A U.S. military service member and three defense contractors tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in the Philippines on Thursday, according to official reports. The aircraft, under contract by the U.S. military, was conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support operations when it crashed in a rice field in the southern province of Maguindanao del Sur, as stated by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
The U.S. officials confirmed that there were no survivors from the crash. The service member who lost his life was identified as a Marine by the Military Times, citing U.S. defense officials. The identities of the crew members are being withheld until their families are notified.
The plane was on a routine mission supporting U.S.-Philippine security cooperation activities when the incident occurred. The military has not disclosed the type of aircraft involved in the crash and the cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Ameer Jehad Tim Ambolodto, a regional safety officer, confirmed that the bodies of the four victims have been recovered from the wreckage. Windy Beaty, a provincial disaster-mitigation officer, reported that local residents had seen smoke emanating from the plane and heard an explosion before the aircraft crashed.
Local officials reported no other injuries at or near the crash site, although a water buffalo was killed as a result of the incident. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines confirmed the crash but did not provide further details.
U.S. forces have been stationed at a military camp in the southern region of the Philippines for several decades, assisting local forces in their fight against Muslim militants.