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The Philippine Air Force missing FA-50 fighter jet was found Wednesday in Mt. Kalatungan, Bukidnon with two people confirmed dead.

In a statement, the PAF announced with deep regret and profound sadness, the loss of the two pilots aboard of the missing fighter jet.

Earlier, PAF reported a missing FA-50 aircraft with two pilots onboard, while conducting tactical night operation in support of ground troops, according to the PAF.

“Shortly after midnight on March 4, 2025, an FA-50 fighter jet, went missing during a Tactical Night Operations. The aircraft lost communication with the rest of the flight involved in the mission minutes before reaching the target area,” said Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF Public Affairs Office chief.

A search and rescue operation were launched involving the PAF, Philippine Army, and local civilian volunteers in the mountainous terrain of Bukidnon. The PAF said the operation prioritized pilot recovery.

The possible location was detected as the pilots’ personal locator beacons were emitting signals.

“Despite challenging conditions, including dense fog and difficult terrain, PAF helicopters successfully deployed Army special forces and civilian volunteers for ground searches,” PAF said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command commander Lieutenant General Luis Rex Bergante said that the pilots were found inside the aircraft around 11 a.m.

“Nakita na ‘yung aircraft sa Mt. Kalatungan. Nandun ‘yung mga pilots. Ngayon lang, siguro [11 a.m.],” Bergante said.

“We’re bringing down’ yung cadavers, ‘yung aircraft,” he added

According to him, the aircraft was “totally wrecked.”

Castillo told reporters in a virtual interview that the aircraft was found past 10 a.m. She said all indications point that it was a “crash.”

The concerned FA-50 fighter jet bore the tail number 002, according to Castillo.

The PAF said it has grounded its FA-50 fleet with 11 remaining units and will ensure a thorough investigation into the accident.

The PAF said it has grounded its FA-50 fleet and will ensure a thorough investigation into the accident.

“We are committed to providing all the necessary support to the bereaved families during this difficult time,” the PAF said.

The PAF earlier said the disappearance of the FA-50 fighter jet was the first major incident involving their fighter aircraft.