A Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jet went missing during a tactical night mission in support of ground troops battling insurgents in southern Mindanao. The aircraft lost communication shortly before reaching its target area, resulting in an extensive search operation which eventually led to the tragic discovery of the wreckage and the bodies of the two crew members on Wednesday, March 5.

According to Air Force spokeswoman Colonel Consuelo Castillo, this marked the first significant incident involving the squadron of FA-50 jets since their acquisition from South Korea in a military modernization deal worth approximately 18.9 billion pesos (around $331 million) in 2015. The aircraft were deployed from the Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, pitching operations amidst regional tensions involving insurgent groups such as the New People's Army.

Lieutenant General Luis Rex Bergante, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, revealed that the wreckage was found on Mount Kalatungan, a challenging terrain where the aircraft appears to have crashed into the trees. Initial assessments suggested the crew had attempted to eject before the impact, although the investigation into the causes of the crash is ongoing.

Rescue efforts were initially complicated by security threats posed by nearby insurgents, leading to temporary suspensions until conditions were deemed safe. This incident has raised concerns about the operational safety and future use of the remaining FA-50 fleet, which has been integral to the Philippine military’s capability to confront both domestic and maritime security challenges in the South China Sea.

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