The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) confirmed that the aircraft that crashed in Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, on February 6 was contracted by the U.S. Department of Defense.
Four individuals lost their lives when the private plane, bearing body number N349CA, went down in a rice field in Barangay Malatimon at noon. Initial reports from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) indicate that authorities have yet to confirm the identities of the victims. However, reports suggest that all four passengers may have been foreign nationals.
According to INDOPACOM, the aircraft was conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support as part of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation activities. Among those on board were a U.S. military service member and three defense contractors.
The crash damaged nearby property, and a carabao sustained injuries, but no other civilians were harmed. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident and the purpose of the aircraft’s flight in the area.
