The U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed that an aircraft it contracted crashed in the province of Maguindanao del Sur.
In a statement on Friday, the U.S. Department of Defense said the incident occurred while the aircraft was providing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support, as requested by its Philippine allies.
The crash resulted in the deaths of four personnel onboard—a U.S. military service member and three defense contractors. Their names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
"The cause of the crash is currently under investigation and we have no further details to release at this time," said the military agency.
According to a report by Jun Dimacutac, the Police Provincial Office of Maguindanao del Sur indicated that the aircraft flew from Cebu and was reportedly on its way to Cotabato City to conduct an aerial survey before it crashed.
Eyewitnesses also stated that they saw the aircraft flying at a low altitude over the area before it abruptly nose-dived and crashed into an open field around 2 p.m. in Malatimon village, killing a water buffalo.
