FALLEN HEROES. Air Force officers carry the flag-draped caskets of FA-50 fighter pilots Maj. Jude Salang-Oy and 1st Lt. April John Dadulla upon arrival at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday (March 8, 2025). In recognition of their courage and selfless service, the two military pilots were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Aviation Cross, the highest honor for valor and exceptional contributions to military aviation. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) rendered solemn military honors to fallen FA-50 fighter pilots Major Jude Salang-Oy and First Lieutenant April John Dadulla.
The remains of the two pilots arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday and a ceremony was held to honor their bravery and sacrifice.
Leading the tribute were Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr; Special Assistant to the President, Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr; AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr; and PAF commanding general Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura.
The remains of the two were received by their families and loved ones.
On March 4, the pilots' FA-50 jet crashed during a tactical night operation in support of ground troops in the mountains. The jet was initially reported missing.
A day after, rescuers retrieved the bodies of the two pilots from Mount Kalatungan in Bukidnon.
In recognition of their courage and selfless service, both officers were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Aviation Cross, the highest honor for valor and exceptional contributions to military aviation.
“Their heroism in the face of danger reflects the very best of the Air Force’s values,” PAF Public Affairs Office chief Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement.
Vigil nights will be observed at Villamor Air Base and Basa Air Base in Pampanga to allow colleagues to pay their respects while interment details are still to be finalized by the families. (With Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
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