A Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50 fighter jet went missing early Tuesday, March 4, 2025, during a tactical night operation, coinciding with military air strikes targeting New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the Pantaron Mountain Range, Bukidnon. Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF spokesperson, confirmed the jet, with two pilots on board, lost communication minutes before reaching the target area. The South Korean-made fighter bomber was part of a mission supporting troops from the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, led by Col. Antonio Duluan Jr., who requested air support to weaken NPA defenses near Cabanglasan town. The air strikes occurred between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., though Maj. Gen. Michele Anayron of the 4th Infantry Division could not confirm if FA-50 jets were used. The PAF is conducting extensive search operations to locate the missing aircraft. Residents in Cabanglasan reported hearing planes overhead, but Vice Mayor Renante Inocando clarified the clash occurred in Agusan del Sur. The PAF acquired 12 FA-50 jets in 2014, which have been used in operations like the Marawi Siege and against the NPA. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)
