A heartbreaking training exercise at Fernando Air Base ended in catastrophe on October 23, when two Philippine Air Force SF-260 aircraft crashed, claiming the lives of four pilots. According to official reports, the incident occurred within the air base's perimeter late in the afternoon. Fortunately, there were no other casualties reported on the ground. In the wake of this disaster, the Philippine Air Force has temporarily grounded its entire fleet of SF-260 planes as a safety precaution while a formal investigation into the cause of the crash begins.

The military has expressed its profound sorrow over the loss of these four servicemen, noting that they are currently working closely with the victims' families to provide support during this traumatic time. Out of respect for the grieving relatives, officials have requested that the public allow the families privacy as they navigate this tragedy. This incident follows a series of unfortunate accidents involving the country's military aircraft in recent years, including similar fatal crashes involving SF-260 models in 2023 and earlier this year.