KALINGA – The remains of Major Jude Salang-oy, one of the two Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots who perished in the FA-50 fighter jet crash, arrived in Kalinga today and were given full honors by his fellow citizens.

Before noon, a PAF helicopter transported Salang-oy’s remains from Tuguegarao City airport to the helipad in Calanan, Tabuk City. Upon arrival, he was accorded arrival honors by the PAF Tactical Operations Group 2, the 503rd Infantry Brigade, and the 5th Installation Management Battalion.

Family members, friends, and military comrades gathered to receive and pay their respects. His remains stayed at the Kalinga Capitol for necrological services and was latertransferred to his home in Purok 1, Bulanao, Tabuk City.

Salang-oy and First Lieutenant April John Dadulla were conducting a tactical night operation for ground support when their aircraft crashed into the Mt. Kalatungan Complex in Bukidnon. Their bodies were recovered on March 5.

Major Salang-oy was a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Siklab Diwa” Class of 2014 and served in the Philippine Air Force for over a decade. His co-pilot, First Lieutenant Dadulla, belonged to the Philippine Air Force Officer Candidate Course “SINAGLAWIN” Class of 2020.#

By Mylaruth Ballinan, Media Trainee