Posted on 03/04/2025 11:23:21 AM PST by nickcarraway
A Philippines FA-50 fighter jet and its two-man crew are missing after flying in support of ground forces fighting communist rebels in the southern Mindanao region, a military official said on Tuesday (Mar 4).
Air force spokeswoman Colonel Consuelo Castillo said the jet was flying "over land" on the way to its target area when it went missing during a "tactical night operation in support of our ground troops". While she declined to provide mission specifics, Philippine Army spokesman Colonel Louie Dema-ala confirmed to AFP that the missing FA-50 was part of a squadron sent "to provide air support" to troops fighting communist rebels in Mindanao's Bukidnon province.
Lieutenant-Colonel Francisco Garello of the 4th Infantry Division told AFP that air support had been called in overnight during a firefight with the New People's Army in a mountainous area. "There was a firefight between the 403rd Infantry Brigade (Philippine Army) and they made a request for air support, so the air force supported the encounter," said Garello.
(Excerpt) Read more at channelnewsasia.com ...
Who are The New People’s Army in the Philippines?
ChatGPT said:
The New People’s Army (NPA) is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), founded in 1969. It is a guerrilla group that seeks to overthrow the Philippine government and establish a Marxist-Leninist-Maoist government. The NPA operates mainly in rural areas, where it conducts armed insurgency against the government and military forces. Its activities include ambushes, raids, extortion, and acts of terrorism.
The NPA’s ideology is based on Marxism-Leninism-Maoism, and its objectives include land reform, social justice, and the end of imperialist influence in the country. The group has been involved in protracted armed struggle for decades, despite various peace talks and attempts at negotiations with the Philippine government.
The NPA is designated as a terrorist organization by the Philippine government, the United States, the European Union, and several other countries due to its use of violence and its armed campaign. Despite this, it still retains support among some segments of the population, particularly in areas that feel neglected by the government.
The NPA’s influence and operations have diminished over time due to military pressure, internal divisions, and a declining base of popular support. However, they remain active in certain regions of the Philippines.
What is the FA-50 Fighter jet?
ChatGPT said:
The FA-50 is a light multi-role fighter aircraft developed by South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. It is primarily used by the South Korean Air Force, but it has also been exported to other countries. The FA-50 is derived from the T-50 Golden Eagle, which is a supersonic advanced trainer jet.
Here are some key features of the FA-50:
Role: The FA-50 serves as a light fighter, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It is designed to perform roles such as close air support, interception, ground attack, and air defense.
Design: It is equipped with a digital fly-by-wire system and has a modern glass cockpit. The aircraft is powered by a single GE F404-GE-102 engine, which allows for a maximum speed of Mach 1.5.
Armament: The FA-50 can carry a variety of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and unguided rockets. It has seven hardpoints for carrying weapons and fuel tanks.
Avionics: The FA-50 is equipped with advanced radar, avionics, and targeting systems, including a radar warning receiver and a helmet-mounted sight. These systems make it capable of engaging targets both in the air and on the ground effectively.
Export: In addition to South Korea, the FA-50 has been exported to countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Iraq, serving as a cost-effective fighter option for nations with smaller defense budgets.
The FA-50 is considered an affordable yet versatile aircraft suitable for both training and combat operations. It provides a balance between performance and cost, making it an attractive option for air forces looking for a low-cost, capable fighter.
Interesting timing.
Nice looking little jet!
Agreed. I’m a private pilot with a life-time interest in all sorts of aircraft. This one is new to me. Certainly looks good.
It looks a little like the F-5.
...Colonel Daniel Lucero, commander of the Army’s Civil-Military Operations, said the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the outlawed New People’s Army have forged a formal alliance as early as in 1999.
“In fact, an informal agreement has been in existence since the late 1980’s. The formal link between the NDF, represented by the Mindanao Commission, and the MILF was forged in 1999. The written agreement covers, among others, exchange of information, sharing of training, manufacture of arms and ammunition - particularly rocket-propelled grenades,” Lucero said, referring to the National Democratic Front, the political wing of the NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines....
Oddly enough the NPA has been attacking Chinese firms setting up shop there, saying it weakens Philippine sovereignty.
Everyone trying to be populist these days.
An analysis of Iraqi embassy phone records by Philippine authorities showed that Hussein had been in regular contact with Abu Sayyaf leaders both before and after the attack that killed SFC Jackson. Andrea Domingo, immigration commissioner for the Philippines, said Hussein ran an “established network” of terrorists in the country. [Hisham] Hussein had also met with members of the New People’s Army, a Communist opposition group on the State Department’s list of foreign terrorist groups, in his office at the embassy. According to a Philippine government official, the Philippine National Police uncovered documents in a New People’s Army compound that indicate the Iraqi embassy had provided funding for the group. Hisham Hussein and two other Iraqi embassy employees were ordered out of the Philippines on February 14, 2003.
-——— “Saddam’s Philippines Terror Connection,” by Stephen F. Hayes, Weekly Standard, 03/18/2006
There was a US plane that crashed in Feb and we never heard anything else about it:
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/02/06/us-marine-and-3-defense-contractors-killed-philippines-plane-crash.html
Something strange going on im the Philippines….
Sounds like another criminal gang masquerading as FREEDOM FIGHTERS. I still remember the Huk guerrillas.
How soon will US colleges and Universities begin supporting them? Remember when students had a candle light parade in favor of the Khmer Rouge taking over Cambodia? Before the Killing Fields were discovered.
Send in the drones.
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