THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced Thursday that the flight data recorder (FDR) – often mistakenly called a “black box” – from the crashed FA-50 fighter jet in Bukidnon has been recovered.
Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo, PAF spokesperson, confirmed the retrieval, stating the FDR will be analyzed for flight data including altitude, airspeed, and other crucial information. This analysis will help determine the cause of the crash.
The FA-50, tail number 002, disappeared early Tuesday during a night operation. The wreckage was discovered Wednesday, with two bodies found inside.
While the PAF hasn’t yet officially identified the remains, the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) reported recovering the bodies around 1 a.m. Thursday. They were transported to Cagayan de Oro City and are expected to be brought to Villamor Air Base in Manila by Friday or Saturday for honors and awards ceremonies.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, confirmed ongoing military operations in Bukidnon.
Addressing protests against alleged AFP bombing in the region, Padilla stated that the military is committed to ending the insurgency and remains on track with its shift from internal security operations to territorial defense. She highlighted the progress made in weakening guerilla fronts.
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