MANILA, Philippines – Netizens were saddened with the news of a Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50 fighter jet crash in Bukidnon last March 4, 2025 - and everyone’s hearts broke anew after learning that one of the pilots was set to get married on March 15, just a few days away…
The crash claimed the lives of First Lieutenant April John Dadulla and Major Jude Salang-oy. It turned out that Dadulla was supposed to get married to another pilot, First Lieutenant Alyssa Coleen Columbino of the Air Force, on March 15.
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| Prenup photo of First Lieutenant April John Dadulla and First Lieutenant Alyssa Coleen Columbino. Photo credit: Nica Cariño - Ortega |
Like many other couples who are set to get married, the two had already done their prenup photoshoot, with preparations facilitated by wedding coordinators.
One of those involved in the wedding plans, Nica Cariño - Ortega, shared photos of the couple, while lamenting the pilot’s demise. Ortega also noted Dadulla’s “unwavering commitment to duty and eagerness for his upcoming marriage.”
As expected, the post went viral, with many netizens offering condolences to Dadulla’s family and fiancée.
Columbino also posted a tribute to her late fiancé, writing, “I am so proud of you, my love. You will always be in my heart. I love you and til we meet again, love.”
Her post also went viral as many netizens tried to console her over Dadulla’s untimely passing. Others also wished for her to be strong to overcome this major challenge in her life.
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| A PAF FA-50 fighter jet (not the aircraft that crashed). Photo credit: Philippine Air Force |
The crash that claimed the lives of Dadulla and Salang-oy happened during tactical operations, with the aircraft providing air support for ground troops.
On March 5, the crashed fighter jet was located in the vicinity of the Mt. Kalatungan Complex, Bukidnon, after a full-scale search and rescue operation that involved over 100 personnel and ground troops.
According to a report on GMA News, the aircraft was found to be totally wrecked. The bodies of the pilots have since been brought down from the mountain.
Some netizens couldn’t help but comment about old Filipino ‘pamahiin’ about being extra careful on the days leading up to your wedding because you’re likely to be more prone to danger. Do you also believe in this ‘pamahiin’?
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
