A U.S. Marine from California was one of four people who died after a military plane crashed into a rice field while flying over the Philippines.
The plane was contracted by the U.S. military and was carrying three defense contractors along with the marine, who was identified by officials as Sergeant Jacob Durham, 22, of Long Beach. The aircraft was reportedly undertaking a routine mission to provide "intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support at the request of our Philippine allies," according to a statement from Camp Pendleton officials.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
The three defense contractors also died in the wreck.
The plane did not strike anyone else when it hit the ground, though it did kill a water buffalo.
“We can confirm no survivors of the crash. There were four personnel on board, including one U.S. military service member and three defense contractors," the US Indo-Pacific Command said in a statement.
Metrea, a military contracting company, issued a statement acknowledging that some of its employees died in the crash.
“It is with deep regret we are able to confirm that there were no survivors. The families of our crew have been informed and we’re providing full support,” the statement said. “Metrea has enacted its emergency response plan and is working closely with all relevant government authorities to establish the cause of the accident. The safety and wellbeing of our employees and customers continues to be our top priority.”
The plane crashed in Maguindanao del Sur province, near the town of Ampatuan, according to the nation's Civil Aviation Authority.
Residents in the town reportedly saw the plane smoking while it was in the air. They then heard an explosion and the plane dropped out of the sky, according to the Associated Press.
The U.S. Marine who died, Durham, had been trained as an electronic intelligence/electromagnetic warfare analyst and was assigned to the 1st Radio Battalion, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, according to military officials.
He joined the USMC in January 2021.
“Sgt. Durham embodied the highest traditions of the Marine Corps — exemplifying composure, intelligence, and selfless leadership,” Lieutenant Colonel Mabel Annunziata, commanding officer of 1st Radio Battalion, said in a statement. “He was deeply respected and loved by his fellow Marines.”
The U.S. military has maintained a presence in the Philippines for decades.
