboard a C-130 aircraft from Lumbia Airport to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Base Operations, Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City today, March 8, 2025.

Upon arrival in Manila, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., AFP Chief of Staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr. and PAF chief Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura PAF, led the execution of solemn military honors.

The officials extended their sympathies and prayers to the bereaved families of the fallen soldiers.

Both the aircrew received a Distinguished Aviation Cross, the highest honor for valor and exceptional contributions to military aviation.

"Their heroism serves as an inspiration to all members of the Philippine Air Force and to the Filipino people. As Guardians of the Skies, we will continue to honor their legacy by upholding the values of service, duty, and sacrifice that they so valiantly embodied," Castillo said.

Investigation ongoing

In an interview, PAF Spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said investigators are still examining the crash site and assessing possible causes of the accident.

“At the moment, the investigation is ongoing, in fact our investigating team from the Philippine Air Force walked almost the entire day up Mt. Kalatungan to look at the crash site. At the same time, even before they climbed the mountain, there was already an investigation at their headquarters,” she said.

She added that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., along with the PAF chain of command, has directed a thorough investigation into the incident.

Vigils for the fallen

Following their arrival at Villamor, Castillo said a vigil would be held at the airbase for one day before the bodies would be transferred to Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga, where their fellow airmen would hold another vigil.

After this, the PAF will allow the families to conduct their own vigils and other memorial activities.

“After that, it will be up to the members of the family to decide on where the remaining days of vigil and at the same time the internment services,” Castillo said.

Assistance for bereaved families

Castillo assured that the families of the fallen airmen would receive assistance from the PAF.

This includes benefits from the PAF Mutual Relief System and Special Financial Assistance under Republic Act 6963, which provides aid to families of police, military, and fire personnel killed or permanently injured in the line of duty.

The bereaved families will also receive financial benefits from other institutions that the airmen were members of, ensuring continued support in the wake of their loss.