‘Until their last breath, our men embodied unwavering dedication and commitment’ – PAF on death of FA-50 jet pilots

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Philippine Air Force honored the two airmen onboard the ill-fated FA-50 fighter jet, saying, “until their last moments, both pilots embodied unwavering dedication and commitment to serving the nation.”

Said pilots, Major Jude Salang-oy and 1st Lieutenant April John Dadulla, were flying the fighter jet to provide combat support but were declared missing after they couldn’t be tracked past midnight of March 4.

The two were found a day later inside the totally wrecked jet at the vicinity of the Mt. Kalatungan Complex in Bukidnon.

In a statement on March 7, the PAF mourned the death of the two airmen. They described Salang-oy, an iKalinga, to have served ‘with distinction’ for over a decade since his graduation from the Philippine Military Academy in 2014. The fallen military pilot had flown numerous critical missions throughout his career.

Dadulla who was supposed to marry his fiancée on March 15, on the other hand, was a member of the Philippine Air Force Officer Candidate Course and graduated in 2020. He was also described to have displayed ‘exceptional skills and proficiency’ which qualified him to fly the most advanced PAF jet.

The PAF condoled with the families of the two fallen airmen, emphasizing that the legacy of Salang-oy and Dadulla will continue to inspire the next generations of airmen in the country. 

“The heroism, selflessness, and bravery displayed by these pilots will never be forgotten, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of airmen to serve with the same courage, dedication, and commitment to excellence,” the PAF wrote.

The remains of the two fallen military pilots arrived in Pasay today, March 8, 2025.