A U.S. military-contracted aircraft crashed in southern Philippines on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of one service member and three defense contractors, according to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
The aircraft was conducting a routine intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission at the request of Philippine authorities when it went down in a rice field in Maguindanao del Sur province. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Local officials confirmed that the wreckage was found in Ampatuan, with all four victims recovered. Ameer Jehad Tim Ambolodto, a provincial safety officer, stated that their identities are being withheld until their families are notified.
The Indo-Pacific Command described the crash as occurring during a routine mission supporting U.S.-Philippine security cooperation activities. They also confirmed that there were no survivors.
According to reports, a provincial disaster officer, witnesses reported seeing smoke and hearing an explosion before the aircraft crashed, landing less than a kilometer from nearby farmhouses. No residents were injured, though a water buffalo was killed on impact.
Authorities, including police and military personnel, have secured the crash site to prevent interference with the investigation.
Details about the aircraft and its mission remain classified due to security concerns.
The Philippine military has also withheld further information, citing ongoing investigations.
Regional spokesperson Jopy Ventura said officials have yet to determine the exact cause of the crash.
The U.S. military has long maintained a presence in the southern Philippines, assisting with counterterrorism efforts and providing intelligence and training to the country’s forces.
