The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has identified the two pilots who died after an SF-260 trainer aircraft crashed in Tuba, Benguet on Wednesday morning.
In a statement posted on social media, the PAF said it mourns the death of instructor pilot 1Lt. Angelique Pasos and aviator student 2Lt. Cherky Embudo, who were on board the aircraft during a military pilot training flight.
The SF-260 was one of 10 trainer planes that departed Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas as part of the scheduled training activity. The aircraft went down at around 10:30 am in Tuba while en route to Baguio City.
The PAF paid tribute to Pasos and Embudo, honoring their service and sacrifice as members of the Air Force.
“Their courage, dedication, and commitment to duty will always be remembered by the Philippine Air Force and the nation they faithfully served,” the PAF said.
The Air Force has yet to release further details on the circumstances surrounding the crash.