7-2-2025 (MANILA) In a tragic incident that unfolded Thursday afternoon in the Philippines’ southern region, a small aircraft operating under a US military contract crashed near Ampatuan municipality, claiming the lives of all four individuals aboard, local authorities confirmed today.
The United States Embassy in Manila acknowledged the aircraft was operating under American military contract but declined to provide additional details about the mission or occupants. The incident has drawn attention to ongoing US military presence in the region, where American forces maintain limited rotational deployments supporting counter-terrorism efforts.
The Philippine military has classified the incident, with officials stating they are unable to release information pending a thorough investigation. The crash site, located on farmland in Mindanao, is currently under joint police and military surveillance to preserve evidence integrity.
Local rescue coordinator Rhea Martin described a devastating scene, reporting the aircraft had split in two upon impact. “The victims’ remains were discovered in close proximity to the wreckage,” Martin told reporters at the scene.
Flight records indicate the aircraft, bearing tail number N349CA, was a Beechcraft Super King Air B300 registered to defence contractor Metrea. The company, which describes itself as a specialist provider of national security services, operates across multiple domains supporting various mission objectives.
Regional police spokesperson Jopy Ventura indicated that while the cause remains under investigation, authorities have yet to identify the deceased. The crash location’s significance in Mindanao, where US forces have historically provided intelligence support against Islamic State-affiliated militants, has prompted increased scrutiny of the incident.
