BY: VANESSA BUGTONG
The remains of Major Jude Salang-oy, one of the two pilots of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50 fighter jet that crashed in Bukidnon, have been brought home to his hometown in Kalinga.
His family and loved ones welcomed his remains with deep sorrow at the 503rd Infantry Brigade in Calanan, Tabuk City, on the morning of March 12.
The major was aboard the FA-50 fighter jet with tail number “002” when it went down in Bukidnon on March 4 amid ongoing clashes between government forces and communist rebels.
The pilots were on a mission to deliver supplies to troops engaged in combat with the New People’s Army (NPA).
Before being transported to Kalinga, the remains of Major Salang-oy and his fellow pilot were first brought to Villamor Air Base on March 8.
There, they were honored with a tribute by their comrades in the Philippine Air Force and posthumously awarded the Distinguished Aviation Cross, the highest recognition given to military pilots in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Upon arrival in Kalinga, his remains were taken to the provincial capitol for a mass and a public viewing, allowing his fellow Kalinga residents to pay their respects.
Afterward, his body was brought to their family home in Purok 1, Bulanao, Tabuk City.
Major Salang-oy is set to be laid to rest on Saturday, March 15.
