TABUK CITY, Kalinga (PIA) – Kalinga officials and residents mourned and honored fallen Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilot Major Jude Salibad Salang-oy as his remains arrived in his hometown on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Salang-oy and his co-pilot 1st Lieutenant April John Dadulla died when their FA-50 fighter jet crashed into Mount Kalatungan in Bukidnon on March 4, 2025.
Salang-oy was given arrival honors by the PAF’s Tactical Operations Group 2 and the Philippine Army’s 503rd Infantry Brigade and 5th Installation Management Battalion as his remains arrived at the headquarters of the 503rd IB in Calanan, Tabuk City, aboard a Black Hawk helicopter.
The Kalinga provincial government held a necrological service for the fallen pilot at the Provincial Capitol where he was conferred a posthumous award.
“Major Jude Salang-oy demonstrated exceptional bravery, professionalism, and selfless service throughout his career, embodying the highest ideals of patriotism and heroism. His untimely demise is a great loss, not only to the Philippine Air Force, but also to the entire nation, as he exemplified unwavering commitment to duty and the defense of the country and the Filipino people,” the Kalinga provincial government cited in a resolution.
Receiving the award were Salang-oy’s mother Sylvia, his wife Faith, and sister Joni.
“It’s a comfort for me nga nagadu ti rumuar nga ibaga da ngay ket mabait, mabait, mabait si Jude,” his mother said.
“Adu dagiti tattao nga na-touch na and so that was a comfort for me. ‘Yun ay masasabi ko na answer sa prayer ko na mafulfill niya or ma-achieve na didiay kunak nga magamit siya for God’s glory,” she said.
The PAF also paid tribute to Salang-oy during the necrological service, conducting a flower drop using their Black Hawk helicopters.
“From the Philippine Air Force, kami po ay nakikidalamhati lalong-lalo na sa probinsiya ng Kalinga at isang anak na naman ng Kalinga ang nagsakripisyo ng kanyang buhay,” said Colonel Glenn S. Piquero, Group Commander of the PAF’s Tactical Operations Group 2 based in Region 2.
“Sa family [niya], utang ng Philippine Air Force, utang ng Philippine government ang buhay ng inyong asawa’t anak. Tinatanaw naming itong isang malaking utang na loob ang pagpapahiram ng kanyang buhay para magsilbi siya sa bayan,” Piquero said. (JDP/IOS-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
