Pasay city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the wake of 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his capacity as 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. He honored 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 program, as stated in a PAF Facebook post late Sunday night.

The President was welcomed by PAF chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura and other senior Air Force officers. During his visit, President Marcos spent time with the bereaved families, expressing his sympathies and offering words of comfort. The nation mourns the loss of these young military aviators who dedicated themselves to serving the Filipino people.

Prayers were 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 on May 20.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco stated in a message to the Philippine News Agency that the SF-260 trainer aircraft crashed in Cabuyao, Tuba, Benguet, at approximately 10:30 a.m. during a navigation training flight. The SF-260 is an Italian light aircraft marketed as an aerobatics and military trainer. The aircraft, with 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 coordinated with local government units and the nearest air base. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.