The body of one of the missing pilots of a Philippine Air Force trainer aircraft that crashed last May in Bataan has been found, Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Miguel Okol said Monday.

 

In a message to reporters, Okol said the PAF was notified early Sunday of a human cadaver dressed in a pilot uniform that was fished out from the waters of La Mongha Island, which is between the waters of Corregidor and Mariveles.

 

"The human remains were duly processed by the PNP SOCO and post mortem examination reveals it to be that of Maj. Neil L. Tumaneng. He is now in a certified funeral parlor pending identification of relatives," Okol said.

 

The Air Force spokesman said full military honors will be accorded at the Villamor Air Base as soon as Tumaneng's body arrives. 

 

Okol said the Air Force is still continuing its search for the other missing pilot, 1Lt. Michael Arugay.

 

Vice Admiral Edmund Tan, Coast Guard commandant, earlier said that Tumaneng and Arugay were aboard the ill-fated SF-260 training craft (No. 716) when it took off from Sangley in Cavite province last May 18.

 

Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command spokesman Capt. Aurelio Kigis said the plane departed Sangley at 6:52 a.m. for a proficiency flight to Corregidor in Bataan.

 

It was reported missing after it failed to return on time. 

 

Around 11 a.m on May 18, Okol said Navy and Air Force personnel recovered the aicraft's debris in Mariveles. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMA News