AFP chief honors fallen airmen in Benguet crash

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Romeo Brawner Jr. visited the wake of the two airmen who died in a training flight crash in Tuba, Benguet.

Brawner extended his condolences to the bereaved families and thanked them for their service to the nation on Friday. He likewise conveyed the AFP’s solidarity with the grieving families during this difficult time.

"The AFP continues to stand in solidarity with the families of the fallen airmen as the nation mourns their loss and honors their service," the AFP said in a statement released on Saturday.

"Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice in the line of duty will remain a lasting testament to the professionalism and commitment of Filipino military aviators in safeguarding the country and its people," it added.

The crash was confirmed on May 20. In an earlier statement, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said an SF-260 trainer aircraft went down in Barangay Cabuyao at around 10:30 a.m. during a navigation exercise.

The aircraft, carrying two pilots, was part of a formation of 10 planes that had departed Fernando Air Base in Lipa City en route to Baguio City.

The military later identified the fatalities as First Lieutenant Ruth Angelique Pasos and Second Lieutenant Cherky Embudo.