US plane in Maguindanao del Sur fatal crash was giving intel support

Plane crash in a rice farm in Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur kills four on Feb. 6, 2025. (Photo from PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER / BENGS B. SALINOGEN – CONTRIBUTOR)

MANILA, Philippines — The United States’ Indo-Pacific Command (Indopacom) on Friday said the contracted plane involved in a crash in Maguindanao del Sur’s Ampatuan town was conducting intel support for the country.

The tragedy killed four people.

“The aircraft was providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support at the request of our Philippine allies,” the Indopacom said in a statement.

“The incident occurred during a routine mission in support of U.S.–Philippine security cooperation activities,” it added.

Local authorities said four bodies were recovered after the crash on Thursday, which the Indopacom also confirmed.

READ: 4 dead as plane crashes into Maguindanao farm

“We can confirm no survivors of the crash,” said Indopacom.

“There were four personnel on board, including one U.S. military service member and three defense contractors,” it further said.

Their names are being withheld from the public until their next of kin have been informed of the incident.

Authorities said the plane, with body number N349CA, crashed into the rice paddies.

Local residents said it occurred about 2:30 p.m.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

“We have no further details to release at this time,” Indopacom said. “Additional updates will be provided as they become available.”