Four Killed in U.S. Military Plane Crash in Philippines

A U.S. military-contracted plane crashed in a rice field in Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines, on February 6, 2025, resulting in the deaths of one U.S. service member and three defense contractors. The aircraft was conducting a routine intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission at the request of Filipino allies when the incident occurred. Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke and hearing an explosion before the plane fell less than a kilometer from nearby farmhouses. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among local residents, though a water buffalo was killed. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and the names of the victims will be withheld pending notification of their families. U.S. forces have a longstanding presence in the region, assisting Filipino military efforts against local insurgents.