Philippine jet goes missing fighting communist insurgents

The FA-50 jet lost communication during the tactical mission with other air force aircraft at around midnight on Monday before reaching a target area. The other aircraft were able to return safely to an airbase in central Cebu province, the air force said without providing other details for security reasons.

A Philippine military official said that the incident happened in a southern Philippine province, where an anti-insurgency mission against communist guerillas was under way. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authority to discuss the sensitive situation publicly.

An extensive search was under way on Tuesday.

“We are hopeful of locating them and the aircraft soon and ask you to join us in prayer during this critical time,” said air force spokeswoman Colonel Major Consuelo Castillo.

It was not immediately clear if the rest of the FA-50s would be grounded following the incident.