Manila, March 7 -- The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Friday said the two FA-50PH fighter jet pilots who lost their lives in a crash earlier this week were highly capable and proficient aviators.

In a statement, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo identified the fallen pilots as Maj. Jude Salang-Oy and 1st Lt. April John Dadulla.

The pilots were flying FA-50PH with tail number 002 and were supposed to provide air support to government troops in Bukidnon with other members of their flight when they went missing.

The wreckage of the aircraft was later found in Bukidnon province.

"Both brave fighter jet pilots lost their lives in a fatal crash at Mount Kalatungan, Bukidnon during a tactical night operation in support of ground tro...