By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the wake of the two Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Sunday. The pilots died after their trainer aircraft crashed in Tuba, Benguet, during a training mission on May 20.
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, visited the PAF Mortuary at Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, on May 24, 2026, to honor 1st Lt. Ruth Angelique Pasos and 2nd Lt. Cherky Embudo, who perished in the SF-260 trainer aircraft mishap in Tuba, Benguet during a navigation training flight under the Military Pilot Training,” the PAF said in a Facebook Post late Sunday night.
The Chief Executive was welcomed by PAF chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, along with other ranking Air Force officers.
“During the visit, the President spent time with the bereaved families, expressing his sympathies and offering words of comfort as the nation mourns the loss of two young military aviators who dedicated themselves to the service of the Filipino people,” the PAF added.
Prayers were also offered, and honors were rendered in recognition of the pilots’ dedication and sacrifice.
Earlier, the PAF confirmed that one of its Siai-Marchetti SF-260 trainer aircraft was involved in the mishap in Benguet last May 20.
“The PAF confirms that one SF-260 trainer aircraft crashed in Cabuyao, Tuba, Benguet at around 10:30 a.m. today (Wednesday) during a navigation training flight,” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.
The SF-260 is an Italian light aircraft marketed as an aerobatics and military trainer. She added that the SF-260, which has two pilots onboard, was one of 10 planes that had departed Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, Batangas, en route to Baguio City.
“Following the incident, the PAF immediately coordinated with local government units and the nearest air base,” Basco said. She added that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. (PNA)
