PAF aircraft involved in incident in Benguet

Responders conducted a rescue operation after an incident involving a Philippine Air Force (PAF) aircraft in Sitio Kabuyao, Poblacion, Tuba on Wednesday, the municipal government said.

In a statement, Tuba’s public information office said responders promptly coordinated with concerned agencies, leading to the rapid deployment of rescue and ambulance units to the area.

Upon reaching the site, responders found a government aircraft bearing the Philippine Air Force (PAF) logo in a forested portion of Mt. Kabuyao.

“Two occupants were initially found unconscious and were immediately attended to by rescue personnel on site,” the local government said.

The LGU said further updates would be released by concerned authorities as the incident investigation and response operations continue.

PAF spokesperson Colonel Ma. Christina Basco confirmed that one SF-260 trainer aircraft crashed in Cabuyao, Tuba, Benguet at around 10:30 a.m. during a navigation training flight.

“The aircraft, with two pilots onboard, was one of ten planes that had departed Fernando Air Base in Lipa City en route to Baguio City. Following the incident, the PAF immediately coordinated with local government units and the nearest air base,” she said.

“An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. The PAF will release further updates once verified information becomes available,” she added.

In an update around 4:30 p.m., Basco said "both pilots passed.” —VAL, GMA News