Manila: The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has announced that its FA-50PH fighter jet fleet, currently grounded, will be deployed if required for emergencies and national security situations. This statement comes in the wake of recent concerns about the fleet's availability following an accident earlier this year. According to Philippines News Agency, all 11 FA-50PH aircraft were administratively grounded subsequent to a crash on March 4 in Bukidnon, which resulted in the tragic loss of two pilots. Despite the grounding, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo emphasized in a Sunday afternoon interview with DZRH that the aircraft are ready to be mobilized whenever needed to address emergencies or issues of national concern. Col. Castillo reassured the public that a "very thorough investigation" into the incident is underway, acknowledging the FA-50PH's critical role in safeguarding the nation's security. The Philippines had procured 12 FA-50PH units from South Korea's Korea Aerospace Industries at a cost of PHP18.9 billion, with deliveries completed from 2015 to 2017.