MANILA, Philippines (Agencies): A Philippine fighter jet with two pilots on board has lost contact during a night combat assault in support of ground forces battling communist insurgents in a southern province. An extensive search is currently underway, officials said Tuesday.
The FA-50 jet lost communication with other air force aircraft around midnight Monday before reaching the target area. The other aircraft involved in the mission were able to return safely to an air base in central Cebu province after carrying out their assaults. The air force has not provided further details for security reasons.
A Philippine military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the incident occurred in a southern province where a counterinsurgency mission against New People’s Army guerrillas was underway.
“We are hopeful of locating them and the aircraft soon and ask you to join us in prayer during this critical time,” said Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo.
The pilots could potentially eject from the supersonic jets in case of any problems that could lead to a crash. Rescuers could locate them if their emergency locating transmitters emitted signals. Castillo did not confirm whether rescuers had detected such signals but added that the military remains “very optimistic that they are safe.”
It is not immediately clear if the rest of the FA-50s will be grounded following the incident.
The Philippines acquired 12 FA-50 multipurpose fighter jets starting in 2015 from South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. The $331 million contract was the largest under a military modernization program that has faced repeated delays due to a lack of funds. The Philippines plans to acquire another 12 fighter jets from South Korea.
The military estimates that about 1,000 communist guerrillas remain after decades of battle setbacks, surrenders, and factional fighting. Peace talks brokered by Norway collapsed under previous President Rodrigo Duterte after both sides accused each other of continuing deadly attacks despite the negotiations.
In 2023, the government and the communist rebels agreed to resume talks aimed at ending one of Asia’s longest insurgencies. However, the talks have not restarted under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Aside from anti-insurgency operations, the jets have been used for various activities, including major national ceremonies and patrolling the disputed South China Sea.