A hero’s final homecoming: Fallen Cagayan pilot’s remains arrive in Tuguegarao

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — The remains of 1st Lt. Angelo Adrian Peñaflor, a Philippine Air Force pilot who died in a midair collision involving two military trainer aircraft, arrived in Tuguegarao City on Tuesday, October 27, for his wake.

Peñaflor, a native of Iguig, Cagayan, was among four Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel aboard two SF-260 trainer aircraft, with tail numbers 032 and 037, that collided during a formation flight at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City on October 23.

His remains were brought to Ortiz Memorial Chapel in Tuguegarao City, where his wake is scheduled from October 27 to 30, according to an earlier announcement by his wife, Bernadette.

Peñaflor became a full-fledged PAF pilot in May 2024. Before joining the military service, he distinguished himself academically, graduating magna cum laude and class valedictorian from the Cagayan State University–Carig Campus in 2018. He was also a scholar of the Department of Science and Technology.

He was the son of a tricycle driver and a housewife.

In an earlier tribute, his wife described him as her “hero” and expressed her grief over the loss, saying that nothing prepares a person for the pain of losing someone who means the world to them. She also expressed her enduring love and devotion to her husband.

Peñaflor’s remains have now returned to his home province, where family, friends and loved ones can pay their final respects to the fallen pilot.