Search for missing PAF jet fighter, crew still ongoing
Philippine News Agency
By Priam Nepomuceno
March 5, 2025, 10:01 am
MANILA -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday said the search for the South Korean-made FA-50PH jet fighter that went missing Tuesday is still ongoing.
In a message to reporters, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said they have already identified a possible location.
"May general area na po tayo na tinitignan (we are now looking at a general area)," she added without giving further details.
On Tuesday night, Castillo said ground troops or rescuers were tracking the location of the two pilots of the FA-50PH based on the signal emitted by their personal locator beacons.
She said updates would be released once there are developments.
The missing FA-50PH is part of the PHP18.9-billion 12-aircraft deal with the Korea Aerospace Industries and delivered from 2015 to 2017.
The jet fighter and its crew went missing during a "tactical night" operation.
"A major development in the PAF. Shortly after midnight on March 4, 2025, an FA-50 fighter jet went missing during a tactical night operation. The aircraft lost communication with the rest of the flight involved in the mission minutes before reaching the target area," Castillo said.
She said other FA-50PH tried to reestablish contact with the aircraft that went missing until their return to Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu to no avail.
"The PAF is conducting extensive and thorough search operations, utilizing all available resources to locate the missing jet fighter aircraft. Our primary concern right now is the safe return of our aircrew. We are hopeful of locating them and the aircraft soon and ask you to join us in prayer during this critical time. Further details will be provided once they are available," Castillo added.
She said this is the first major incident involving the FA-50PH since it was formally acquired by the PAF in November 2015. (PNA)
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