THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored the bravery and sacrifice of the two FA-50 fighter pilots who perished in a crash in Bukidnon last week.
Leading the tribute held upon the arrival of late Major Jude Salang-Oy and First Lieutenant April John Dadulla at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Saturday, March 8, 2025, were Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.; Special Assistant to the President, Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr.; AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.; and PAF Commanding General, Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura.
Through them, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended his sympathies and prayers to the bereaved families of the fallen airmen.
“The ceremony served as a heartfelt tribute to the fallen airmen who dedicated their lives in service to the nation,” the AFP said.
“Their unwavering commitment and bravery were honored as their families, comrades, and the Filipino people mourned their loss while honoring their legacy,” it added.
On March 4, the PAF FA-50 fighter jet crash landed at the Kalatungan mountain in Bukidnon shortly after midnight during a tactical night operation in support of ground troops.
Dadulla was supposed to get married on March 15. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)