A Philippine military aircraft collided mid-air near Manila, resulting in the deaths of four pilots, according to reports. The incident occurred in Batangas, a province south of the capital. The two planes, both military, collided at a height of approximately 1,500 meters.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Confirmed that an investigation is underway. The probe will examine flight planning, pilot training, maintenance, and command leadership. Teodoro emphasized the need to follow established accident investigation procedures.
The crash is under review by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Department of National Defense. Initial reports suggest the collision was not related to mechanical failure. Investigators are also looking into possible human error or communication issues.
This is the second such incident in recent months. In June, a similar mid-air collision between two military aircraft resulted in the deaths of three pilots. The previous investigation found that poor communication and inadequate training contributed to the accident.
The current incident has raised concerns about safety protocols within the Philippine military aviation sector. The government has pledged to review and improve training and operational procedures to prevent future tragedies.
