By Priam Nepomuceno
MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday said the parts of the wrecked FA-50PH fighter jet and the ordnance it carried underwent “controlled detonation”.
“Controlled detonation of the parts of the aircraft as well as whatever unexploded ordnance there is has been carried out safely yesterday (Monday),” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Castillo did not mention where the operation took place but stressed that this was done in coordination with the local government units and communities near the area where the crashed FA-50PH with tail number 002 was located.
The wreckage of the fighter jet and the bodies of its two pilots were located on March 5 in the vicinity of Mount Kalatungan in Bukidnon after the aircraft was reported missing a day before.
“And at the same time, necessary coordination was done with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources),” Castillo said.
When asked what specific part of the FA-50PH was detonated, the PAF spokesperson said these are remnants that are not important.
“Whatever remains of the aircraft that are not necessary at the same time, whatever unexploded ordnance that could pose risk to the community, then this has undergone a controlled detonation for the safety of everyone,” she added.
Castillo said this operation was also done based on the assessment of the PAF Explosive Ordnance Disposal team. (PNA)
