The remains of the two pilots of the FA-50 fighter jet that crashed in Bukidnon have been recovered from the aircraft.
4th Infantry Division Spokesperson Lt. Col. Francisco Garello reported that the remains will be taken to the municipality of Pangantucan before being transported to Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro.
Col. Ma. Consuelo "Bon" Castillo, spokesperson for the Philippine Air Force, revealed that arrangements are being made to honor the soldiers, who are being hailed as heroes for their service.
In a separate interview at Camp Aguinaldo, Castillo confirmed that the flight data recorder, commonly known as the 'black box' in non-military planes, has also been recovered.
Forensic investigations and other forms of inquiry are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Meanwhile, the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) stated that the military's hot pursuit operation continues as they attempt to corner approximately 60 members of the communist-terrorist group in Bukidnon.
It was initially reported that the FA-50 was deployed to support the Army’s operations against the said group.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH’s Dos Por Dos on Thursday, Castillo stated that the PAF will expedite the investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
The PAF previously admitted that the suspension of FA-50 fighter jet operations would significantly affect the country’s capacity to monitor its territory, including its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
On Wednesday, the totally wrecked aircraft was reportedly found at Mount Kalatungan, Bukidnon, along with the two pilots, who were found dead.
The FA-50 fighter jet went missing on Tuesday after allegedly losing its signal during a tactical night operation.
