Military-Contracted Aircraft Goes Down in Southern Philippines, Killing Four

According to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), three defense contractors and a U.S. Marine perished Thursday when a military-contractured aircraft crashed in Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines. As requested by the Philippine government, the aircraft was on a standard intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission.

Although INDOPACOM did not state the service branch of the dead, U.S. sources speaking under anonymity verified the person was a Marine. The reason for the crash is still under investigation.

The Philippines' Civil Aviation Authority verified the occurrence but offered no more specific information immediately. Local authorities pulled the dead from the Ampatuan town wreckage. Less than half a mile from a cluster of farmhouses, witnesses noted smoke and heard an explosion before the aircraft crashed.

Although no civilians suffered, a water buffalo perished. As authorities probe, troops have locked down the crash site.

Long present in the southern Philippines, U.S. Marines have helped the Philippine military in counterterrorism operations against Muslim extremist organizations. The area remains a strategic focus for military cooperation between the two partners.

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